How to Fix ‘WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration’

Whenever there is something wrong on our computers, we go to troubleshoot the issue. But, many users have been getting errors like WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration while troubleshooting Internet Connection. What it means is that there is something wrong with your computer’s network connection. But what is wrong and how to solve it? Don’t worry, we will help you fix this problem using five solutions.

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

Your computer connects to the WiFi router through the wireless adapter. The WiFi router is connected to the modem, which is connected to the Internet Service Provider (ISP). When your wireless adapter is unable to get a Valid IP address, the business of data between it and the WiFi router gets interrupted. It results in the inability to connect to the internet and shows error WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration.

How to Fix WIFI Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

This problem can be solved using many methods. Any of these methods can work for you. So, try each of them one by one.

1. Reboot WiFi Router and Modem

Sometimes, issues with network connections can be solved with the easiest method. Many times users were facing this issue when it was just the router and/or modem which needed to be reconfigured. So, start by turning off your router and modem. Wait for at least 5 minutes and then turn them back on. See if this solves the issue. Also, make sure the cable connecting the modem to your WiFi router is not damaged or loose. If it still doesn’t fix the problem, move on to the next method.

2. Uninstall Wireless Adapter Driver

If your modem and WiFi routers are both working fine, then the issue is with your computer’s wireless adapter. Usually, this happens due to a faulty or outdated driver. So, in this method, we will uninstall your wireless adapter driver.

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.

Step 2. Expand Network Adapters.

Step 3. Right click on your wireless adapter name and select Uninstall Device. When asked for confirmation, select Uninstall.

Step 4. After the uninstallation process is complete, restart your computer.

After your computer starts, it will soon recognize the wireless adapter as a new hardware. Now it will find the most suitable driver for it and install it. Wait for it to install the drivers. When it is done, check if this has solved WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration. If not, move on to the next method.

3. Change Wireless Adapter Settings

As I mentioned above, the problem is with the IP address as your wireless adapter is unable to get it automatically. So, we will first check if settings are correct or not. We will set to automatic, and if it doesn’t work, then we will enter the IP address manually.

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button and select Network Connections.

Step 2. If you are using Windows 10, click “Change adapter options”. Every other Windows OS version users, please skip this step.

Step 3. Right click on your network connection name and select Properties.

Step 4. Now, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on Properties.

Step 5. Here, you need to select “Obtain an IP address automatically”, and click OK. It should solve the problem.

If the last step didn’t work for you, now we will enter the IP Address manually.

Step 6. Once again, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on Properties.

Step 7. Now, select “Use the following IP address” and “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Enter the following addresses as shown below.

IP address: 192.168.1.14
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Preferred DNS server: 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS server: 208.67.220.220 

Step 8. Now, click OK.

This should fix the issue. If the problem still persists, follow the next method.

4. Reset TCP/IP from Command Prompt

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2. On the command prompt window, type the following commands one by one and press Enter.

netsh winsock reset

nets hint ip reset

Close the command prompt window and check if you are still getting WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration. If the issue still persists, follow the next method.

5. Release and Renew IP Address

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2. In the command prompt window, enter the following commands, one by one, and hit Enter.

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew 

Now, close the command prompt window. It should solve the error WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration.

Conclusion

The Internet has become very important in the past few years. Inability to connect to the internet is very annoying. The error WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration in Windows 10 makes it impossible for you to use the internet. I hope, I was able to help you get through this error and solve it using above-mentioned methods. If none of the solutions worked for you, then the issue is probably with the hardware. It can be repaired by visiting your device’s manufacturer’s service center. But, before going for hardware repair, contact your ISP and check if they can help your troubleshoot on phone.