When it works properly, Wi-Fi is a wonderful thing. You can probably bring a gadget around with you and still have high-speed internet connectivity. When anything goes wrong, though, resolving Wi-Fi configuration issues on Windows can be a chore.
Here are some ideas to get you going.
Restart both your computer and your router.
- To restart Windows 10, press the Start button, then the Power icon on the left, followed by “Restart.”
- To restart windows 11, Click the Start button, click on the Power icon, then click “Restart.”
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Reset (DHCP)
DHCP should automatically acquire an IP address from your router, but nothing is perfect. Force your computer to obtain a fresh IP address from your router. You’ll need to run PowerShell as an administrator.
- Click the Start button, then enter “PowerShell” into the search bar and select “Run as Administrator.”
- In Powershell, enter the following two commands:
/release ipconfig
/renew ipconfig
- After you run each program, you’ll see a variety of text related to various network adapters’ displays. Depending on the hardware installed, each computer will be unique. The ipconfig /renew command may take 10, 20, or even 30 seconds to fully execute, so don’t be alarmed if it just sits there for a few moments before you see anything in PowerShell.
- Try your connection again.
TCP/IP Stack Reset
- Start PowerShell as Administrator, then enter the following command to reset the TCP/IP stack.
netsh int ip reset
- If everything went well, the PowerShell Window will display a slew of “Resetting, OK!” lines.
- Restart your computer to see if the error persists.
Reset WinSock
WinSock is another component of Windows that allows your computer to communicate with Internet-connected devices. WinSock can cause network (including Wi-Fi) issues, and a WinSock reset takes only a few seconds.
- Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window and enter netsh winsock reset.
- “Successfully Reset the Winsock Catalog” will appear. After running the command, restart your computer and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Set Automatic DHCP in your PC’s Network Settings and Drivers
Unless you change it manually, your PC will be set to automatically acquire an IP address. If you’re experiencing the “Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error, manually configuring your IP could be the cause.
- Click the Start button, enter “view network connections” in the search bar, and then select “View Network Connections.”
- If you want, you can go there via the Control Panel: Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center, then click “Change Adapter Settings” in the top left corner.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi network adapter and select “Properties.”
- Scroll down to “Internet Protocol Version 4” (IPv4) and “Internet Protocol Version 6” (IPv6) (IPv6). Begin by selecting “Internet Protocol Version 4” and then press the “Properties” button.
- Choose “Obtain an IP Address Automatically,” and then click “Ok.”
- Rep the procedure with “Internet Protocol Version 6.” Just remember that IPv6 settings will all display IPv6 addresses, so don’t worry if the IP addresses look different.
Updating Network Drivers
- Click the Start button, then type “Device Manager” into the search bar and press the “Open” button.
- You are looking for the category “Network Adapters.” When you’ve found it, click the arrow to enlarge the list. What you see in the list is entirely dependent on the hardware and software you’re using – if you’re running a number of things that require physical or virtual network adapters, such as a VPN, a virtual machine, a physical Ethernet port, and a Wi-Fi adapter, you should expect a rather busy list.
- The Wi-Fi network adapter will most likely be labeled “Intel(R) Wi-Fi” or “Realtek Wi-Fi,” as these companies make the majority of wireless adapters used in laptops and motherboards. Instead, if you installed a specific Wi-Fi card, such as one from TP-Link or D-Link, seek that.
- Select “Update Drivers” from the context menu when you right-click the adapter.
- Allow it to look for drivers by selecting “Search Automatically for Drivers.”
- If it suggests installing drivers, do so and then restart your computer.
- If you are unable to connect to the internet to hunt for drivers, or if the drivers downloaded by Windows did not help, you should download and install the drivers from the manufacturer.
Reset Your Router to Factory Settings
- Because your router is unlikely to be the source of the problem, wait until you’ve exhausted all other options. Configuring all of your network settings is tedious and should be avoided if at all feasible.
- If you’re out of options, you can give it a shot. Find your router or integrated device and hold down the recessed button for at least 10 seconds. To depress the button, you may need to use a paperclip or another narrow object.
If it doesn’t work, you’ll have to try some more unusual options. If you have antivirus software and a firewall installed — whether third-party or Microsoft Defender — try disabling them.