20 Fixes For Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration in Windows

When your computer connects to the Internet, it utilizes an IP  address. It is a network address that identifies a device. It’s used to send and receive data from other devices and the Internet.

The problem “ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” occurs. Ethernet connection does not receive a valid IP address from the DHCP server. A network protocol allows servers to provide your computer with an IP address.  The computer cannot receive a legitimate IP address. It prevents it from connecting to a network connection.

The wrong Network Interface Card causes the error “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. The Ethernet cable connects the NIC to the modem or router. You’ll have networking troubles if the Ethernet cable fails to receive a valid IP address.

Methods To Solve “Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid Ip Configuration” In Windows 10

1. Restart Computer
2. Reboot the Router and Modem
3. Check Your Ethernet Cables
4. Verify Network Adapter Settings
5. Reset Network Settings
6. Uninstall/Reset the Network Adapter
7. Disable IPV6
8. Run the Windows Network Diagnostic Tool
9. Renew Internet IP Configurations
10. Perform a Check Disk Scan
11. Turn Off the “Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter” of System
12. Disable Power Management
13. Disable Antivirus/ Windows defender
14. Enable DHCP
15. Allocate MAC Address to the Network Card
16. Disable Any Virtual Ethernet Devices
17. Enable the Ethernet Adapter Through BIOS
18. Run Network Driver in Compatibility Mode
19. Set the Maximum Performance
20. Manage the Network Power Usage

1. Restart Computer

The Fast Startup function can cause the Ethernet doesn’t have a proper IP configuration problem. To repair this error, disable Fast Startup by following these steps.

• Open Control Panel.
• To see all of the Control Panel elements, change the view mode to small or large icons, and then click Power Options.

• On the side(left) of the window, click the “Choose what the power buttons do” link.

• Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”

• Under Shutdown settings, uncheck the item labeled “Turn on fast startup” (recommended).

• Restart your computer after clicking the Save changes button. Check if the problem still exists after restarting.

2. Reboot the Router and Modem

To Fix the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. Restart the router and see whether your internet connection works.

• You can reset your router by turning off both the router and the modem.
• Wait a few moments before turning on the router.
• Now check to see if your PC has the correct configuration.
• If it doesn’t work, try connecting your PC to the router using another Ethernet wire.
• Otherwise, connect your computer to a different router.
• If you still get the same issue with other routers, you’ll need to replace the network card.

3. Check Your Ethernet Cables

Ensure that all of the cables are correctly attached. Both on the PC and every router/switch. It will solve the “ethernet doesn’t have a valid ip configuration” error.

When you put an Ethernet cable into your device, you should hear a “click.” Following that, the device’s rapid blinking will indicate that the line is attached correctly.

It applies not only to your home’s cable design but also to the primary cable that connects your home to the internet (usually installed by an internet service provider).

Another essential check is whether or not other devices can connect to the internet. It’s more of a sign that there’s nothing wrong with your PC.

4. Verify Network Adapter Settings

By default, your router assigns an IP address to each device connected to it, but you may change this setting only to give one static IP address. It is suggested that we fix the “ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

• Press the Windows key + R combination. Click OK after typing ncpa.cpl. The Network Connections window will appear.
• Choose Properties from the right-click menu on the network adapter settings.
• Look for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the Ethernet Properties dialogue box and double-click it.
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties will appear. You’ll need to enable the following settings there:
  • Automatically obtain an IP address
  • Automatically obtain DNS server address

You can manually change your IP address and DNS. Follow these steps to do so:

• Follow the steps above to choose and update the ip address manually in the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties. 
• Fill in the data with the following IP address and these numbers.
  • IP address: 192.168.1.15
  • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Default gateway 192.168.1.1

IPv4 Properties/General/IP address

• Next, fill in the following DNS server addresses with the following numbers:
  • Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

Click OK to save your changes. Keep in mind that these are the DNS settings for Google.

