This might be among the top 10 or maybe even top 5 most irritating errors. The Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error gives you a hard time trying to access the internet. The error occurs when the network interface card on your PC connected to the router/modem via the Ethernet cables is unable to get a valid IP. The IP or the Internet Protocol address is required by your computer to communicate with the router.
Fix Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error
There are three possibilities for why your ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration. One, the router/modem being used is faulty. Second, a faulty Network Interface Card (NIC). Third, incorrectly assigned IP Address on the computer.
There is no easy solution for the first two reasons they require you to go purchase new hardware. On the other hand, the third cause can be resolved using various methods. The most common methods used to solve the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ are listed down below.
Method 1: Check Hardware & Reboot your modem/wireless router
Before trying out any of the below methods, make sure that the hardware you are using is in A-OK condition. This includes your ethernet cable and modem or wireless router. Start by checking ethernet cable for any breakage. If you find any then you have to get a new ethernet cable. Next, try rebooting your modem/wireless router.
These things are known to be unstable and need a refresh every now and then. So a simple reboot could also solve the issue. After rebooting if the modem still has the same error, try connecting the modem to another PC, if it connects without any errors then something is wrong with your PC and one of the below methods will fix it.
Method 2: Disable Fast Startup
One of the most common reasons for the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have an IP configuration’ is Fast Startup. Fast Startup or previously known as Fast Boot in Windows 8 helps boot your personal computer faster by saving the operating system state to a hibernation file. The fast startup no doubt helps by saving some valuable seconds but also comes with some downsides. And one of the downsides is the missing IP configuration. So you might want to consider Fast Startup and below is a guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Press Windows Key and X on your keyboard at the same time or right-click on the windows icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: Click on Power Options.
Step 3: Select “Choose what the power buttons do“. If you aren’t able to see this option then first head to Additional Power Settings and then look for it on the left pane.
Step 4: Click on ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable‘
Step 5: Uncheck ‘Turn On Fast Startup‘
Step 6: Save the changes made and perform a reboot.
Method 3: Reset Winsock and TCP/IP settings
The Winsock API on your computer is responsible for communication between Windows network software and network services like the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). For most users resetting the Winsock and TCP/IP settings to original should solve the problem and here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (admin) by holding Windows Key and X on your keyboard or right-clicking on the windows icon.
If the command prompt isn’t listed in the menu then simply type ‘Command Prompt’ after pressing the windows key. Right click on it and Run as Administrator
Step 2: Let’s start by deleting all network cached files. Type the below lines one after the other and press enter.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
Step 3: Type netsh winsock reset and hit enter.
Step 4: Next type
netsh int tcp reset
netsh int ip reset
and press enter.
Step 5: Restart to apply the changes made.
Method 4: Change/Update Network Adapter Settings
The modem/router sets the IP address automatically. Although the user can set the IP manually as well. But to do so you must first set it to automatic and let it connect. Once connected, note down the properties and configure it manually. To set the IP automatically follow the below guide:
Step 1: Open Run by pressing Windows Key and R together.
Step 2: Type ncpa.cpl and press enter.
Step 3: Right-click on your internet/wifi and select Properties.
Step 4: Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties option.
Step 5: Under the General tab, make sure the “Obtain an IP Address Automatically” and “Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically” are checked/selected.
Step 6: Click OK to exit.
Method 5: Update Network Drivers
Another possible explanation for facing the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error might be outdated network/adapter drivers. In that case, you will need to update the drivers to the latest version. But before doing so, let’s get rid of the drivers entirely by uninstalling them and then install the up-to-date drivers.
Step 1: Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the run (Windows key + R ) dialog box and hitting enter.
Step 2: Expand Network Adapters by clicking on the small arrow.
Step 3: Right-click on the Network card for which you are facing the error and select Uninstall. Click OK if asked for confirmation.
Step 4: Now, click on the Actions tab and select Scan For Hardware Changes
Step 5: Perform a restart.
First, go ahead and download all the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. For Realtek PCIe FE family controller head to Realtek Drivers
Step 6: Head back to the device manager using steps 1 and 2.
Step 7: Right-click on the Network Card causing trouble and this time choose Update Driver Software.
Step 8: From the following screen, select ‘Browse my computer for driver software‘
Step 9: Again click on ‘Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer‘
Step 10: Update all the drivers one by one.
If still the error persists, we got two final methods for you to try.
Method 6: Disable IPv6
By default, the computer is configured to use the IPv4 connection. But for some reason, if the connection type was set to IPv6, it might cause a conflict. The conflict caused by the connection can prevent the Ethernet from working properly. Thus, let’s try disabling the IPv6 connection to solve the error.
Step 1: Follow steps 1-3 of method 4 to access Properties.
Step 2: Find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IP) and uncheck it.
Step 3: Click OK
Method 7: Enable DHCP
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and is responsible for automatically detecting and assigning the network configuration settings. So if the DHCP is disabled, the network configurations may not be set properly resulting in the error. To Enable DHCP:
Step 1: Open the run prompt by pressing Windows Key and R simultaneously.
Step 2: Type in ‘services.msc‘ and click on OK
Step 3: Find the DHCP client in the services window and double-click to open properties.
Step 4: From the Startup Type drop-down menu, select Automatic.
Step 5: Click on the Start button.
Step 6: Apply the changes made and OK to exit. Restart for good karma.
Conclusion
There are a few more methods like disabling the security software for a temporary period, performing a disk check, disabling power management customizations but these seven methods are sure to help you get the internet access back by solving the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error. Anyway, if there’s anything you need help with or if having any difficulty following the explained methods, get in touch with us in the comments section below. And we will get back to you as soon as possible.