Windows 11 24H2 users are still grappling with a frustrating Wi-Fi issue that prevents devices from obtaining a valid IP address, rendering internet access impossible. This problem, initially reported in October 2024, persists for some users despite the release of a patch aimed at resolving the conflict. The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) bug is preventing some computers from connecting to the internet through Wi-Fi.

The root cause appears to be related to how Windows 11 24H2 handles DHCP, particularly when it fails to connect to the server. Instead of acquiring a proper IP address, affected systems may receive an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address. This is essentially a random IP address automatically assigned by the operating system when a DHCP server is not available.

According to one user, "When running the stable version of Windows 11, I had no problems, but after updating to the preview version 24H2 of Windows 11, every time I turn on my PC, it says I have no access to the internet. When I diagnose my network it says Windows is having trouble finding the DHCP server". They also noted that the diagnostic tool temporarily fixes the connection, but the issue returns on every reboot.

Microsoft acknowledged the widespread reports of this issue, and attempted to address it with a November 2024 patch. This patch targeted a specific scenario where duplicate DHCP options within a server response could disrupt IPv4 connections, but it seems this fix has not been effective for all users. The problem has been reported by hundreds of users and is affecting devices across different manufacturers such as HP and Dell.

"A group of computers the pass few days have been having issue with DHCP, I can still statically set their IP address just fine. I’ve been trouble shooting the issue, slowly ruling out various setting and components,"— Anonymous User

Microsoft is reportedly aware that the issue is still impacting users and is working on a solution. The exact cause remains unclear, however, and it may be an isolated incident as not all users are experiencing the problem.

In the meantime, several workarounds have been suggested, though they are not guaranteed to work for everyone. One solution involves changing the DNS configuration, specifically modifying the option type from "text" to "string".

Another workaround involves editing the Windows registry.

Here are the steps to edit the registry:

  1. Go to Windows Search and search regedit.
  2. Open Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WcmSvc.
  4. Inside WcmSvc, edit DependOnService and remove the line that says: WinHTTPAutoProxySvc.
  5. Click OK to apply the changes.
  6. Open Task Manager > Services.
  7. Restart Windows Connection Manager (WcmSvc) and WLAN AutoConfig (WlanSvc).

Given the inconsistent success of these workarounds, users who continue to experience issues may find it best to revert to Windows 11 23H2 until Microsoft releases a proper fix. The DHCP issue is one of many that is plaguing the 24H2 update. Other problems include conflicts with certain Ubisoft games and issues with the Auto HDR feature, along with the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Additional problems include a disappearing mouse cursor in Chromium-based apps, internet connectivity failures, time zone glitches, broken clipboard history, network sharing issues, printer problems, audio output malfunctions, and Outlook launch failures. These are just a few of the bugs users may encounter.

Adding to the update woes, users who install Windows 11 24H2 from media like USB or CD with older security updates included may find themselves in a state where their systems can't accept further security updates. A clean reinstall of Windows using the latest media is needed to resolve that issue. As one source explains, "Microsoft remains in a bind with Windows 11. The stats are refusing to budge in its favor, as hundreds of millions of users vote with their PCs to stick to Windows 10”.

The recent string of updates has been plagued with issues. A recent Patch Tuesday update has been causing problems with the start menu, causing it to freeze. That update is also reportedly getting stuck in the install process or causing a never ending restart loop.

" I am a sysadmin for a mid size company and we have been plagued by DHCP issues on all of our devices that were running the 24h2 October update...After removing DHCP option 43, the issues stopped completely and we were able to get proper DHCP information from the server."— Reddit user

Users are advised to stay informed and consider delaying the update until Microsoft provides more stable solutions.