But what does the ‘Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration’ error mean? Well, it simply means that your computer doesn’t have an assigned IP address which could result from faulty drivers, hardware failure (cable, network card), or a poorly configured network adapter. Try out these eight fixes to resolve this pestering issue.
1. Try Out Preliminary Fixes
Before moving on to complex fixes, try out a few preliminary fixes. Restart your PC to close all the active processes and services and force them to start again. Check if your ethernet cable is correctly plugged into the ethernet port on both ends (computer and router) and isn’t damaged or frayed out. Unplug your router from the wall socket and press its reset button to drain the residual power. After that, reconnect the power supply and wait for it to connect to the internet. Check if you still face the Ethernet has no valid IP configuration error.
2. Run Network Troubleshooter
You can use the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 11 to find problems with your Ethernet connection. This tool will attempt to fix the issues automatically and can offer additional suggestions to solve the issue. Repeat the following steps: Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu, type Network Troubleshooter in the search bar, and press Enter. Step 2: In the Internet Connections window, click on the Next button. Step 3: Troubleshooter will attempt to fix problems with internet connectivity. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the suggested fixes. Close the troubleshooter.
3. Renew DHCP Lease
DHCP server assigns an IP address for a short time known as a DHCP lease. It happens automatically, but if you face the Ethernet has no valid IP configuration error, you can manually renew the DHCP lease. Also, flush the DNS cache to remove outdated entries from the DNS cache. Here’s how: Step 1: Right-click on the Start button to open the Power User menu. Click on the Terminal option. Step 2: In the Terminal app window, type the following command, and press Enter: Step 3: After that, type the following command, and press Enter: Step 4: Lastly, type the following command and press Enter to get a new IP address from the DHCP server: Step 5: Close the Terminal app window.
4. Configure the Ethernet Adapter Settings
A poorly-configured Ethernet adapter with an incorrect IP address, Subnet mask, or DNS will be unable to connect to the internet. So, you must configure these properties using Network Connections utility in Control Panel. Repeat the following steps: Step 1: Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type ncpa.cpl in the search bar, and press Enter. Step 2: Click on the Ethernet adapter to select it. Press the Alt + Enter keyboard shortcut to open its Properties window. Step 3: Double-click on the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ option. Step 4: Select the ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ option. Similarly, select the ‘Obtain DNS Server address automatically’ option. Step 5: Lastly, click on the OK button. Close the Network Connections window.
5. Reset TCP/IP Stack and Winsock Catalog
The TCP/IP stack contains information about all the Intenet Protocol settings. Winsock enables the communication between TCP/IP and network software and stores this information in the Winsock catalog. If either of these becomes corrupt, you will face network connection issues. Resetting them helps restore network connectivity. Here’s how to do it: Step 1: Press the Windows key to summon the Start menu, type cmd in the search bar, and click on the Run as administrator option. Step 2: When the User Account Control window appears, click on the Yes button. Step 3: In the Terminal app window, type the following command and press Enter to execute it: Step 4: After that, execute the following command to reset the Winsock catalog: Step 5: Close the Command Prompt window. Restart your PC.
6. Reinstall Ethernet Adapter
A corrupt ethernet adapter can also be the reason behind the ‘Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration’ error. So, you must reinstall the Ethernet adapter via the Device Manager. Here’s how: Step 1: Right-click on the Start button to open the Power User menu. Click on the Device Manager option. Step 2: Expand the Network adapters section. Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select the Uninstall device option. Step 3: Click on the Uninstall button. Step 4: Go to the menu bar in the Device Manager window and click on the ‘Scan for hardware changes’ icon. Step 5: It will scan for the available hardware and reinstall the Network adapter. Close the Device Manager window.
7. Update Windows
Microsoft releases hotfixes for issues reported by users facing a common problem with their Windows PCs. So, if you haven’t updated your computer for a long time, do it now. Repeat the following steps: Step 1: Press the Windows key to reveal the Start menu, type Check for updates in the search bar, and press Enter. Step 2: Wait for the update utility to search for available updates. Click on the Download and install updates button. Step 3: Patiently wait for the updates to install and restart your computer. Check if you still face the Ethernet issue.
8. Use System Restore
The last resort is to use System Restore to revert to a point in time when everything, including the Ethernet connection, worked fine on your computer. System Restore may remove some recently installed apps, but can help you fix the issue at hand. Repeat the following steps: Step 1: Click the Windows icon on the Taskbar to open the Start menu, type rstrui.exe in the search bar, and press Enter. Step 2: Click on the Next button. Step 3: Choose a restore point from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions to revert to a restore point on your Windows 11 PC.
Restore Internet Connectivity on Windows 11
You can use the methods mentioned above to fix ‘Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration’ in Windows 11. Start with preliminary fixes and then use the Network Troubleshooter tool. After that, renew the DHCP lease, and reset the TCP/IP stack, and Winsock catalog. Lastly, remove and reinstall the Ethernet adapter and update your PC. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
