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If Windows 11 says Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration, start with the Get Help network troubleshooter, then check whether the PC can obtain an address from your router. The message does not identify one failed component by itself. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance recommends checking the connection, renewing the address, and narrowing down whether the problem is on the PC or the network before trying disruptive repairs.
What the error means—and what to check first
Windows needs a valid IP address to communicate on your local network. The error means it has not established a usable configuration for the Wi-Fi connection; it does not, on its own, prove that the router, Wi-Fi adapter, or internet service has failed.
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter. Also confirm that Wi-Fi is on, Airplane mode is off, and the intended network is connected. If Windows has a saved profile for that network, forgetting it and reconnecting with the Wi-Fi password can help rule out a connection-profile problem. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance covers these checks for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Determine whether the problem is the PC or the network
Check whether another device can connect to the same Wi-Fi network. If several devices have trouble, the router, modem, or internet service is a more likely place to investigate. If other devices connect normally, focus first on this Windows PC. These checks narrow the possibilities; they are not a definitive diagnosis.
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You can also restart the modem and router. This briefly disconnects every device using the network, so do it when an interruption is acceptable. If your router offers another Wi-Fi frequency band, try connecting to that band as a further check.
Check the IP address Windows received
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfigFind the Wi-Fi adapter and inspect its IPv4 address. An address in the 169.254.x.x range means Windows could not get an IP address from the router, according to Microsoft. If the network is not meant to use a manually assigned static IP address, check the router’s settings or documentation to confirm that DHCP is enabled. DHCP is the router function that assigns local IP addresses to devices.
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To request an address again, run these commands in Command Prompt:
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Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renewThen check whether the Wi-Fi connection works and whether ipconfig shows a usable address.
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Reset Windows networking with Microsoft’s command sequence
If renewing the address does not help, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter these commands in order:
netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip resetipconfig /releaseipconfig /renewipconfig /flushdns
The sequence resets Winsock and TCP/IP, releases and renews the IP address, and clears the DNS resolver cache. Test Wi-Fi afterward. These are troubleshooting steps, not a guaranteed fix.
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Test whether the PC can reach the Wi-Fi router
In the ipconfig output, find the Wi-Fi adapter’s Default Gateway. Use that address in a ping command, for example:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesping 192.168.1.1Replace 192.168.1.1 with the gateway address shown on your PC. A reply means the PC can reach the router over the local network. If it replies but internet access is still unavailable, investigate the modem or internet service next; a successful ping alone does not prove that the service is working.
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If the gateway does not reply, Microsoft suggests trying a direct Ethernet connection from the PC to the modem, if your equipment supports it. If that connection works, the router becomes a stronger suspect. A cable is only an optional diagnostic tool, not a required purchase or a guaranteed fix; check for compatible Ethernet ports or an appropriate adapter first. Check the router’s firmware and documentation as well.
Reinstall the Wi-Fi adapter driver if earlier steps fail
Microsoft’s next option is to uninstall the network adapter driver and restart the PC so Windows can look for and reinstall it. Before uninstalling, obtain a backup driver from the PC manufacturer. If the affected PC cannot get online, download the driver on another device and copy it to a USB drive.
A problem that began after a driver or Windows update is useful context when deciding whether to investigate the adapter driver, but it does not establish that the update caused the error.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUse Network reset only as a last step
Microsoft Support says, “Using network reset should be the last step you try.” In Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, then select the reset option shown there.
Network reset removes installed network adapters and their settings, reinstalls the adapters after a restart, and restores network settings to their defaults. VPN client software or Hyper-V virtual switches may need to be set up again, and saved networks may be changed to Public profiles. Consider these effects before proceeding.
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