Fix “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Error in Windows 10

“IP address” means an “Internet Protocol address”. This is an address that identifies a device on a network. This address is for a specific product and connection which is used to communicate with other devices or the internet. This error usually occurs when an invalid or corrupt IP address has been received from your DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

This pesky little error sounds like a mammoth task but it is exactly contrary to that. All you need to do is some quick fix and some simple hacks and voila, you are back making your people proud by working or playing games.

If you are a first-timer or are going to operate your computer for the first time and have no previous experience, rest assured. This is not a virus and none of your devices have been damaged(not a promise as there can be damage caused due to physical hindrance but in most cases, it is not the case). This is just a bugging error that appears when its requirements are not matched. The reason why this persists and why it keeps coming more and more are mentioned below with appropriate solutions.

What causes the error?

The error has been one of the most common errors on Windows 10 computers. It is almost as if every second you encounter this error and fixing the issue seems a humongous task to many.

This error can be caused by a myriad of reasons, from faulty network adapter drivers to incorrect network configuration. For those N number of reasons, there are quid pro quo solutions. How to Fix “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” Error in Windows 10?? Let’s see –

Different ways to fix this error!!

As the issue is persistent, we have planned multiple ways to find you a way out of it. Below are some of the easiest ways to eliminate the “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error. The tricks are pretty easy even a beginner could get it done, just follow the steps correctly. Now, let us have a look at them as we guide you through them.

Fix- 1: Restart your System

It is a quite simple spell, but an effective one. Restarting your computer is usually a granny trick but try it out once and it could yield profitable fruits.

Step – 1: Click on the Windows button on the bottom left of your screen.

Step – 2: You will find the option of switch off on the bottom and click on Shutdown.

click on Shutdown

Step – 3: Check if the error still persists.

Fix- 2: Restart Your Router

The router could also be one of the big reasons for the error to occur persistently. Switching it off and on should do the trick though sometimes resetting IP Addresses or finding the right one would be needed too. Check your ethernet cables too as that could be one of the major. Checking the setting of the modem is important too.

Fix- 3: Run The Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Running the Troubleshooter is often the easiest way to find out what is wrong and solve it in the most optimum way possible.

Step – 1: Press the Windows key and “S” simultaneously.

Step – 2: Write “Network Adapter” followed by clicking on “Find and fix problems with your network adapter”.

Find and fix problems with your network adapter

Step – 3: Now click on “Advanced”, then click on “Apply repairs automatically”.

Apply repairs automatically

Step – 4: Click on“Run as Administrator“ which will only proceed once you enter the password.

Run as administrator

Step – 5: Click on Next followed by a selection of your Ethernet network adapter from the list.

Click on Next

Step – 6: Work through the questions and complete the process of the Troubleshooting Tool.

Troubleshooting Tool

Step – 7: Check for the error.

Fix- 4: Update or Reinstall Network Connection Driver

It is a usual habit of Windows 10 to update this specification from time to time without causing hindrance. To be sure, you can update the drivers associated with your Ethernet and Wi-Fi connection manually which would eradicate your internet connection as the source of error.

Step – 1: Press Windows Key + X followed by “Device Manager” from the menu.

Open Device Manager using Control Options

Step – 2: Select “Network adapters” to unfurl the list of network drivers for your device. The Driver name of the Network Adapter should usually show which one you are connected to.

Step – 3: Once you got your Ethernet Network Adapter, right-click on its name and select “Update driver”.

Update network adapter driver

Step – 4: Click on “Search automatically for drivers”. The rest will be done by Windows automatically.

Seach-for-drivers

Step – 5: Check if the error still continues and causes issues.

Fix- 5: Reset TCP/IP

This method is a bit complex for those of you who especially do not have much idea about the usage and working of computers.

Step – 1: Press “Windows + S” and type “Run as Administrator”.

Step – 2: In the elevated Command Prompt right click on the name followed by selecting “Run as Administrator” and then “OK”.

cmd-as-admin

Step – 3: On Elevated Command Prompt, type in the following commands –

  • netsh Winsock reset
  • netsh int IP reset

type netsh Winsock reset and netsh int IP reset in command prompt

Step – 4: Ignore the option of restarting after entering the first command. Opt to restart after you have typed in the second command.

Step – 5: Check if the error “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” still persists.

Fix- 6: Reset The Winsock

Winsock or the Windows Socket is a very important integral component of Windows that handles incoming and outgoing data requests for programs using the internet.

Step – 1: Click “Windows + S” and write “Command Prompt” > right-click on the command prompt and choose Run as Administrator.

cmd-as-admin

Step – 2: Once in the Command Prompt execute the following commands –

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

execute the following commands and press enter

Step – 3: Once the commands have been entered, restart your computer. Avoid any restart opinions or other notifications prompting up till the end of the last command.

Step – 4: Check if the error still exists.

Related Posts:

Conclusion

These solutions are very simple and try using one or the other that should do the trick for you. There is nothing to worry about for you if the error does not disappear or if the error still keeps showing make sure you go to the store and get it checked. There is nothing to worry about even when you are seeing this error for the first time as we said before this is not a virus or none of your devices are damaged. This is a small technical fault and that can be silver very easily and so make sure you follow the above-mentioned steps to the very dot.

As we said there can be innumerable reasons as to why this error “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” would pop up on your screen. Pointing out what caused can be difficult but those easy steps are pretty handy tools to know.

If there are more doubts or the error still persists or if you find some other error caused due to the changes you inflicted upon your computer, let us know through the comments below. We will ensure that we find a satisfactory answer to your issue and that this irritating little error can be eradicated from your device.

Rahul Patel
Rahul Patel

Rahul is a blogger and a tech geek. By reviewing the latest technology and finding the solution of pesky errors, he feels immense pleasure. Driven by his innate interest in blogging, he adapted blogging as a full-time profession 4 years ago.

Articles: 109