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How to Fix Ethernet Does not Have a Valid IP Configuration

Hello, Please let me know that how to fix ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration. I am facing some issue in this. Help me.
  • Maria

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The problem usually arises when troubleshooting Windows networks when a personal computer is not able to obtain the IP address. Make sure you check the router cable wires and see if there is any kind of damage. To fix the issue of "ethernet doesn't have a valid IP configuration," you can do many things, like restarting the modem.

A simple restart can solve a lot of the problems. Refreshes the network and clears all the errors. Try to update the network drivers and run a troubleshooter. You can also go to the settings section and configure the network settings.

Fix ‘Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration’:

Here are a few methods to fix the Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration.

Reset Your Computer System

Firstly, Try disabling Fast Startup, too. At times it can cause the startup process to run past the required steps to get your IP configuration correct. Press WIN + S and click on the control panel. 

Now click on the Control Panel from the available list. Navigate to Power Options, and click on“Choose what the power button does”. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable, and turn on off Fast Startup. Then give it a reboot.

Configure Your Network Adapter Settings to Fix Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

Generally, your router designates the IP address automatically through “DHCP” technology. While some routers are configured to work with a static IP address system, where you have to assign yourself your own IP address.

  • Run ncpa.cpl in the Win+R Run program.
  • Right click on your current selected network adapter and navigate to properties.
  • Search for TCP IPV4 in the current modules and click on properties.
  • If it’s set to Obtain an IP address automatically, try setting your own IP address. If you’re on a standard home network, try something like 192.168.1.180. If you’re on a specially configured network, talk to your network admin
  • If it is set to something already, try a different address, or try switching it to automatic assignment and hoping that your router’s DHCP server is configured correctly.

Restart Your Router

In case your system is displaying the message that “ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” and you are having a problem with all your devices getting an internet connection, try and restart your router.

Repeat with all your devices, modem and router by unplugging and disconnecting all of them from the power outlet.

In case connecting to other routers won’t solve the issue then there might be an issue with your network card. 

Perform a factory restore to your network card, and if it does not help, replace it.

Reinstall Your Network Adapter

Once you are done with the above steps, uninstall and reinstall your network adapter. Here's how you will do it:

  • Go to the “Run” dialog (Win+R) and type hdwwiz.cpl in the input field and click OK.
  • Now find and right click on your ethernet card in your network adapters and then uninstall it.
  • Lastly, from your OEM’s website (Use a bluetooth transfer or USB device to get the driver on your system if you can’t access the internet any other way), reinstall the drivers.

Try Forcing IPv4 by Disabling IPv6 to fix Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

IPv4 addresses follow the following convention: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. As you can imagine, with as many devices as we have connected to the internet, having millions of different address combinations may not be enough. So the company created IPv6 which lets billions and billions of different address combinations. 

However, there are some infrastructural problems associated with it, especially with older devices. At times, Disabling IPv6 might get you a usable IPv4 address and get you back on the internet.

  • Go to your network and sharing center and “Change adapter settings”.
  • Right Click on your network connection.
  • Click on properties and scroll down through the services list and then uncheck “TCP/IPv6”.
  • Now restart your system.

In case the issue doesn't resolve with the above method, then immediately re-enable it. 

Assign a MAC Address to Your Network Card

A MAC address is the device identifier that depicts, “I am this device” to the global and local network it is connected to. It’s usually hardcoded to the device, but many devices allow you to “spoof” a different one, in case of conflict. 

Your MAC address conflict might also be the issue behind your ethernet not getting an IP configuration.

  • Make sure you are an administrator.
  • Go to the command prompt, and enter /IPconfig /all
  • Now find the network adapter and look for its “physical address value”.
  • Note it down somewhere and then
  • Log into your network card/router and enter this MAC address into the field (varies by device, use Google to figure out where to do this for your specific model of router)

We are sure the problem would resolve after changing your MAC address. 

Enable DHCP to Fix Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

Make sure that your DHCP is on. Open your router settings and search where the IP addresses are assigned. Inside that, you should enable “DHCP” instead of Static IP. 

Note: if you’re on a corporate network, this might break stuff. So be very careful. This is only recommended for home networks. Ensure that you have the “automatically retrieve IP address” option enabled in your network configuration on your system. 

Lastly, restart the service to check if the issue still persists. If it still does, then try restarting your system and check again.

Reinstall Drivers for Your Network Cards in Compatibility Mode

There might be a possibility that your old network card isn’t fully compatible with Windows 10. In that case, find an installer > right click on it > click on properties > and then choose “Run in compatibility mode for Windows 8”.

Lastly, run the installer and restart your computer to check if it worked.

Connect Your Computer Directly to Your Modem

Most of the home networks are modem -> router -> computer. In case you are facing any issues, then try connecting directly to the source that will fix your internet problem. In case the issue is resolved, then it's confirmed that the issue must be with your router.

Update All Your Firmware

If you posses a modem or a router at your home    then try to find their firmware online and follow all the instructions from the OEM for each device and update their firmware to the newest version. 

Make sure to get a stable build, and not a nightly build. Some providers will provide beta firmware that isn’t fully functional or may have bugs.

Use the Command Prompt to Flush Your DNS

To be able to have a valid IP configuration, try flushing your DNS and renewing your connection.

  • Go to the command prompt.
  • Enter
  • IPconfig /release
  • IPconfig /flushdns
  • IPconfig /renew
  • Lastly, restart your computer.

Disable Your Anti-Virus Software

At times your antivirus may also be the reason for your computer to not get access to the internet. a bug may happen where your antivirus keeps your computer from being able to assign itself an IP address. Disabling it depends on the antivirus software that you’re running, using a search engine to search “Disable” + (name of antivirus) + (operating system)”.

Disable QoS on Your Router

Quality of service or QoS, is a router setting that allows everyone’s internet experience steady on a single network. It is possible as it unlikely will affect your IP address configuration. Using a search engine, search the QoS setting on your router and then disable it, if it is enabled.

Update Your BIOS to Fix Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

Besides having access to the internet on other devices, you are required to update your BIOS in order to get an installer on your PC using a USB stick or CD.It will be an executable file that you can launch without internet access, which will update your bios.

Update Your Networking Drivers

To avoid having network problems, try to keep your drivers up to date with driver support. We hope the above article helped you to to fix Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

  •  alex
  •   April 18, 2024