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Fix: Can’t change static IP address & DNS server in Windows 10
Learn what to do when you get the Local Network an unexpected condition occurred error
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Your IP address represents your ID when you go online. It’s assigned by your ISP and can be used to trace your approximate location.
Meanwhile, your DNS servers are responsible for translating the domains you search online into IP addresses so that machines can understand where you want to go. They are also assigned by your ISP.
However, many privacy-concerned users understand why it’s critical to change their IP address and DNS servers on Windows 10 and 11and other operating systems. It’s problematic when that’s not possible.
Many of our readers reported that they can’t change the IP address and the Internet Protocol v4 properties are greyed out.
In other cases, the following error message pops up from Local Network:An unexpected condition occurred. Not all of your requested changes in settings could be made.
However, you canfix the unexpected condition error on Ethernetor Wi-Fi so that you can change your static IP address and DNS servers.
How can I change static IP address & DNS in Windows 10?
1. Set a static IP address using PowerShell
You can use theNew-NetIPAddresscmdlet to set up a new IP address and customize settings.
We suggest readingMicrosoft’s complete documentation on New-NetIPAddressto understand the role of each parameter.
2. Reset your IP address using Command Prompt
You can use the first command to release the current IP address of your computer. Keep in mind that you will have no Internet access at this point.
However, you’ll get back online in no time after using the second command. Your computer will request a new IP address from a DHCP server, such as your router.
3. Change your DNS server using Windows PowerShell
You can use theSet-DnsClientServerAddresscommand to specify at least one IP address for the DNS servers associated with your network adapter.
It statically adds the DNS server addresses, which will override any DHCP configuration for that network adapter.
Find out the goal of each property involved inMicrosoft’s full specifications about Set-DnsClientServerAddress.
4. Flush your DNS and reset Winsock
Reboot your computer to finalize changes and see if the problem has been fixed on your PC.
If you can’t change your static IP address and DNS server on Windows 10, use the commands above to flush your DNS servers and reset Winsock, which is responsible for your TCP/IP configuration.
5. Set DHCP IP assignment
If you use automatic DHCP settings, it will be easier to configure TCP/IP settings on your Windows 10 PC.
6. Use a VPN service
If you wish to regularly change your IP address and protect your DNS queries, we suggest opting for a premium VPN service.
You just have to connect to a VPN IP address. It will not only hide your true IP and location but also encrypt all data traffic to secure your network from hackers.
We think thatPrivate Internet Accessis the best VPN for the job. It’s incredibly intuitive, supports more than 3,300 VPN servers across 48 countries, and can be used to access blocked content, including Netflix US from anywhere.
PIA supports static and dynamic IP addresses, native port forwarding, and exclusive DNS servers. It also comes with a kill switch and a malware blocker for browsers.
More about PIA:
⇒Get Private Internet Access
How do I change the IP address and DNS in Windows 11?
The new OS is not that much different from Windows 10, especially when it comes to the networking settings.
Therefore, apart from some design differences, all the solutions we outlined for the older OS will work perfectly on Windows 11.
However, there are a few differences in the menus. For instance, to access the network adapters in Windows 11, you need to click on theAdvanced network settingsfrom theNetwork & internetsection fromSettings.
To summarize, if you can’t change your static IP address and DNS server on Windows, you can try resetting them from the PowerShell or Command Prompt.
It’s also a good idea to refresh network settings by flushing DNS and resetting Winsock. Plus, you can specify automatic DHCP IP assignments.
We hope that you managed to modify your IP address and DNS servers using our solutions.
You can also get around this problem byusing one of the best VPN software for Windowsto use an external server and IP.
What other fixes worked for your computer? Let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:DNS,IP address,windows 10,Windows 11
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