5. Reset Network Settings

This approach necessitates the use of Command Prompt and the netsh command. It allows you to change or view a computer’s network configuration.

• In the search box, type Command Prompt.
• Then, on the right-hand side, select Run as Administrator.

• Type the following commands into Command Prompt (Press the Enter key after each command.)
  • netsh Winsock reset
  • netsh int IP reset

When you run the first command, you will be prompted to restart your computer. 

You can disregard that for now and move on to the second Command.

In case the “ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error persists after both commands. Restart the machine.

6. Uninstall/Reset the Network Adapter

Using Device Manager, you may reinstall or update your network adapter driver. It may aid in the resolution of the Ethernet does not have a proper IP configuration issue.

• In the search bar on the screen (bottom left), type Device Manager.
• The Device Manager will appear as a result of this action. A list of the devices that are linked to your computer will appear.
• Look for Network Adapters, open it, and then right-click on the device and select Uninstall device from the menu.

• When a confirmation dialogue box appears, select Uninstall. If you see the option to delete the driver software for this device, select it.

• Check if the problem persists after restarting your computer. Suppose Windows does not immediately install the removed drivers.
• Return to Device Manager. Right-click on the name of your computer.
• For hardware updates, select Scan. It will detect and install any missing network drivers.

• To update the drivers, repeat the steps above, but select Update drivers instead of Uninstall drivers.

• Look for any option “Automatically look for updated driver software.” Look for driver software on your machine.

• If the first method does not work, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the most recent network adapter drivers.

7. Disable IPV6

• Open the Network and Sharing Center, right-click on the WiFi/internet symbol in the system tray and select “Open Network and Sharing Center.”

• To open Settings, right-click on your current connection.
• In the newly opened window, click the Properties button.
• Make sure Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IP) is unchecked.

• After that, click OK, then Close. To save your changes, restart your computer.

8. Run the Windows Network Diagnostic Tool

Establish an internet connection. The ethernet adapter may be using bogus configurations. When attempting to make a connection, the error message appears. Our network adapter will be put through a complete diagnostics test. Then see whether doing so resolves the problem on our machine.

• To open the Run prompt. Simultaneously  press “Windows” + “R.”
• To open the network configuration panel, type “ncpa.cpl” and hit “Enter.”

• Right-click the ethernet adapter in the network setups and select the “Diagnose” option.

• Allow the automatic diagnosis to begin. 
• Follow the on-screen directions to diagnose ethernet issues thoroughly.

• Check to see whether the Diagnose window resolves the issue.

9. Renew Internet IP Configurations

The network settings may become outdated or disagree with the existing network in a variety of situations. We can flush the DNS server. Reset the socket in the hope that this would resolve the problem.

• Press Windows + S, then enter “command prompt” in the dialogue box.

• Go through the given commands one by one.
  • IPconfig /release
  • IPconfig /flushdns
  • IPconfig /renew

• Restart your computer after you’ve reset your settings.
• Press Windows + R, then enter “control panel” in the dialogue box.
• Now, navigate to “Network and Sharing Center” and select Change adapter settings from the left-hand menu.
• Disable your Ethernet hardware by right-clicking on it. After you’ve disabled it, right-click it and select Enable.
• Check to check whether the problem persists after restarting your computer.

10. Perform a Check Disk Scan

Particular aspects of the operating system may become incompatible. Certain sections of the hard disc become corrupted. They can also cause issues with Ethernet Drivers, preventing them from working correctly. As a result, we’ll run a check disc scan in this stage to locate and repair damaged sectors on the hard drive.

• Simultaneously press the “Windows” and “R” keys.
• In the dialogue box, type “cmd” and press “Enter.”
• To run it, type “chkdsk c: /f” and press “Enter.”

• To confirm scheduling of a disk check scan, press “Y.”
• Reboot your system. 
• Wait for the Disk Check scan to finish before checking to see if the problem still exists.

