How-To

Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have Valid IP Configuration: How to Fix

By Brian Burgess

Published August 17, 2022

Are you getting a Wi-Fi doesn’t have valid IP configuration error? Here are solutions you can use to fix the problem.

These days Wi-Fi access is a standard convenience we take for granted. However, it’s a significant inconvenience when it doesn’t work correctly.

When using your Windows PC, you might get a Wi-Fi configuration error. Fixing the “Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error, in particular, can be difficult. The error happens when your PC fails to secure a functioning IP address over Wi-Fi.

Luckily, we have some solutions you can try to get rid of the error and return your wireless connection to a working state.

Restart Your PC and Router

You know the drill; if you call your ISP tech support, they will ask you to restart your network hardware. That’s for a good reason, as restarting your PC will clear running apps and cache that can be conflicting with your connection.

Restarting (bouncing) your router (typically a combo unit containing the router and modem) will clear its cache and re-establish a solid online connection. If you still have a separate modem, restart it too.

Restart your router by unplugging the power button for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. After bouncing the router, restart your PC and see if you regain a solid Wi-Fi connection.

Reenable Wi-Fi Network Adapter

If you’re still having a problem with Wi-Fi, another potential fix worth trying is resetting your Wi-Fi network adapter.

To reset the Wi-Fi network adapter, do the following:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to bring up the Run
2. Type ncpa.cpl and click OK or press Enter.
3. When the Network Connections window opens, right-click your wireless adapter and select Disable.
4. Wait a few seconds, right-click the Wi-Fi adapter again and select Enable.

When the adapter lights up, see if you have a valid Wi-Fi connection.

Acquire a New IP address from the Router

If restarting the router or resetting the Wi-Fi network adapter didn’t work, you can force it to obtain a new IP lease.

To reacquire a new IP address, use the following steps:

1. Press the Windows key, search for PowerShell, and click the Run as Administrator option on the right.
2. When PowerShell opens, run the following commands:

   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /renew

   

After running the commands, you can close out of PowerShell and see if you have an established and working Wi-Fi connection.

Reset TCP/IP Stack

If you’re still having problems with the Wi-Fi configuration, another possible solution is to reset the TCP/IP stack. TCP/IP manages how information is broken into packets and delivered. If the packets or something else is corrupt, it will cause IP configuration issues.

To reset the TCP/IP stack, do the following:

1. Press the Windows key, search for PowerShell, and click Run as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands:

   netsh winsock reset catalog
   netsh int ip reset

   

3. You’ll know the command was successful when you see several Resetting OK! messages.
4. Restart your PC and check if the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error has been resolved.

Update Network Drivers

If you’re still getting the error, it’s worth checking that your Wi-Fi adapter’s drivers are up to date.

Use the following steps to update network drivers:

1. Press Windows key + X and click Device Manager from the menu that appears.
2. When Device Manager opens, expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter you’re trying to use and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers from the following menu. If it discovers a driver update, install them, and restart your PC if necessary.

You can manually install the device drivers if you download them from the PC manufacturer’s site.

Ensure Automatic DHCP is Configured

Your PC will acquire an IP address automatically unless it’s been changed to a static IP. Double checking that your system is configured to get an IP address manually can fix the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error.

To set DHCP on Windows, do the following:

1. Press the Windows key and type View network connections.
2. Click View network connections under the Best match section at the top.
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi network adapter and choose Properties from the menu.
4. When the Wi-Fi Properties window opens, highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button underneath it.
5. Ensure Obtain an IP address automatically is selected – if you’re using an alternate DNS on Windows, you can keep using it. The IP address is the only thing you need to set to obtain it automatically.

Restore Router to Factory Settings

If you’re still getting the Wi-Fi configuration error, a “last resort” step you can take is resetting your wireless router. Note that resetting your router will remove all configurations you’ve already made. After the reset, you’ll need to reconfigure all your settings.

To reset your router, look on the back and look for a reset button or recessed button you can access with a paperclip. Press the reset button for 10-15 seconds and wait while it resets.

Fix Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have Valid IP Configuration

If you’re getting the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error, using one of the solutions above should get you up and running again. Remember, resetting your router should be a final step if nothing else works.

If you use your PC on several Wi-Fi networks, you might need to forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11. But on the other hand, if you need to connect a new device to your network, you’ll need to find the Wi-Fi password on Windows 11.