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Opting for a Wi-Fi network is ideal for those who prefer conveniently connecting to the Internet. It is perfect for those who want to avoid the limitations of annoying wires. It is true that Wi-Fi technology offers several benefits. However, it is still no stranger to issues.

Many users reported that they encountered this error message: “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration – unidentified network.”

When this error message shows up, it prevents the user from successfully connecting to the Wi-Fi network. It is worth noting that it comes in various forms, including the following:

  • No valid IP configuration Windows 10 – This error message can show up because of the security settings of your antivirus. You can try disabling your third-party security software program to fix this.
  • Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration – no Internet access or no Internet secured – These are some of the variations of the error message. Nonetheless, you can fix them, using the solutions in this post.

If you encountered any of these errors, you do not have to panic. In this post, we are going to teach you how to remove the Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error. We’ve included several methods for resolving the problem.

Method 1: Resetting TCP/IP

Using a series of netsh commands is one of the easiest ways to get rid of this error. Follow the steps below:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S.
  2. In the search box, type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
  3. Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator from the options.
  4. Once Command Prompt is up, run the following commands:

netsh winsock reset

wi-fi-valid-ip-configuration-netsh-1

netsh int ip reset

wi-fi-valid-ip-configuration-netsh-2

  1. Exit Command Prompt, then restart your computer.

Usually, this method is enough to resolve the IP configuration issue. However, if the commands above did not get rid of the problem, you can try running the following:

  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • ipconfig /renew

Method 2: Setting the Channel Width to Auto

If the previous solution did not work for you, you can try setting the channel width to Auto. You can do that by following these instructions:

  1. Go to your taskbar, then right-click the Windows icon.
  2. Choose Network Connections from the list of options.
  3. Once the Network Connections window is open, look for your wireless connection on the right pane.
  4. Right-click your wireless connection, then select Properties from the options.
  5. Click Configure, then go to the Advanced tab.
  6. Look for the 802.11n Channel Width for band 2.4. Change its setting to Auto.
  7. Save the changes by clicking OK.

Method 3: Changing Your Wireless SSID and Password

Users who discovered how to fix the no valid IP configuration error on Windows 10 had found that changing their wireless SSID and password could do the trick. Keep in mind that this solution will require you to use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to your modem. Once you’ve done that, you must access your modem and change the wireless SSID and password. If you want to learn how to login to your network portal, we recommend reading your modem’s manual.

Method 4: Configuring your IP Address Manually

Whenever you connect to a wireless network, DHCP usually provides you with an IP address. However, if DHCP has issues or if its settings are incorrect, you will encounter an IP configuration error. So, we suggest manually assigning an address to your device. Here are the steps:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+X.
  2. Select Network Connections from the list.
  3. Locate your wireless network on the right pane, then right-click it. Select Properties from the options.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
  5. Once the Properties window is up, click the ‘Use the following IP address’ option.
  6. Submit the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway.

Note: You need to submit the DNS server manually. You can use 192.168.1.1, but you are free to choose whatever you prefer.

  1. Once you’re done entering the details, click the OK button.

You can also switch off DHCP, then configure it, assigning a static IP address to your computer.

Method 5: Changing the Number of DHCP Users

Some users reported that the ‘Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration – unidentified network’ error can be fixed by increasing the number of DHCP users. It is worth noting that some routers limit the DHCP users to 50. Consequently, the IP configuration errors start to show up. To resolve this problem, you need to increase the number of DHCP manually by accessing your router. If you want to learn the detailed steps, we suggest reading the manual.

You may also want to try increasing the maximum number of wireless users. After all, there are routers that limit the number to ten. Some users reported that after they had increased the limit, the IP configuration error was resolved.

Method 6: Performing a Clean Boot

It is possible that some third-party applications or services are interfering with your wireless connection, causing the IP configuration error to appear. As such, we recommend performing a clean boot. Doing so will allow you to start your system with only the basic applications and services. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows Key+R on your keyboard.
  2. Inside the Run dialog box, type “msconfig” (no quotations), then click OK.
  3. Once the Windows Configuration window is up, click Selective Startup and deselect Load Startup Items.
  4. Click the Services tab, then select the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ option.
  5. Click Disable All.
  6. Now, click the Startup tab, then click the Open Task Manager link.
  7. Once Task Manager opens, you will see the list of applications running on startup. Right-click the items one at a time, selecting Disable from the context menu.
  8. After disabling the startup applications, you need to exit Task Manager.
  9. Go back to the Windows Configuration window, then click Apply and OK.
  10. Restart your PC.

After you restart your computer, you need to check if the IP configuration error is gone. If it is, try enabling the startup applications and services one by one until you isolate what’s causing the issue. Once you’ve identified the culprit, you can either update or remove it.

