How to Fix “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Issue?

If your internet connection is dependent on a stable internet connection for work, study, or entertainment, the “WiFi does not have a valid IP configuration” error can be frustrating.

In most cases, this error occurs on Windows operating systems, indicating that your computer does not have a valid IP address, preventing it from connecting to the internet. So, let’s see how to fix this problem.

What Does WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error Mean?

Whenever the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error occurs, the system is unable to obtain an IP address.

However, it allows your device to connect to the internet and communicate between your computer and the router.

IP addresses play an important role in the communication between your computer and the router.

There are usually a number of causes for this problem, including incorrectly configured network settings, router issues, out-of-date drivers, or conflicting software programs.

To resolve this problem, it is important to understand these root causes.

What are the Common Causes of the Error?

These are the most common reasons why the WiFi IP configuration error occurs:

1. Incorrect Network Configuration: This error could be caused by an incorrectly configured IP address or DNS settings.
2. Faulty Router: If your router malfunctions, your device may not receive a proper IP address.
3. Outdated or Corrupt Network Drivers: If your network drivers are not updated, or if they are corrupt, your computer will not be able to connect to the Internet.
4. Antivirus or Firewall Interference: These programs may interfere with network configurations, causing this error.
5. Static IP Conflict: When multiple devices on your network have the same IP address. It can cause a conflict and prevent connectivity.

How to Fix the “WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Issue?

So, here are some fixes that will help you resolve the WiFi IP configuration error:

Fix 1: Restart your router

Restarting your router is one of the easiest and most effective strategies when you are experiencing network issues.

You can either use the device’s power button, if one is available, or disconnect it from its power source to achieve this. 

In most cases, it may take up to half an hour for a router to reboot and reset its settings fully. Once this waiting period is over, you should check if the network issue has been resolved.

When the router and connected devices are restarted, new IP addresses can often be established.

You may encounter problems with this approach if you’ve configured static IP addresses on any of your devices or the router.

Fix 2: Reset Network Adapter IP Configuration And TCP/IP Settings

To resolve the connectivity issue, you can reset your network adapter’s IP configuration and TCP/IP settings if you’re willing to exercise more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Initially, to bring up the Run window, press Windows + R simultaneously.
2. Afterward, to open the Command Prompt, type cmd and hit Enter.
3. Thereafter, using the Command Prompt, enter the following commands one after another, and make sure to hit Enter after each command:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /all
ipconfig /renew

4. Once you have entered these commands, press Enter after each one:

netsh int ip set dns
netsh winsock reset

5. If you would like the changes to take effect immediately, close Command Prompt and reboot your PC after you have run all the commands.

To quickly check your Windows network settings, press Win + X to access the Quick Access menu and select Network Connections.

Fix 3: Set Your IP Address Manually

If you want to get rid of the error message “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration,” you can manually change your IP address. To do that, follow these instructions:

1. When you press the Win + I keys together, you will see the Settings window. Then, select Network & Internet.

2. On the right side of the Status tab, click Change adapter options.
3. Right-click your wireless connection and choose Properties.
4. In the Properties window, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties.
5. In the new window, select Use the following IP addresses, then enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. To save the changes, click OK. (We used settings that worked for our configuration, but you can use any data you like.)

6. In the new window, select Use the following IP addresses, then enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. To save the changes, click OK. (We used settings that worked for our configuration, but you can use any data you like.)
   • IP address: 192.168.1.x (replace x is a number between 2 and 254)
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Default gateway: 192.168.1.1 (the router’s IP address)
7. Enter the following for DNS settings:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

8. Try restarting your computer to see if the error still persists.

Fix 4: Change the SSID and Password of Your Router

If your router’s SSID (network name) and password do not match your network, you might be able to resolve the error “Wi-Fi does not have a valid IP configuration.”

It is possible to resolve conflicts between the router’s settings and existing networks this way.

It is necessary to access the admin panel of your router in order to change the SSID or password. If your router is not listed, you will not be able to access its admin panel.

However, if it is listed, then you will need to type the IP address of your router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) into your web browser’s address bar.

In the administrator panel, go to the wireless settings and change the SSID and password. Once the changes have been saved, try connecting your device to the new network.

Fix 5: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Software

There are rare instances when third-party security software interferes with your network settings and causes the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

It may help to temporarily disable your anti-virus or firewall software to see if that resolves the problem.

Depending on the cause of the problem, it may be necessary to adjust your firewall or antivirus settings in order to restore your network connection.

For specific instructions on configuring the settings, check the software’s documentation or contact the manufacturer.

Fix 6: Uninstall Wireless Adapter Driver

It is also possible to receive an error message if there is a faulty network driver. It may be possible to fix the error by uninstalling the wireless adapter driver. Here’s how to do it:

1. Using the Win + X keys at the same time, click Device Manager.
2. Then, expand Network adapters and right-click your wireless device to uninstall it.
3. To confirm uninstallation, click Uninstall. To delete driver software for this device, check the Delete driver software for this device box and click OK.

4. Once you restart your computer, the default wireless driver will be installed automatically. After that, check to see if the error has been resolved.

Fix 7: Reset Network Settings

If you reset your network settings, they will be restored to their default state, which often resolves persistent problems:

1. To open Settings, press Windows + I.
2. In the Network & Internet section, select Advanced Network Settings.

3. Click on Network Reset at the bottom.
4. Your computer will be reset when you click Reset Now.

In order to continue, you must reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after this process has been completed.

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix wifi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration. We hope that this guide has helped you. But, that’s not the end. You can comment below and let us know.