Is the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” notification bothering you? You can easily fix it with simple hacks and access the internet stress-free.
It is normal to experience connection errors when using Wi-Fi to access the internet. One of these errors is the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” notification. Now, this error happens when IP Address Configuration on the router doesn’t match the IP reported by your Wi-Fi Network Adapter.
You are likely to experience a “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error if network changes have not been forwarded to the Network Adapter or after updating Windows. When your computer diagnoses network problems, it prompts you, “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration.” Here are simple tips on how to fix the problem.
1. Restart the router
You can quickly solve the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error by restarting your router. The process is straightforward. You start by switching off the power from the router and unplugging the power cables and the modem. Wait for about three minutes, plug in the power cables, and switch on the router. Now you can test if the router is working properly.
2. Perform a clean boot of the computer
The reason why you get “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” could be that some files in your computer are corrupted. You can fix the problem by performing a clean boot of the computer. By doing so, you ensure that the computer starts with only the most essential services and files.
To clean boot your computer, press Win + R, enter “msconfig“, “hide all Microsoft services“, then close other third-party services, apply, and then restart the computer.
3. Reset the wireless network configurator
You can also fix the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error by resetting the wireless network configurator on your computer. Start by pressing Win + R; enter “ncpa.cpl” to enter “Network Connections” settings.
To reset the wireless network configurator on Windows 10, follow the following procedure.
Step 1: Go to the “Start menu” of your computer, click it, and select the “Settings” option.
Step 2: Go to the “Network & Internet” and select it.
Step 3: This brings you to the status tab by default. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Network reset” option.
Step 4: Click the “Reset now” option.
Step 5: To complete the process, now click “Yes” and restart your computer.
Step 6: Your network adapters and configuration will be reset once the computer restarts.
4. Refresh IP address
Another trick that you can use to fix the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error is by refreshing your IP address. By doing so, you’re able to release the IP address causing the Wi-Fi error with a new one so that you can connect to the network stress-free. It is also critical to refresh your IP address if you’re getting a self-assigned IP address. Here is the procedure on how to refresh the IP address.
Press Win + R, enter “cmd“, and enter the command prompt panel
(you can also use the power shell of win 10).
Enter the following three lines of commands in order
Ipconfig/release
Ipconfig/flushdns
Ipconfig/renew
It is usual for the computer to have no network connection for a short period, which shouldn’t worry you.
5. Reset the TCP/IP stack
Sometimes Windows settings can be corrupted, and you have problems when trying to connect to the internet. This can happen if you have malware/virus infection or various networking software installations.
Now, if the above approaches don’t help you to resolve the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error, then you should try resetting the TCP/IP stack.
Go to the command prompt panel and enter the following commands
netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ip reset
6. Get IP Address Automatically
Another reason why you are getting “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” is because of your computer's TCO/IP settings. Therefore, you can fix the problem by configuring your computer to obtain an IP address automatically. This is also the easiest way to connect your computer to the network and ensure your computer has the correct TCP/IP settings.
To get an IP address automatically, enter wifi properties, double-click “internet protocol version 4(TCP/IPV4)“, and set it to automatic acquisition.
7. Change your router's SSID and password
Although the main reason for changing your router’s SSID and password is to enhance your online security, doing so can also help to fix the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error. The first step is to enter the IP address of the router in the browser. Usually, there will be a logo on the router's body.
Now you can log in with the username and password you set earlier, find the SSID option, and change it. After the operation, you need to re-use your computer connection.
8. Increase DHCP address pool
You can also fix the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” by increasing the DHCP address pool. When the DHCP scope becomes full, it means that it cannot lease additional IP addresses. Consequently, client computers cannot get new leases from the DHCP Servers. Your computer can never lack network connectivity if you increase the DHCP address pool.
9. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
You can fix many computer network problems by running the network adapter troubleshooter. By doing so, you can identify configuration problems and fix them. Thus, running the network adapter troubleshooter is one of the best ways to fix the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error.
Here is a quick guide on how to run a network adapter troubleshooter on Windows 10.
Step 1: Press (Win+I) shortcuts to access the “Windows settings.”
Step 2: Navigate the page that appears and select the “Update & Security” option.
Step 3: Go to the left panel and select the “Troubleshoot” option.
Step 4: Under the “Find and fix other problems option” click on the “Network Adapter.”
Step 5: Now click on the “Run the troubleshooter” option.
Step 6: On the application that appears, choose the network adapter that you intend to diagnose and select “All network adapters” if you want to diagnose everything. Then click the “Next” option.
10. Reinstall the wireless network adapter
Another hack that you can use to fix “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” is reinstalling the wireless network adapter.
Go to device manager, find “wireless network adapters” under “Network adapters,” and disable uninstall, then restart the computer; it will automatically reinstall.
11. Update the wireless network adapter
Now, if the above approach doesn’t fix the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error, you should consider updating the wireless network adapter. You’re likely to get the error notification if your computer’s wireless network adapter is outdated. Thus, you should install the latest version manually.
Step 1: Invoke the Run box by pressing (Win +R) on the keyboard of your computer
Step 2: Enter the “devmgmt.msc” command and “Press” the enter button.
Step 3: Now double-click the “Network adapters” option.
Step 4: Navigate to “Your wireless network adapter,” right-click it and select “Update driver.”
12. Reset PC network settings
You’re likely to get the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” prompt if your PC network settings are corrupted. In that case, you can fix the error by resetting the network settings of your PC if other methods discussed above don't work for you.
To reset the PC network setting, you start by pressing Win + X and choose network connection. Then select network reset and reset now.
Conclusion
You don’t have to get disparate whenever you get a “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” notification when trying to use your Wi-Fi to connect to the internet.
You can quickly fix it with the simple hacks discussed above. Remember that you don’t have to be an IT expert in using the above approaches to select the “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” error.
However, it would help if you didn’t try something that you have doubts about. It’s always good to consult an expert when changing the key settings of your computer if you don’t know what you’re doing.
