Nothing can be more annoying than the situation when you try to access the Internet but get an error message stating that “Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration”. The problem is mostly caused due to incompatible network drivers, incorrect network configuration, or if there’s some issue with the router or modem. In certain scenarios, the problem may arise from your ISP’s end. So, it would be a great idea to check with your Internet Service Provider before you get started with some troubleshooting.
Apart from receiving “, Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration” message, you may see the following errors as well when you are unable to connect to the Internet:
- Wi-Fi Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration
- Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration
The article focuses on the first issue and gathers effective solutions to resolve the issue.
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Fixes To Resolve Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration
Follow the step-by-step method to get rid of the issue:
METHOD 1 – Modify The Value Of Your Network Connection
You can try changing the value of your network connection to solve the problem. Simply follow the instructions mentioned below:
STEP 1- Launch the Settings on your Windows. You can press the keyboard shortcuts (Windows + I) altogether to open the Settings menu.
STEP 2- Navigate to the Network & Internet module.
STEP 3- From the new window that appears on your screen, go to the Status tab and click the option ‘Change adapter options’. You can refer to the screenshot below to get a better idea!
STEP 4- Simply right-click on the network adapter that you are currently using and choose its Properties. Hit the Configure option, followed by Advanced. From here, under the Property header, you need to choose the Network Address and change the value to random 12 alphanumeric characters of your choice.
STEP 5- After changing the value, click the OK button to save the changes. Simply Restart your system and try connecting to the Internet.
Hopefully, this helps you to “Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration” error on your Windows 10 system.
Must-Read: Troubleshooting Guide: Windows Network Error 0x800704cf
METHOD 2- Update Your Network Adapter Driver
In case your Network Adapter Driver is outdated or corrupted, then you might receive this annoying error message on your Windows computer. In such a scenario, we recommend users update their Network Adapter Driver to their latest and most compatible version.
You have multiple methods to download and install the latest drivers on your Windows. However, the safest and easiest way is through using dedicated driver updater software like Smart Driver Care.
STEP 1- Download, install and launch Smart Driver Care on your Windows.
STEP 2- Using the registered version, click on the Start Scan button.
STEP 3- It would take a few seconds for Smart Driver Care to list all the outdated, damaged, corrupted, missing drivers on your computer.
STEP 4- You can either locate the faulty Network Adapter Driver from the list and click on the Update button next to it, to get their latest version. Alternatively, you can click the Update All button to install the latest and compatible drivers in bulk.
Once all the right drivers are installed on your computer, simply restart your PC to implement the changes. Additionally, you’ll start noticing a great performance boost on your PC after a single scan with Smart Driver Care.
- Smart Driver Care vs Driver Finder vs Avast Driver Updater
- Smart Driver Care VS Driver Easy: Which Is The Best Driver Updater Utility
METHOD 3- Change Network Adapter Settings
The outdated or missing drivers might cause “Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration” error on your Windows 10. Follow the steps below to modify the settings.
STEP 1- Launch the Run window on your PC. You can press the shortcut keys – Windows + R to launch the menu.
STEP 2- From the Run menu, type the command line ncpa.cpl and hit the OK button to launch Network Connections.
STEP 3- From the window that appears on your screen, find the current network connection and right-click on it to choose the Properties.
STEP 4- From the Properties window, you need to choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and go to its Properties.
STEP 5- From here, you need to check on the following options:
- Obtain an IP address automatically
- Obtain DNS server address automatically
Hit the OK button to save the changes! Simply restart your computer to implement the changes and check if the error message “Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration” reappears.
If the problem persists, you need to make a few changes more:
- From the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, you need to check the following option: Use the following IP address
- Now at this point, you need to enter the IP Address, Subnet mask, Default gateway.
- Once, you have filled all the fields, choose the option Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following fields:
- Preferred DNS server
- Alternate DNS server
Simply click the OK button to save the changes. Hopefully, this fixes the “Local Area Connection Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration” error message on your Windows!
Have any questions in mind? Want to learn how to troubleshoot any other annoying issue on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS?