With the dependency on the Internet increasing with each passing day, any error that prevents you from accessing it can be infuriating. One such error is ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ that is encountered when the system does not have a valid IP address. Before we delve into the methods to fix it, you must first understand the error and the issues that lead to it.

What is ‘Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration’ Error?

Every computer uses an IP (Internet Protocol) address to connect to the internet which is assigned by the router. To be precise, it’s the NIC (Network Interface Card) that is responsible for the task. When you encounter the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error, it means the NIC has not been assigned an IP address.

The primary issues that lead to the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error are:

  • Outdated or Faulty Network Drivers
  • Damaged Cable
  • Malfunctioning NIC (Network Interface Card)
  • Malfunctioning Router
  • Incorrect IP Assigned to the Computer

Identifying which of the above issues is leading to the error is difficult, however, based on the probability of occurrence, we have listed the most effective fixes. Follow them in the sequence that they are mentioned for a quick resolution.

1. Restart the Modem/Router

The simplest fix for the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error is to restart the modem and/or router. Turn off both and wait for a couple of minutes before turning them back on. Also, while the router is turned off, check if the ethernet cable is properly connected and is not damaged. After you turn on the modem/router, check if the error is fixed and you are able to connect to the internet.

If it doesn’t work, try using a different modem/router. In case you are now able to connect to the internet, there is an issue with the modem/router itself, and you need to replace it.

2. Disable Fast Startup

This is one of the most effective fixes for the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. ‘Fast Startup’ allows the computer to wake up faster after it’s been put on sleep mode or is being turned on. Although, after you disable ‘Fast Startup’, the computer will take longer to turn on.

To disable ‘Fast Startup’, search for ‘Control Panel’ in the ‘Start Menu’, and then click on the search result to launch the app.

In the ‘Control Panel’ window, click on the box next to ‘View by’, and select ‘Large icons’ from the drop-down menu.

Now, locate ‘Power Options’ in the list and then click on it.

The ‘Power Options’ will now launch and the current power plan will be displayed. Click on the ‘Choose what the power button do’ near the top-left corner.

Next, click on the ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ option.

Now, untick the checkbox for ‘Turn on fast startup’ under ‘Shutdown settings’ and then click on ‘Save changes’ at the bottom.

Now, restart your computer and check if you are able to secure an unhindered access to the Internet. In case the error persists, move to the next fix.

3. Check Network Adapter Settings

The IP address is, by default, automatically assigned to the device by the router, unless you have changed the settings to manual. In case, you have changed the settings to ‘Manual’, it might be leading to the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error

To change the ‘Network Adapter’ settings, press WINDOWS + R to launch the ‘Run’ command, enter ‘ncpa.cpl’ in the text box, and then either press ENTER or click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to launch it.

Next, right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ adapter settings, and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.

In the ‘Networking ‘ tab of the ‘Ethernet Properties’ window, locate and select the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ option, and then click on ‘Properties’ at the bottom.

Next, check if the options to automatically obtain IP and DNS server address are selected. If not, select the options and then click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to save the changes and close the window.

Restart your computer and check if you are able to connect to the internet.

4. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows 10 offers built-in troubleshooting options for several errors, including the ‘Network Adapters’. Running the troubleshooter has helped many users fix the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error.

To run the ‘Network Adapter’ troubleshooter, press WINDOWS + I to launch the system ‘Settings’, and then click on the ‘Update & Security’ option.

In the ‘Update & Security’ settings, you will find various tabs listed on the left. Select the ‘Troubleshoot’ tab, and then click on ‘Additional troubleshooters’ option on the right.

In the ‘Additional troubleshooters’ window, scroll down and select the ‘Network Adapter’ option. Next, click on the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ option that appears.

The troubleshooter window will now launch, and you will be asked to select the ‘Network Adapter’ before proceeding. Select the ‘Ethernet’ option, and then click on ‘Next’ at the bottom.

Now, follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix the issues that are leading to the error. Now, check if the error is fixed. In case, no issues were found or it didn’t help fix the error, move to the next fix.

5. Reset Network Settings

If the above fixes have not worked for you, try resetting the network settings. There are times when the network settings are outdated or gone corrupt, thus conflicting with the functioning of the system.

To reset the ‘Network’ settings, search for ‘Command Prompt’ in the ‘Start Menu’, right-click on the search result, and then select the ‘Run as administrator’ option from the context menu. Next, click ‘Yes’ on the confirmation box that pops up.

Next, type or paste the following commands in the ‘Command Prompt’, and then press ENTER after each to execute them.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
nbtstat –R
nbtstat –RR
netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
netsh winsock reset

After you have run the above commands, restart the computer. Now, launch the ‘Run’ command by pressing WINDOWS + R, enter ‘ncpa.cpl’ in the text box and click on ‘OK’ at the bottom as discussed in the earlier fix.

In the ‘Network Connections’ window, right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ option, and then select ‘Disable’ from the context menu.

