Fix: “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” Error on Windows

“Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error means that your computer cannot get an IP address from the router. This error leads to problems accessing the Internet or other network resources.

There are a few things that can cause this error, including:

• The Ethernet cable is not connected properly.
• The network adapter is not configured correctly.
• There is a problem with the DHCP server.

This guide will show you why you might get this error and how to fix it.

Fix #1: Restart your computer and router

It might seem like a no-brainer, but restarting your system can fix minor errors in your network configuration. You can start by restarting your computer.

Next, restarting the router clears any temporary errors that may be causing problems with your connection.

Fix #2: Directly connect your PC to your router

If you have a splitter or other network devices between your computer and router, try connecting your PC directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. This will bypass any potential issues with the connection.

Fix #3: Verify the connected cables

If the cables are not correctly plugged in or are damaged, this can cause the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. To ensure that cables are correctly plugged in, you typically hear a “click” sound when you plug them in.

Fix #4: Reset TCP/IP

If the TCP/IP stack is corrupted, it can cause the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. To reset TCP/IP, you must use the Command Prompt:

1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd”. Right-click the Command Prompt entry and select Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt, run the following commands:

   netsh winsock reset

   

   Then, run:

   netsh int ip reset

   

3. After running the above commands, close Command Prompt and restart your system.

Fix #5: Clear network cache

When you visit a website, your computer stores some of the data from that site in its cache, this helps to load websites faster the next time you visit them. However, sometimes the cached data can become corrupted. When this happens, it can cause problems with your network connection. Therefore, clearing the cache may fix the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

1. Run Command Prompt as administrator.

   

2. Run the following commands (press Enter after each):

   ipconfig /release

   

   ipconfig /flushdns

   

   ipconfig /renew

   

3. After you’ve entered the commands, restart your system and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix #6: Reinstall and update the network adapter driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. You need to reinstall or update your network adapter driver in these cases.

1. Right-click This PC and select Manage.

   

2. In the Computer Management window, go to Device Manager.

   

3. Expand the Network adapters entry. Right-click your network adapter and select Uninstall device.

   

4. Click the Uninstall button to confirm.

   

5. After uninstalling the driver, restart your system, and Windows will automatically install the latest driver for your network adapter.
   
   Note: you can manually install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Fix #7: Perform a CHKDSK scan

The Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan is a tool that helps fix problematic disk errors and bad sectors on your computer’s hard drive. The CHKDSK is always followed by two parameters; the first one identifies the drive to be checked, while the second is used to specify whether CHKDSK should check for errors. For example, “chkdsk C: /f” will check the C drive for errors and fix them if possible.

This scan can take a while, but it’s essential to run it to check for any errors that could be causing the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

1. Launch Command Prompt as administrator.

   

2. Type the following command and press Enter. If you want to check another disk, just run the same command but with the disk letter of that drive, for example “chkdsk d: /f.”

   chkdsk c: /f

   

3. You will be asked if you want to schedule the disk. Press Y, and press Enter.

   

4. Restart your system, and the scan will begin automatically.

Fix #8: Enable DHCP

DHCP is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to network devices. If it’s disabled, your computer will not be able to get an IP address from the router, which can lead to the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

1. Open Control Panel.

   

2. Under Network and Internet, click View network status and tasks.

   

3. In the left-hand pane, click Change adapter settings.

   

4. Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.

   

5. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

   

6. Check the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically checkboxes.

   

7. Click OK.

   

Fix #9: Temporarily disable your antivirus

Some third-party antivirus software can prevent your computer from assigning an IP address. If you you’re using any, try temporarily disabling them and check if that fixes the issue.

Fix #10: Disable Fast Startup

Fast startup is a Windows feature that helps your computer start up faster after a shutdown. It works by saving a part of the system memory to a file on the hard disk when you shut down your computer. Then, when you turn your computer on again, this file starts your computer faster.

However, Fast Startup doesn’t allow your PC to go through a complete startup. This can lead to all sorts of issues, including the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “powercfg.cpl” and press Enter.

   

2. Go to Choose what the power buttons do.

   

3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

   

4. Under Shutdown settings, uncheck Turn on fast startup.

   

5. Click Save changes.

   

6. Restart your computer and see if the issue is solved.

Fix #11: Disable Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter

Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter is a virtual network adapter used for kernel debugging. It’s not intended for general use and can interfere with your computer’s network configuration, causing the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

1. Right-click This PC and select Manage.

   

2. In the Computer Management window, select Device Manager.

   

3. Click View and select Show hidden devices.

   

4. Expand the Network adapters entry. Find the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter, right-click it, and select Disable device.

   

Fix #12: Disable IPv6

IPv6 is the latest Internet Protocol version, and websites and ISPs worldwide are slowly adopting it. However, it’s not yet widely used and can sometimes cause issues with your computer’s network configuration. In such cases, you can try disabling IPv6 and see if that fixes the problem.

1. Open Control Panel.

   

2. Under Network and Internet, click View network status and tasks.

   

3. In the left-hand panel, click Change adapter settings.

   

4. Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.

   

5. Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) checkbox.

   

6. Click OK.

   

7. Reboot your system and check your internet connection.

Fix #13: Configure your network adapter settings

If you’re using a static IP address, the IP address or DNS server you’ve configured may no longer work. You’ll need to reconfigure your network adapter settings in these cases.

1. Open Control Panel.

   

2. Under Network and Internet, click View network status and tasks.

   

3. In the left-hand panel, click Change adapter settings.

   

4. Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.

   

5. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

   

6. Select Use the following IP address and Use the following DNS server addresses.
   
   Then, enter the following information:
   
   • IP address: 192.168.0.1
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Default gateway: 192.168.0.1
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

     

7. Click OK.

   

8. Reboot your system and recheck your internet connection.

Fix #14: Disable QoS on your router

Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature that allows some routers to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as gaming or video streaming. However, in some cases, it can interfere with your computer’s network configuration and cause the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

You’ll need to access your router’s settings to disable QoS. The exact process will vary depending on your router, but you can usually do it by entering your router’s IP address into your web browser. Once logged in, look for a QoS or Traffic priority setting and disable it.