Top 8 Fixes for Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error on Windows 11
If you rely on Wi-Fi for internet access on your Windows 11 computer, you may have encountered the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error at some point. This error can prevent you from connecting to the internet or accessing network resources, and it can be frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, there are several fixes you can try to resolve this issue. In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 fixes for the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error on Windows 11.
1. Restart your computer and router/modem
The first step to try is to simply restart your computer and your router or modem. This can help refresh your network connection and resolve temporary issues that may be causing the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. To do this, simply shut down your computer and unplug your router or modem for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and start up your computer again.
2. Disable and enable the Wi-Fi adapter
If restarting your computer and router/modem doesn’t work, try disabling and enabling your Wi-Fi adapter. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Disable device”.
4. Wait a few seconds, then right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter again and select “Enable device”.
3. Use the netsh command to reset TCP/IP
Another possible solution is to use the netsh command to reset the TCP/IP stack. This can help resolve issues with your network configuration that may be causing the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh int ip reset
3. Restart your computer.
4. Update the Wi-Fi driver
If your Wi-Fi driver is outdated or incompatible with Windows 11, it can cause the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. To update your Wi-Fi driver, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update driver”.
4. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts to install any available updates.
5. Configure the adapter settings manually
Sometimes, configuring the adapter settings manually can help resolve the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Network connections” from the menu.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi network and select “Properties”.
3. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”.
4. Select “Use the following IP address” and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway provided by your network administrator.
5. Also, select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses provided by your network administrator.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes and restart your computer.
6. Disable IPv6
IPv6 is a newer version of the Internet Protocol that is designed to replace IPv4. However, some networks may not support IPv6, which can cause the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. To disable IPv6, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Network connections” from the menu.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi network and select “Properties”.
3. Uncheck the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.
4. Click “OK” to save the changes and restart your computer.
7. Release and renew your IP address
If your IP address is not being assigned correctly, releasing and renewing it can help fix the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /release
3. Wait for the command to complete, then type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /renew
4. Restart your computer.
8. Perform a system restore
If none of the above fixes work, it’s possible that a recent change to your system has caused the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. In this case, performing a system restore to a previous point in time can help undo the changes and restore your network configuration. To perform a system restore, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter.
3. Select a restore point from the list and click “Next”.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the system restore process.
Conclusion
The “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating to deal with, but there are several fixes you can try to resolve the issue. From restarting your computer and router/modem to performing a system restore, these solutions can help you get your Wi-Fi connection back up and running. Try these fixes in order, starting with the simplest, before moving on to the more involved solutions. With a little patience and persistence, you can overcome this error and enjoy a reliable Wi-Fi connection on your Windows 11 computer.