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Fix: Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP on Windows 11
Find out how to solve this Ethernet issue on your device
8 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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The debate about whether to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi has been raging for years now, with each offering certain benefits over the other.
But neither is completely free of errors. One of the common ones isEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationin Windows 11.
The error is not that common, but when encountered, users are unable to access the Internet. Which makes it all the more important to effectively troubleshoot it.
But there is another important question to be answered beforehand, i.e., whyEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationin Windows 11? So, let’s walk you through the answer to it and the most effective fixes for the error.
What do I do if Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11?
1. Check the connections
The very first thing you should do when encountering theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationerror in Windows 11 is to check that the connections are in order. Make sure that the cable is properly plugged in at both ends.
Besides, you can remove the cable at both ends, i.e., the computer and the modem/router, blow light air into both ports and then firmly replug the cable. Once done, check if the error is fixed and you are able to connect to the Internet.
2. Restart the computer and your modem/router
Apart from the connections, the problem may also lie with the modem/router or could be a glitch in the OS itself. But, the best part is that most of these can easily be eliminated by a simple restart.
To turn off the modem/router, unplug it from the power source. Also, some may have built-in batteries, so make sure to check and remove them as well. Wait for a couple of minutes and then replug it to the power source.
After restarting both the computer and the modem/router, check whether theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationerror in Windows 11 is eliminated.
3. Disable fast startup
After making the changes, restart the computer for these to fully come into effect.
Fast startup is a feature in Windows that reduces the time required by OS to load when you turn on this computer. This is achieved by keeping certain drivers and related processes running instead of terminating them at shutdown.
But, the feature is often found to conflict with the functioning of connected devices due to improper relay of commands. If that’s the case here, disabling fast startup should fix theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationerror in Windows 11.
4. Manually choose IP and DNS server
We have used Google’s DNS server in this case since it has helped fix the issue for a lot of users. If that, too, doesn’t help, try the next method.
5. Update the driver
The Device Manager method is one of the simplest ways ofupdating the network driver, but the update doesn’t always go through since it only scans the system for a newer version.
If the update doesn’t go through, you cancheck for the latest driver version in Windows Update or manually install it from the manufacturer’s website.
Also, there’s a simpler and more convenient way of updating the drivers, using a third-party app.
We recommendOutbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will scan every source for the latest version, and keep all the installed drivers up-to-date.
6. Disable IPv6
7. Enable DHCP
The DHCP Client is used to automatically allot and configure the various network-related settings on your computer. If it is disabled, by any chance, you may encounter theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationerror in Windows 11.
8. Reset network settings
If none of the methods listed above have worked, you can try resetting the network settings using the three commands in an elevated Windows Terminal. This should eliminate theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationerror in Windows 11.
Why Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11?
Every device connected to a network needs an IP address, which acts as its identity here. And if it’s unable to get one when using a wired connection, you will encounter theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationerror in Windows 11.
There could be a bunch of reasons why you are encountering the error. While some have to do with the hardware, others could be related to the settings and software aspects. Here’s a list of them all:
The solution to most of these issues is rather simple and wouldn’t take more than a few minutes to execute. So, follow the methods above in the listed sequence for quick and effective troubleshooting.
How can I increase the Internet speed in Windows 11?
Once you have eliminated the error, the next major challenge faced by users is to keep the Internet speed stable and increase it to the maximum in Windows 11. It’s quite simple, and a few modifications could help considerably increase the Internet speed.
You can lower the bandwidth for downloading updates, disable apps from running in the background, terminate unnecessary processes that consume too much data, or disable Windows or third-party firewall, though this should be your last resort.
To learnhow to increase the Internet speed in Windows 11,check this guide. Also, find outhow to use a network speed monitor.
Ethernet, no doubt, offers higher reliability and a stable Internet speed, but oftentimes, you come across errors likeEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configurationin Windows 11. Also, the mobility of the connected device is restricted in this case.
Also, learn what to do ifEthernet keeps disconnecting in Windows 11, or even the previous iteration. Besides, checkhow to fix theEthernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 10.
Lastly, if you get theLocal Area Connection doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 10message, check out our dedicated article.
Tell us which fix worked and your thoughts on the Ethernet vs Wi-Fi debate, in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Ethernet,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