Again right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ option, and select ‘Enable’ from the context menu.

Now, restart your computer again and check if the error is fixed. If not, move to the next method.

6. Reinstall Network Driver

You might be encountering the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error because of a corrupt ‘Network’ driver. Reinstalling the driver will fix the error in this case. As intricate as it may sound, the process of reinstalling the driver is very simple and quick.

To reinstall the driver, search for ‘Device Manager’ in the ‘Start Menu’, and then click on search result to launch the app.

In the ‘Device Manager’ window, locate the ‘Network adapters’ option and double-click on it to expand and view the devices under it.

Next, right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ adapter and select ‘Uninstall Device’ option from the context menu.

You will now receive a warning box. Select the checkbox for ‘Delete the driver software for this device’, and then click on ‘Uninstall’ to complete the process.

After you have uninstalled the driver, restart the computer. After the computer restarts, Windows will automatically reinstall the driver. Now, check if the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error is fixed.

7. Update the Network Driver

If reinstalling the ‘Network’ driver didn’t fix the error, it could be because the driver you are using is outdated. Therefore, you should update it to the latest version.

To update the ‘Network’ driver, right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ driver option and select ‘Update driver’ from the context menu.

In the ‘Update Driver’ window, you will have two options, either to let Windows search for the best available driver and then install it on the system or manually select and install the driver that’s on your system. It’s recommended that you select the first option and let Windows search for it since the risk is far lower. Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

If Windows didn’t find a newer version, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one is not available. Many a time, Windows just can’t locate the newer version which might be available on the device manufacturer’s website. Therefore, you will have to manually download and install the driver. But before you do, you need to identify the current driver version to find if there is an update available.

To find the current driver version, right-click on the driver and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.

In the properties window, navigate to the ‘Driver’ tab at the top, and then jot down the current driver version.

Once you have the current driver version, search the manufacturer’s website for a newer version of it. In case there is one available, download it. After you have downloaded the driver, double-click on the file to launch the installer. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

After you installed the driver, check if the error is resolved. If not, move to the next fix.

8. Clear the Cache

Clearing the ‘Network Cache’ has worked effectively in fixing the error for a lot of users. Also, you can easily clear it by executing a few commands in the ‘Elevated Command Prompt’. In this process, you will initially view the current IP stack configuration and then reset it all together, thus clearing the cache.

To clear the ‘Network Cahce’, search for ‘Command Prompt’ in the ‘Start Menu’, right-click on it, and then select ‘Run as administrator’ to launch it. Click on ‘Yes’ on the confirmation box that pops up.

In the ‘Elevated Command Prompt’, enter the following commands one at a time and press ENTER to execute it.

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew

After you have executed the three commands and cleared the ‘Network Cache’, restart the computer and check if the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error is fixed.

9. Disable IPv6 Settings

The computer is, by default, configured to work on the IPv4 settings but in some cases, it might be set to IPv6. This conflicts with the functioning and leads to the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. Simply disabling the IPv6 settings will fix the error.

To disable the IPv6 settings, press WINDOWS + R to launch the ‘Run’ command, enter ‘ncpa.cpl’ in the text box, and then either click on ‘OK’ or press ENTER to open the ‘Network Settings’.

In the ‘Networking’ tab of ‘Ethernet Properties’, locate and uncheck the checkbox for ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)’, and then click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to save the changes.

After you have disbaled the IPv6 settings, check if the error is fixed. If not, move to the next method.

10. Turn on DHCP

DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) assigns an IP address and other related settings to the connected devices. If it’s disabled, you might be encountering the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. To fix the error, all you have to do is enable it.

Related: How to Change DHCP Lease Time on Windows 10

To enable DHCP, search for the ‘Services’ app in the ‘Start Menu’, and then click on the search result to launch it.

In the ‘Services’ window, locate the ‘DHCP Client’ option, and double-click on it.

Next, click on the box next to ‘Startup type’ and select ‘Automatic’ from the drop-down menu.

Next, click on ‘Start’ under the ‘Service Status’ section. After the service has been started, click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to apply the changes.

Again, right-click on the ‘DHCP Client’ option in the ‘Services’ window, and select ‘Restart’ from the context menu.

Now, check if the error is fixed. If not, move to the next method.

11. Disable Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter Driver

If you have other network adapters enabled on the system, apart from the default Ethernet adapter, they might conflict, thus leading to the error. ‘Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter’ is one such adapter that has been known to cause the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. Many users have reported that disabling it fixed the error for them, hence, you must give it a try.

To disable Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter, launch the ‘Device Manager’ via the ‘Start Menu’ or ‘Quick Access Menu’. In the ‘Device Manager’ window, click on the ‘View’ menu, and then select ‘Show hidden devices’ from the drop-down menu.

Next, double-click on the ‘Network adapters’ option to expand it and view the devices under it.

