Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configurationMediumWi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration
What this error means
This message means Windows connected to the Wi-Fi network, but it could not get a valid IP address from the router. Without a valid IP address, your device cannot fully use the network or reach the internet.
You may see this after joining Wi-Fi, waking the computer from sleep, restarting the router, or when the network has a temporary setup problem.
Common causes
- 1The router did not assign an IP address correctly
- 2Windows network settings are stuck or corrupted
- 3A Wi-Fi driver problem is preventing normal connection setup
- 4The router or modem needs to be restarted
How to fix it
- Restart your Windows device and your router. Turn the router off, wait at least 30 seconds, turn it back on, and then reconnect after the internet lights settle.
- Forget the Wi-Fi network on your computer, then join it again and enter the password carefully. This can clear a bad saved connection profile.
- Open the Wi-Fi adapter settings and make sure IP and DNS are set to obtain automatically. If you have entered custom network settings before, switch back to automatic settings unless your network administrator gave you different values.
- Update your Wi-Fi driver in Device Manager, then restart the computer. If Windows offers both a normal and an advanced driver update, choose the one provided by the device or PC maker when possible.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator and renew the network settings by running
ipconfig /releasefollowed byipconfig /renew. If that does not help, restart afterward and try again. - If the problem continues, use Windows network reset or run a Quickfix scan to check for deeper system issues that may be blocking IP assignment. Be aware that a network reset can remove saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings, so use it only if the earlier steps did not work.
Recommended fixes
Run a Quickfix scan
- Open Quickfix AI and click Start scan.
- Choose the Quick or Advanced profile and let the scan finish.
- Review the highlighted issues and apply the recommended fixes.
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Restart your router
- Unplug the router (and modem).
- Wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
- Wait for all lights to stabilize before reconnecting.
Forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network
- Open your Wi-Fi settings and select the network.
- Choose Forget this network.
- Reconnect and re-enter the password.
Update your drivers (Windows)
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the affected device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
When to seek help
Get extra help if this problem affects every Wi-Fi network you try, if other devices on the same network also cannot connect, or if you have already restarted the router and renewed the connection but the message keeps coming back. You should also seek help if you see repeated signs of a broader Windows networking problem, or if you are using a workplace or school network that requires special settings you do not control.
Need more help?
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