10 Ways to Fix Ethernet Doesn't Have a Valid IP Configuration in Windows

Every computer is assigned with a unique IP for connecting to the internet. This is the address which is used for the identification process. Now several issues may a rise which can make the IP address to be invalid. Once this happens, the error  '' Ethernet doesn't have a valid IP configuration '' occurs. 

With more number of networking devices connected like modem and router, the chance is even more for experiencing this error. What this error means is that there is no permission to access the Ethernet IP configuration. 

Usually this error occurs when there is any problems with the Network Interface Card (NIC). Whatever it is, you need not to be worried since this is a software related problem. So it is simple to get rid of this error in simple steps.

In this article, I will be describing about 10 Ways to Fix Ethernet Doesn't Have a Valid IP Configuration in Windows. Follow any of the below listed methods to fix this error on your system.

Let's get started,

1. Check Ethernet Cable

Apart from the software related issues, the problem might actually lie in the ethernet cable itself. Most likely the issue arises if the ethernet cable becomes faulty. Therefore, you must ensure that the ethernet cable is free of damages and connected firmly into its slot. This should work if the previous ethernet cable is faulty.

2. Update Firmware

Always the networking devices must be updated with the latest firmware. If there is no latest firmware updates, it can cause several issues establishing an internet connection. So consider updating the firmware for each of the networking devices including routers and repeaters. 

The process to update firmware is available from the official manufacturer's site. However, be sure to carry out this process with extreme care since it can cause permanent damages to the networking devices if done incorrectly. 

3. Disable Antivirus

In some instances the Antivirus program installed on your computer may be the reason for this error. Some Antivirus softwares are known to prevent access to the internet. Especially, if you have a third party Antivirus installed. Therefore, the issue should be probably resolved after disabling the Antivirus program. 

The option to disable the Antivirus software is available from the Settings menu. In case if that doesn't work, you must uninstall the Antivirus software completely.

4. Update Network Drivers

Drivers enable communication between the hardware components and the operating system. If appropriate drivers are not updated, it can also lead to this error. This is especially true for this error if the drivers are related to the network. Reasons like outdated network drivers may also cause compatibility issues with windows. In this case, you need to make sure that all of the networking devices are updated with drivers of latest versions. 

Sometimes it is better to completely uninstall and reinstall the network drivers since this can possibly eliminate all of the corrupted files.

5. Switch to IPv4 

Under normal circumstances, most systems uses IPv6 connectivity. However, not all the ISPs support IPv6. This makes it unable to work with the ethernet connection. An alternative to IPv6 is the IPv4 protocol. Therefore, switching to IPv4 connectivity may instantly fix the issue. 

To switch to IPv4,

1. Press Start
2. Type '' Network and Sharing center ''  and double click on it
3. Select '' Change Adapter Settings ''
4. Choose the network and right click on it
5. Select '' Properties ''
6. Uncheck the option '' TCP/IPv6 ''

6. Enable DHCP

DHCP is the component responsible for assigning IP addresses. This option ensures that your internet connection is free of errors. If that option is disabled, it can cause problems in the network configuration. Hence, you will need to enable the DHCP option manually. This process should be easier if you use the home network. You can find the option to disable DHCP inside the router settings.

7. Make Direct Connections

When several networking devices are involved in making a connection, it can also result in this error. Therefore, instead of using any devices in between the router make direct connections for your PC and the router. Make sure that there is no networking devices in between them. If the problem gets resolved in such an arrangement one of the devices previously connected might be faulty.

8. Check Power Outlet

Another reason for ethernet doesn't have a valid IP configuration is the faults in the power outlet. Especially, if you are using a power line adapter connection. The power outlet the computer uses to the power line adapter might get faulty due to bad power connection and other reasons. One way to fix this problem is by using a different power outlet. This should make the router work fine.

9. Reset TCP/IP

TCP/IP basically refers to the internet protocol settings. It is one way to regulate internet usage. Hence, most issues related to the internet connection can be fixed effectively by resetting TCP/IP. 

To reset TCP/IP,

1. Go to Start
2. Type '' cmd ''
3. Right click on the results 
4. Choose '' Run as Administrator ''
5. Type the command,

                                      '' netsh Winsock ''

                                      '' netsh int IP reset ''

10. Restart Router

Sometimes issues that arises in the Internet Service Provider (ISP) may contribute to this error. For this a simple restart should work in resolving this issue. Restarting the router reestablishes the network connection. This fixes most problems in the router. And it is a good choice for restarting the system entirely because the issue can also be related to the system.