11. Turn Off the “Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter” of System

On your device, you have a network adapter installed. These can interfere with each other in addition to the default network adapter. These obstruct the correct functioning of the Ethernet connection. The Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter appears on your machine in some instances. It makes it impossible for the default drivers to function correctly.

• Simultaneously press the “Windows” and “X” keys.
• From the available options, choose “Device Manager.”

• Select the “View” option and check the “Show Hidden Devices” option when the device manager appears.

• Select the “Disable” option from the right-click menu for the “Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter.”

• In the confirmation box that pops up, select “yes.”

12. Disable Power Management

Special power-saving features that, to save energy, often block certain functionality. The network adapter’s power-saving option is turned on. It may be stopping the network adapter from working correctly. As a result, we’ll disable the Network Adapter’s Power Saving function in this step.

• In the system tray, right-click on the network icon.
• Now, Choose “Open Network and Internet Settings” from the drop-down menu.

• Select the “Change Adapter Options” option from the “Network and Sharing Centre” menu.

• Select “Disable” from the “Right-click” menu on your internet connection.

• Right-click it again and choose “Properties. “
• Select “Configure” from the drop-down menu.

• Select the “Power Management” tab from the drop-down menu.
• Uncheck the window, “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

• To save your changes, click “OK.”
• Select “Enable” from the right-click menu on the internet connection once more.

• Check to check whether the problem still exists.

13. Disable Antivirus/ Windows defender

• Open the Start menu in Windows.
• Type Windows Security into the search box.
• On the left action bar, select Virus & Threat Protection.

• Click Manage settings after scrolling down to Virus & Threat Protection options.

• To temporarily disable Windows Defender Antivirus, click the toggle button under Real-time protection.

• If prompted, select Yes to confirm the change.
• Check to see if the “ethernet doesn’t have a valid ip configuration” error has been repaired.
• To switch Windows Defender Antivirus back on, click the toggle button once more.
• If you don’t explicitly turn on real-time protection, it will resume after the next machine restart.

14. Enable DHCP

DHCP detects and assigns network configuration settings on your PC automatically. As a result, if it is disabled, network configurations may not be implemented correctly, resulting in an error. We’ll enable the DHCP option on your PC in this step.

• To access the Power User menu, hit the Windows key+X on the keyboard.
• Select Network Connections from the drop-down menu.

• Click the Properties button in the network connections status window.
• Click the Properties button next to the Internet Protocol Version 4 option. 
• Ensure “Obtain IP addresses automatically” and “Obtain DNS server IP address automatically” are chosen.

15. Allocate MAC Address to the Network Card

Connect the internet router with MAC Address allocated to it. If the MAC Address is incorrectly supplied, the device may be unable to connect via ethernet. As a result, we’ll manually assign a MAC Address to the network card in this step. To do so, you’ll need to:

• Open the command prompt.
• Press “Enter” after typing “ipconfig/all. “
• Take note of the “Physical Address” that appears in the details.

• In the system tray, right-click on the network icon.
• Now, Choose “Open Network and Internet Settings” from the drop-down menu.
• Select the “Change Adapter Settings” option from the “Network and Sharing Centre” menu.
• Right-click on the network connection you’re using and select “properties” from the drop-down menu.
• Click the “Advanced” tab after clicking the “Configure” button.
• Select the “Network Address” option from the drop-down menu and check the “Value” box.

• Type in the address you wrote down.
• To save your changes, click “OK,” then check to see if the problem still exists.

16. Disable Any Virtual Ethernet Devices

Remove any virtual Ethernet drivers from your computer. By following the procedures below, you may locate and disable virtual Ethernet devices.

• To open the Run prompt, press “Windows” + “R.”
• To open the network configuration panel, put “ncpa.cpl” into the Run prompt and hit “Enter.”
• Right-click any entry in the network settings that appears to be related to software.
• To turn off the virtual network connection, select the “Disable” option.
• Disable the Virtual Ethernet Devices to test whether the ethernet issue is resolved.