Method 7: Removing your Antivirus Program

It is possible for your firewall or antivirus program to interfere with your wireless Internet connection. As such, we recommend temporarily disabling your firewall and removing your antivirus. If doing this lets you get rid of the problem, then we suggest you switch to a different security software program. There are many products out there for this purpose, but we suggest opting for a reliable tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware.

Auslogics Anti-Malware is a product of Auslogics, a certified Microsoft Silver Application Developer. That is to say, you can be sure that this software program is designed to be compatible with Windows 10. It will not conflict with your main antivirus. What’s more, it will catch malicious items that your antivirus may miss. So, you can fix the IP configuration issue while keeping your computer safe and secure.

Method 8: Uninstalling the Wireless Adapter Driver

It is possible that the issue is caused by a malfunctioning, missing, outdated, or corrupted network driver. As such, we recommend uninstalling your wireless adapter and reinstalling it to resolve the problem. Here are the steps:

  1. On your taskbar, right-click the Windows icon.
  2. Select Device Manager from the options.
  3. Once Device Manager is open, look for your wireless device.
  4. Right-click it, then select Uninstall from the options.
  5. If the ‘Delete driver software for this device’ option is available, select it.
  6. Click OK, then restart your computer.

Once your PC boots, your system will automatically detect the missing driver and install its default version. If you do not encounter issues while using the default driver, then you can continue using it. However, it is still best to update it to the latest version to ensure that it will run smoothly for a long period. There are three ways to update your drivers:

  1. Using the Device Manager
  2. Accessing the Manufacturer’s Website and Downloading the Latest Driver Version
  3. Clicking one Button on Auslogics Driver Updater

Using the Device Manager

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+X, then click Device Manager from the options.
  2. Look for your wireless adapter, then right-click it.
  3. Select Update Driver from the list.

Accessing the Manufacturer’s Website and Downloading the Latest Driver Version

Even if you update your wireless adapter driver via the Device Manager, your system can still miss an update or two. So, it is advisable to go to the manufacturer’s website and look for the latest version that is compatible with your processor type and operating system. However, you should be careful, ensuring that you get the correct version. If you happen to install the wrong one, you might end up dealing with system instability issues.

Clicking one Button on Auslogics Driver Updater

It is undeniable how risky, time-consuming, and complicated the process is when you opt to update your drivers manually. Why choose this method when there is an easier way to do things? If you want a convenient way to update your wireless adapter driver, then use Auslogics Driver Updater. It is worth noting that this tool automatically recognizes the operating system version and processor type of a computer. So, you do not have to guess the details or go through an extra step.

You only have to click a button and this tool will update your drivers to their latest, manufacturer-recommended versions. What’s more, Auslogics Driver Updater will resolve all driver-related issues—not just the one which caused the IP configuration problem. So, once the process is complete, you will notice a remarkable improvement in the performance of your computer.

Method 9: Ensuring that DHCP is Switched On

As we’ve mentioned, DHCP assigns the IP address to the device that connects to the network. So, if it is not activated, it is possible for you to encounter problems like the IP configuration issue. You can troubleshoot your network connection to check if DHCP is enabled. To do that, follow the instructions below:

  1. Press Windows Key+R on your keyboard. Doing this should open the Run dialog box.
  2. Inside the Run dialog box, type “control panel” (no quotes), then click OK.
  3. Follow this path:

Network and Internet ->Network and Sharing Center ->Troubleshoot Problems

  1. Let the troubleshooter scan for network issues.

If DHCP is disabled, the troubleshooter will activate it. Alternatively, you can enable DHCP from your router settings. To learn how to do this, we suggest you read your router manual.

Method 10: Checking the Security Type

It is possible for IP configuration issues to show up because of a mismatched security type for the computer and router. Thus, we recommend opening your router settings page. Go to the wireless section, then check the type of security that is currently active. Once you’ve done that, ensure that your wireless adapter uses the same security type.

Pro Tip: After resolving the IP configuration issue, you must take measures to improve the efficiency of your PC. This way, you can connect to your Wi-Fi without any hassle.

One of the best ways to do this is by using Auslogics BoostSpeed. This tool will diagnose speed-reducing issues and other problems that may cause application crashes or glitches. It will restore system stability by carefully removing invalid entries and corrupt keys from the Windows registry. Moreover, the cleaning module of Auslogics BoostSpeed will sweep out all types of computer junk, including web browser cache, unneeded system and user temporary files, unused error logs, temporary Sun Java files, and leftover Windows Update files, among many others.

Can you suggest other methods for fixing the IP configuration issues?

Don’t hesitate to share your ideas in the comments below!