Very often, we are asked how to solve the error “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration.” This error appears in the process of diagnosing internet connection problems. We run diagnostics because the Internet stops working on the computer. And in the browser, there is an error “No connection to the Internet,” “Could not open the page” and something like that.
What is Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error ?
The error “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” appears in Windows 10, Windows 8 (8.1) and Windows 7. In fact, it doesn’t matter what system is installed on your computer or laptop. Solutions will also be almost the same. I will show the differences, and I will try to show the example of Windows 10.
Also, an error may appear when connecting to the Internet via a network cable (Ethernet), or via a Wi-Fi network. Most often, there are problems with connecting to the Internet, and this error in the diagnostic results appears due to the settings of the IP addresses of the adapter through which you are connected to the Internet. The error looks like this:
It is mentioned above that the “Wireless Network Connection” Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration. The same error may appear for the “Ethernet” adapter in Windows 10. Or “Local Area Connection” in Windows 7.
How to fix Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration?
For starters, a few simple tips that you should try first. If they do not help, consider other, more complex solutions.
- If the internet is connected through a router, just reboot it. Turn off the power for a few minutes, and turn it back on.
- Restart the computer where the error appeared with no valid IP parameters.
- Remember what you did before the appearance of this problem, and then the Internet stopped working. Maybe something was installed, configured, or deleted. If the error appeared after installing a program, then remove it.
- If your Internet is connected via an Ethernet cable directly to a computer (without a router), then it is possible that the problem is on the provider side. Call your ISP support and explain the problem.
If these solutions did not help get rid of the error, and the Internet did not work, then try to follow the recommendations.
Method 1: Reset TCP / IP protocol parameters, DNS cache and Winsock
I have been thinking about what decision to write in the first place. You can first check the IP settings for the problematic adapter, and try setting the parameters manually. But I decided to advise first to reset the network settings. We will clear TCP / IP, DNS, and WInsock parameters.
Important! This method will completely remove all network settings that you manually set in the properties of network adapters. There is nothing wrong with that, but you may need to re-configure some settings. Especially if this is not your home computer, and the network was set up by experts, for example, in the office.
This method allows you to solve many different problems in the work of the Internet connection, including an error with the lack of valid IP configuration for a wireless or Ethernet adapter.
If you have Windows 10, you can reset the network through the parameters. There is a separate section for this:
Also, all this can be done via the command line. This method is useful if you have Windows 7, or Windows 8. In the “top ten” these commands also work.
First, you need to run a command prompt as an administrator. The easiest way is to open Start, and in the search bar start typing “command line.” In the search results, right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.”
Take turns executing the following commands:
Reset TCP / IP settings
netsh int IP reset
netsh int tcp reset
DNS cache reset
ipconfig / flushdns
Clearing Winsock Settings
netsh winsock reset
Reset routing table
route -f
Restart the computer and see if the Internet is working. If it does not work, then we rerun diagnostics and see if the error appears again, that the adapter does not have valid IP configuration. If the problem is not solved, then try another way.
Method 2: Checking the IP and DNS settings of the wireless Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapter
Here look at the example of Windows 10.
Right-click on the internet connection icon, select “Network Control Center …”, and “Change Adapter Settings.”
Next, right-click on the adapter through which we connect to the Internet (and an error occurs), and select “Properties.” For example, I opened the properties of the adapter “Wireless Network” (connection via Wi-Fi).
In the next window, select the item “IP version 4 (TCP / IPv4)”, and click on the “Properties” button. Another window will open with IP and DNS settings for this adapter.
If you have there is an automatic retrieval of addresses, then you can try to register addresses manually. And immediately set the DNS addresses from Google. It looks like this:
You can try to register static DNS addresses (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) in any case, regardless of how your internet is connected.
We prescribe static IPs only if we have a connection through a router (and not directly from the provider, only if the provider does not issue static addresses) .
- The main gateway is the IP address of the router. Look at it on the router itself, on the sticker. This is most likely 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1.
- The visit mask will be set automatically after you specify the IP address.
- And the IP address is the same address of the router, only with the last digit changed. For example, I changed the number from 1 to 30.
After that, click Ok, and restart the computer. If this does not help to solve the problem and get rid of the error, it is better to set back the automatic retrieval of addresses or write only static DNS.
Method 3: Checking for antivirus properties
Check if there are no components from Avast Antivirus in the connection properties (Wireless Network, or Ethernet). I already wrote about this in some article.
Open the properties of the connection, through which our computer is connected to the Internet and see if there is the word “Avast” in the list of components in the name of which.
If there is – remove the check mark next to it.
Check, maybe this is your case.
Method 4: Remove the network adapter and reinstall the driver
If all else fails, you can still experiment with a wireless adapter driver or network card. Depending on how you connect, you get an error with no valid IP configuration.
Go to the device manager, tab “Network adapters.” Right-click on the adapter through which the Internet does not work and select “Delete.”
After that, restart the computer. The adapter will again be detected and installed in the system.
Also, you can try to download the driver of your wireless (Wi-Fi) or wired (Ethernet) adapter from the manufacturer’s website and launch its installation.
Some more tips to fix Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration
- Disable antivirus and built-in Windows firewall.
- As I wrote at the beginning of the article, try to remember what you changed or installed before the Internet stopped working, and this error appeared. Maybe the system installed updates. Think about what programs installed on your computer can affect the operation of network adapters.
- Try to disable extra programs from startup.
- Check if Bonjour is installed on your computer. If installed, remove it.
If one of the proposed solutions helped you, then write about it in the comments. Maybe you know another solution – write about it. Just ask questions on the topic of the article, we will understand together.
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