If you are using a Windows 10 system and seeing the error ‘WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ then this post will show you how to fix this issue.

Users usually see this error when they run the diagnostic tool in Windows as a results of wireless network issues.

What is the cause of the IP configuration error?

This error occurs in Windows 10 for a number of different reasons and is usually due to one of the following:

• WiFi hardware issues (routers, modems etc.)
• Network issues relating to the network providers
• Problems with out-of-date, missing or corrupt wireless network adapter Driver

Fix 1: check wireless network hardware and software

When troubleshooting WiFi issues the first thing to do is to check if WiFi is enabled (there is often a slider switch to toggle WiFi on and off). Ensure airplane mode is not enabled on your device and that all WiFi equipment and the network itself is working. You can test this by trying to connect to the WiFi using another device. If your problem is with the Wifi and not the specific Windows 1o device, click here.

Fix 2: reboot connection to wireless network

It is always worth both rebooting your PC if you have not already done so, and also resetting the wireless network connection. To do so:

1. go to Task Bar > type ‘network’ in search box
2. choose ‘view network connections’
3. right-click on network adapter and choose disable
4. wait a few minutes and right-click and choose enable

Fix 3: Release/ renew IP address to fix WiFi IP configuration error

This solution will often work to fix the IP configuration error. To reset the TCP/ IP you will need to login as administrator and use the Command Prompt.

open Command Prompt > type ‘ipconfig/release‘ > hit enter

next type ‘ipconfig/renew‘ > hit enter

next type ‘exit’ > hit enter

Check to see if this has fixed your WiFi IP configuration error. If not continue to the next fix.

Fix 4: Reset TCP/ IP

If releasing and renewing the IP address has not worked then you will need to try resetting the IP address.

open Command Prompt > type ‘netsh winsock reset‘ > hit enter

type ‘netsh int ip reset’ > hit enter

next type ‘exit’ > hit enter

Restart your PC and then check to see if this has fixed your WiFi IP configuration error. If not continue to the next fix.

Fix 5: update Wireless Network Driver

You need to check if your Wireless Network Driver is up-to-date and, if not, either manually update the Drivers or use a Driver Update Tool.

Go to Device Manager and expand the Network Adapters menu

Browse to your Wireless Network Adapter > right-click and select ‘uninstall’

Right-click on Network Adapters and Click on ‘Scan for hardware changes’ from the context menu

Windows will reinstall the  most appropriate Driver. If you wish to use a Driver Update Tool to automate this process, click here to download DriverDownloader (AppEsteem monitored and approved software)