6 Fixes for “Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Error on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Temporary issues with your router can trigger such errors, so ensure to restart it first.
• Restarting the WLAN AutoConfig service and resetting the TCP/IP stack can help fix this error.
• Consider resetting all the network settings on Windows if the error persists.

Fix 1: Set IP Address Settings to Automatic

Such errors can occur if you have recently modified your PC’s wireless network adapter with a custom IP address. To resolve this issue, configure Windows to acquire an IP address automatically by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type control in the box and press Enter.

Step 2: Use the drop-down menu at the top right corner to change the view type to large icons and go to Network and Sharing Center.

Step 3: Click on Change adapter settings in the left column.

Step 4: Right-click on your Wi-Fi network adapter > select Properties.

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

Step 6: Select Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK.

Step 7: Similarly, select Obtain an IPv6 address automatically for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

Fix 2: Restart WLAN AutoConfig Service

Windows uses the WLAN AutoConfig service to facilitate the connection with your Wi-Fi network. If this service encounters a problem, Windows may display the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error. Here’s how to fix it.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type services, and select the first result.

Step 2: Scroll down to locate the WLAN AutoConfig service. Right-click on it and select Restart.

Fix 3: Renew Your IP Address and Flush DNS Cache

Another way to fix the invalid IP configuration error is to assign a new IP to your computer. You can force Windows to acquire a new IP address from the router and flush the DNS cache with a few commands in Windows PowerShell.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar > type Windows PowerShell > select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run the following commands one by one.

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew

Fix 4: Reset TCP/IP

Windows uses the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate with other machines on the network and the Internet to transmit and receive digital data. Resetting the TCP/IP stack can resolve any glitches that cause invalid IP configuration issues on Windows.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: Run the following commands in the console and press Enter after each one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart your PC and check if the “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error occurs again.

Fix 5: Update Network Drivers

Drivers typically don’t cause many issues after installation. However, if they become outdated or are affected by other software, errors can occur. To address this, update the network drivers on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2: Double-click on Network adapters to expand it. Right-click your network adapter > select Update driver.

From there, follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating the network driver.

Fix 6: Reset Network Settings

If all else fails, reset your PC’s network settings as a last resort. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app > navigate to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

Step 2: Under More settings, click on Network reset.

Step 3: Click the Reset now button next to Network reset.

Your PC will restart and revert to the default network settings. After that, you must manually enter the IP address details or let it capture the IP address details from your network automatically.