The most common reason for this issue is incorrect network settings, like improperly assigned IP addresses. Moreever, it could also be due to outdated or damaged network drivers. Other causes might include problems with the router or modem, DHCP server errors, or defective Ethernet cables. Now, let’s proceed with the detailed troubleshooting methods.
1. Change the DNS to Google or Cloudflare DNS
Switching to Google or Cloudflare DNS can help because it avoids using the default DNS from your internet provider, which might be slow or set up incorrectly and cause connection problems. Using a more reliable and faster DNS allows your computer to find website addresses more quickly and reduces the chances of network errors like invalid IP configurations.
3. Reset Your Network Settings
If network troubleshooting doesn’t work, resetting your network settings gives you a fresh start. This process removes any wrong settings that might be preventing a valid IP configuration. It reinstalls network adapters and resets all settings to their original state, getting rid of any custom changes that might be causing the problem.
4. Verify All Connected Cables
Sometimes, checking all the physical cables ensures that your Ethernet connection is secure and functional. A loose or damaged Ethernet cable can prevent data from being transmitted properly. Ensuring all cables are tightly connected and undamaged can restore a stable connection, helping your computer communicate with the router and obtain a valid IP address.
5. Disable IPv6
If your router or internet provider mainly uses IPv4, keeping IPv6 on can cause problems. Turning off IPv6 makes your system use IPv4 only, which can make the connection smoother and help fix the issue.
6. Disable Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter
Turning off the Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter can fix network problems by removing possible conflicts with your main network adapter. This virtual adapter is mainly used for system debugging, which is useful for developers but not needed for regular internet use. Disabling it helps prevent it from interfering with your main Ethernet connection, allowing the system to focus on the network it needs without getting confused.
7. Configure a MAC Address for Your Network Card
Sometimes, changing the MAC address can fix network problems. Every network card has its own unique MAC address, but sometimes your router or internet provider might not recognize it correctly, causing connection issues. By manually setting a new MAC address, you refresh how your device connects to the network, which can help solve the problem of getting a valid IP configuration.
8. Enable DHCP
Turning on DHCP helps your device automatically get a valid IP address from the router. Without DHCP, you have to manually enter network settings, which can cause mistakes. Letting DHCP manage this reduces errors and ensures smoother network communication, avoiding issues with invalid IP configurations.
9. Disable Custom Power Management Customizations
When your device tries to save energy by putting parts like the network adapter in low-power mode, it can cause connection problems. Turning off custom power settings stops this, keeping the network adapter active and preventing automatic power reduction.
10. Renew Your IP Configurations
When your computer’s IP address is old or clashes with another device, renewing the IP can fix it. This means giving up the current IP and getting a new one from the DHCP server.
11. Disable 3rd Party Antivirus
Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can mess with system tasks, like network settings. Turning it off temporarily lets Windows manage network tasks without interference, which might otherwise block or change important settings for a stable connection.
12. Deploy a CHKDSK Scan
When file system problems or bad sectors exist on the disk, they can prevent Windows from accessing important network files properly. A CHKDSK scan checks the health of your file system and fixes errors or bad areas, ensuring that all necessary files for networking work correctly.
13. Install the Network Driver in Compatibility Mode
Running the network driver in compatibility mode lets Windows install it as if it’s on an older system, avoiding conflicts with new updates. This helps keep the driver stable and fixes IP configuration issues by skipping compatibility problems with newer Windows versions.
14. Switch to the Maximum Performance Power Plan
Switching to the Maximum Performance Power Plan adjusts your computer’s power settings so that all network hardware, like the Ethernet adapter, runs at full power. This prevents power-saving features from slowing down your network adapter, avoiding problems like IP configuration errors or disconnections.
15. Disable the Virtual Ethernet Devices
Virtual Ethernet adapters from programs like VPNs or virtual machines can sometimes mess with your main network connection. Turning off these virtual devices can help solve problems that stop Windows from giving your physical Ethernet connection the right IP address.
16. Optimize your Network Power Usage
Adjusting power management settings for your network adapter can be important, as excessively high power settings might lead to instability and connectivity issues. By adjusting these settings to optimize for power efficiency, you could potentially reduce excessive power demands which may accidentally cause your network adapter to malfunction or disconnect.
17. Allow Ethernet Adapter through BIOS
To make sure your Ethernet adapter works right, you might need to turn it on in the BIOS. This lets the motherboard detect and use the network adapter so it can get an IP address from your router. After adjusting settings in BIOS, boot into Windows and check for the issue again.
18. Uninstall the latest Windows Update
Uninstalling the latest Windows update can sometimes solve the “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP” problem. Updates can sometimes cause issues with network drivers or settings, leading to IP address errors.
19. Enable QoS from Router Settings
Turning on Quality of Service (QoS) in your router can help manage network traffic better. This makes data flow more smoothly and can help fix IP configuration problems by reducing network congestion.
20. Enable the AutoConfig Service
To ensure your device can automatically configure its network settings, make sure the AutoConfig service is turned on. This service helps Windows connect to networks by applying the right settings. If it’s off, your computer might not get an IP address from the network, leading to connection issues.
21. Reinstall Network-related Dependencies via Net Config
If none of the solutions work, reinstalling network parts can fix the issue. This resets important things like TCP/IP and DNS settings, which might be messed up or set wrong, causing IP address problems. Refreshing these settings removes conflicts or old settings, helping your device connect to the network again correctly.