17. Enable the Ethernet Adapter Through BIOS

The Ethernet adapter on your computer should be enabled by default. If the Windows operating system says your Ethernet isn’t working, you can try re-enabling the adapter in the BIOS of your machine.

• Make sure to switch off your computer entirely before turning it back on.
• To enter your computer’s BIOS, press the indicated key quickly and repeatedly. You may use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate the different choices once you’re in the BIOS.
• To open the menu, look for “Integrated Peripherals,” “Onboard Devices,” “On-Chip PCI Devices,” or a similar choice and press the “Enter” key. Depending on your BIOS’s kind and year.
• Find “Integrated LAN,” “Onboard Ethernet,” or a similar option and pick it.
• To cycle through the various options, use the left and right arrow keys. These are either “Enabled” or “Disabled” in most circumstances.
• Make sure the ethernet adapter is turned on.
• If you press the “F10” keyboard key, a dialogue box should appear. Now, save changes and exit the BIOS. To confirm, press the “Y” key on your keyboard. The computer will reboot as a result of this. Windows should automatically detect your driver, and your ethernet should be working correctly.
• Check to see if the problem is still present.

18. Run Network Driver in Compatibility Mode

Compatibility mode allows the user to run specific programs that are compatible with the architecture. It can sometimes get your computer’s drivers to operate. As a result, we’ll install these drivers in compatibility mode in this step.

• Go to your computer’s manufacturer’s website and download the Ethernet Driver setup file.
• To open the Run prompt window, press the “Windows” + “R” keys, then type “devmgmt.msc” and hit “Enter.”
• Expand the “Network Adapters” option in the device management window.
• Select the driver that your computer is presently using with a right-click.
• Select “Uninstall Device” from the drop-down menu.
• Verify that you want to get rid of the driver.
• To thoroughly delete it from your computer, follow the on-screen directions.
• Right-click the location where you saved the downloaded setup files for the drivers and select “Properties.”
• Place a checkbox next to “Run this software in Compatibility mode” on the Compatibility Tab. Choose an older operating system version.

• Wait for the driver to download and install on your computer before checking to see whether the problem still exists.

19. Set the Maximum Performance

In some circumstances, the computer’s power management window is used to prevent excessive power use.

There have been multiple occasions in which the feature has failed. You won’t be able to utilize the ethernet connection at all.

• To open the control panel, write “control panel” and hit “Enter.”
• Click the “View By:” option in the control panel and select “Large Icons” from the list.
• To access the power management panel, click the “Power Options” option after selecting large icons.

• Select the “Change Plan Settings” option under the electricity plan you’ve chosen so far.

• Select the “Change advanced power settings” options on the following screen.
• To expand the “Wireless Adapter Settings” option in the advanced power management window, double-click it. Then, on the “Power Saving Mode” option, double-click.

• Choose the “Maximum Performance” option from the drop-down menu.
• Save your changes. Click “Apply” and “Ok.”
• Check to see if this adjustment resolves the problem.

20. Manage the Network Power Usage

Run and connect to the network correctly. The adapter requires power from the PSU. You might be experiencing disconnectivity issues if you have set the power output to the highest value. We will reduce our electricity use to avoid these problems.

• To open Device Manager, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
• To expand the “Network Adapters” window, double-click on it, then right-click on the network adapter.
• To access the network properties, select the “Properties” option.
• Select the “Advanced” tab.
• Locate the “Energy Efficient Ethernet” under Property and click on it to choose it.

• Close the Device Manager. Now, reboot your system after clicking “OK.”
• Once your computer has booted up, check to see if the problem has been resolved.

Conclusion

Try to Fix the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error with all the above solutions. If you encounter this networking problem, don’t panic. Using any one of the ways listed above, you can quickly solve and learn about the issue. It will assist you in removing the problem and making your network more powerful than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions