Sometimes, the DHCP fails to get a valid IP Address from the Network Interface Card (NIC), leading to the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error message.
Now that you know why the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP Configuration’ error message occurs, let’s learn how to fix it.
1. Check the Ethernet Cable and Restart the Modem
One of the first things you must do is check whether the Ethernet Cable or modem is damaged.
Cables are more prone to damage, so check the Ethernet cable properly. If it’s not physically damaged, restart the modem to see if the error message persists.
2. Reinstall & Update your Network Adapter Driver
Reinstalling or updating the Network Adapter Driver is an evergreen solution to all network adapter-related problems.
It effectively fixes the Ethernet, which doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Press the Windows Key + R button to open the RUN dialog box. On the RUN dialog box, type hdwwiz.cpl and press Enter.
2. This will open the Device Manager.
3. Right-click on the network adapter you’re connected to and select Uninstall Device.
4. On the confirmation prompt, click on Uninstall.
5. Right-click on the computer name and select Scan for hardware changes.
6. The uninstalled network adapter will be installed along with the latest drivers.
7. If you don’t want to uninstall the Network adapter, right-click on it and select Update Driver.
8. On the Update Drivers prompt, select Search automatically for updated driver software.
3. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
If you still get the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error, you need to run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter.
1. Click on Windows Search and type Identify and repair network problems.
2. Open the first option from the list. This will launch the Network adapter troubleshooter on your computer.
The Network Adapter Troubleshooter will run and fix the problem. If it can’t identify the problem, follow the next methods.
4. Check the Network Adapter Settings
Modern routers were designed to grab the IP Address automatically. However, sometimes, network adapters fail to catch the DNS server and IP Address automatically. So, we need to check the Network adapter settings to fix the error.
1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard. This will open the Run dialog box.
2. On the RUN dialog box, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
3. You will see the Network Connections tab. Right-click on the current network adapter and select properties.
4. Under the Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click Properties
5. On the next page, select Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically
Press ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’. Restart your computer, and the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error will be fixed.
5. Using Command Prompt
The command prompt on the Windows operating system can help us in multiple ways. Here’s how you can use it to fix the error message.
1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. On the Command Prompt, you need to enter the following commands
netsh winsock resetnetsh int IP reset
6. Disable the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter
Another best option to fix the error is to disable the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter from the Device Manager. Since it doesn’t interfere with the functionality of other network adapters, you can turn it off without worry.
1. Click on Windows search and type in device manager. Next, open the Device Manager app from the list.
2. When the Device Manager opens, click on View and click on Show hidden devices.
3. Expand the network adapters. Right-click on the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network adapter and select Disable Device.
7. Disable The Fast Startup
Some Windows users have reported fixing the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error message by disabling the Fast Startup feature. You could try this as well.
1. Open Windows search and type Control Panel. Open the Control Panel from the list.
2. On the Control Panel, click on Power Options.
3. On the Power Options, click the Choose what the power button does.
4. Click the Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup option.
8. Disable IPv6
Some Windows users on Microsoft Forums have reported that they have fixed the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP Configuration’ by disabling IPv6.
1. Open the Control Panel on Windows 10 and select Network and Internet.
2. On the next page, select Network and Sharing Center.
3. On the left-hand side menu, select Change Adapter Settings.
4. Right-click on the connected network adapter and click on Properties.
5. Find and uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) from the list.
Restart your computer to fix the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP Configuration’ error message.
These are the best methods to fix the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error message. Let us know in the comment box below if you know of any other working method to fix the error.