Now, right-click on the ‘Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter’, and select the ‘Disable device’ option from the context menu.

Finally, click on ‘Yes’ on the warning box that pops up to complete the process.

After you have disabled the driver, check if the error is fixed and you are able to connect to the internet.

12. Manually Assign MAC Address

MAC (Media Access Controller) address is used to identify each device on a network. If it’s not assigned properly, you might encounter the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. To fix this, you will have to manually assign the MAC address. Before you do, you first have to find the MAC address.

To find the MAC address, launch the ‘Command Prompt’ as discussed earlier. Next, type or paste the following command, and then press ENTER.

ipconfig/all

Now, note down the ‘Physical Address’ under the ‘Ethernet adapter’ section.

Once you have the physical address, the next step is to assign in.

To manually assign the MAC address, launch the ‘Run’ command, enter ‘ncpa.cpl’ in the text box, and click on ‘OK’ at the bottom.

Next, right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ option, and then select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.

In the ‘Networking’ tab of the ‘Ethernet Properties’ window, click on the ‘Configure’ option.

Next, navigate to the ‘Advanced’ tab, select ‘Locally Administered Address’ from the options under ‘Property’ and then enter the ‘Physical Address’ you noted down earlier in the box under ‘Value’. Finally, click on ‘OK’ to save the changes.

Now, check if the error is fixed and an IP address has been assigned to your computer.

13. Change Ethernet Adapter Power Management Settings

If the ‘Ethernet’ settings are set to conserve power, it might disable certain features, thus leading to the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. If you are encountering the error, it’s recommended that you disable these settings.

To change power management settings, right-click on the ‘Ethernet’ option and then select ‘Properties’.

Next, click on ‘Configure’ in the ‘Networking’ tab of the ‘Ethernet Properties’ window.

Navigate to the ‘Power Management’ tab, untick the checkbox for ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’, and then click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to save the changes.

After you have saved the changes, restart the computer and check if the error is fixed.

14. Run Check Disk Scan

If certain areas of the Hard Disk have gone corrupted, it might conflict with various elements of the system, including the ‘Network Adapters’. To fix the corrupted areas, you can always resort to the built-in ‘Check Disk’ scan. It scans the whole drive for issues and fixes them along the way.

To run the ‘Check Disk’ scan, search for ‘Command Prompt’ in the ‘Start Menu’, right-click on the search result, and then click on ‘Run as administrator’. Next, click on ‘Yes’ in the confirmation box that pops up.

In the ‘Command Prompt’ window, enter the following command, and then press ENTER to execute it. The following command will scan the ‘C:’ drive. To scan other drives on your system, replace the ‘c’ at the end of the command with the drive letter of the drive you want to scan.

Related: How to Change Drive Letter in Windows 10

chkdsk /f c:

If you are now asked to schedule the check the next time you restart the system, press Y and then press ENTER to confirm.

Now, restart the computer and wait for the ‘Check Disk’ scan to complete. After the computer restarts, check if you are able to access the internet using Ethernet.

15. Modify System Power Settings

If you have configured the system settings to prevent hardware from consuming high power, it might lead to the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error. To fix this, you will have to modify the power settings.

To modify power settings, search for ‘Control Panel’ in the ‘Start Menu’, and click on the search result to launch the app.

In the ‘Control Panel’, click on the box next to ‘View by’, and select ‘Large icons’ from the drop-down menu.

Next, locate and click on ‘Power Options’.

The current power plan will now be displayed on the screen. Click on the ‘Change plan settings’ option next to it.

In the ‘Edit Plan Settings’ window, click on the ‘Change advanced power settings’ option.

Next, click on ‘Wireless Adapter Settings’ to expand and view the options under it. Now, click on the box next to ‘On battery’, and select ‘Maximum Performance’ from the drop-down menu.

Similarly, change the setting for when the system is ‘Plugged in’, and then click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to save the changes.

Now, restart the computer and check if you are able to access to the internet.

16. Uninstall Recent Windows Update

If you started encountering the error after updating the Windows and none of the above fixes have worked, it’s time you uninstall the recent update. Sometimes, Microsoft releases updates that are found to affect the functioning of the hardware. These issues are fixed in the subsequent updates and you should wait for them. Until then, it’s better to use the previous version to fix the error.

To uninstall recent Windows update, press WINDOWS + I to launch the system ‘Settings’, and then click on ‘Update & Security’.

Next, click on the ‘Views update history’ option in the ‘Windows Update’ tab that opens by default.

Next, click on the ‘Uninstall updates’ option at the top.

All the recent updates will now be listed on the screen along with the date of installation. Select the update and click on ‘Uninstall’ at the top. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. You can similarly uninstall other recent updates, until you are on a stable version.

After you have uninstalled the recent updates, you would be able to connect to the internet and the error will be fixed.

After executing the fixes mentioned above, you would have fixed the ‘Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ error, and can now access the internet without any hindrance or error popping up.