DHCP enables devices such as routers or servers to assign IP addresses to computer systems connecting to the network. But If that fails, for whatever reason, connection errors may occur and that results ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration, DHCP is not enabled for ethernet or WiFi and more. Let’s understand the DHCP, how it works and how to enable DHCP to obtain an IP address automatically on Windows 10.
What is DHCP?
The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration) is a standardized network protocol used on Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This is client or server based protocol allows assigning an automated IP host and its address for network connectivity. Generally, if you want to connect the network and internet your device must have a unique IP address, and enabling DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses for your device helps provide network stability and reduce static IP address conflicts.
1 What is DHCP?2 DHCP is not enabled for ethernet2.1 Enable DHCP on Windows2.2 Enable DHCP client service2.3 Reset your proxy settings2.4 Reset Winsock and TCP/IP2.5 Reinstall your Network driver
But if due to some reason such as an outdated network adapter, a wrong proxy or incorrect network configuration DHCP might fail to assign IP address automatically to the client computer. As a result without the unique IP address, the client computer is unable to connect to the network and result no internet access.
DHCP is not enabled for ethernet
If you are also struggling with similar problem, here is how to enable DHCP for the local area network and fix the problem. Note: Solutions listed below are also applicable for Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 computers to fix DHCP not enabled for Ethernet, Wifi or ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration as well. If this is the very first time you are seeing this problem, we recommend restart networking devices (Router, Modem, Switch) Include your PC. This will Fresh Start and fix the problem if a temporary glitch causes the issue. Temporarily disable security software and disconnect from VPN (if configured on your PC)
Enable DHCP on Windows
The first thing you must check is your network adapter settings, to confirm its configured correctly to Assign IP Address From the DHCP server.
Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter key.This will open the Network connections window,Here right-click on Active Network Adapter select properties.Then Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).Here make sure to Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
Pro Tip: Also following steps with router official site, check and make sure your router is configured/Enabled to assign IP address to client PC automatically.
Enable DHCP client service
The DHCP client service helps register the IP address and update DNS records for your computer. If due to any reason DHCP client service not started / Stopped this may cause fails to obtain an IP address to the client computer. And that might result DHCP is not enabled for local area connection or wifi.
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and hit the enter key.This will open the windows services console,Scroll down and locate DHCP client service,If its running state, right-click on DHCP service and select restartBut if it’s not started, Double click on DHCP service to open its propertiesHere change its startup type to automatic and start the service next to the service statusClick Apply followed by OK
Reset your proxy settings
Press Win + R then type inetcpl.cpl and hit the enter key,This will open internet properties.Move to the Connections tab then click on the LAN settings button.In the New popup window, uncheck the ‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’ checkbox.And make sure to Automatically detect settings is selected.
Reset Winsock and TCP/IP
There are chances wrong network configuration causing DHCP to fail to assign IP addresses automatically Let’s reset the TCP/IP stack that probably helps fix the problem. Open Command prompt As an administrator, Then performs Command Below to release and renew IP Address on your PC.
netsh Winsock resetnetsh int IP resetIpconfig /releaseIpconfig /flushdnsIpconfig /renew
That’s all close the command prompt and restart your PC, Check if this helps to fix the problem.
Reinstall your Network driver
Still, need help? There are chances your network adapter driver is outdated, and fails to perform as expected and that makes your PC unable to receive an IP address from DHCP. Update or reinstall the driver for the network adapter probably help to fix the problem.
Right-click on the Start menu select device manager,Expend network adapter, Right-click on installed network adapter select update driver,Click Search automatically for updated driver software and follow on-screen instructions.
If windows didn’t find the updated driver you can try to reinstall the driver for the network adapter following the steps below.
Open device manager,Expand network adapters, right-click on your active network adapter driver and select uninstall.Now Confirm that you want to uninstall the drivers, Then after restart windows.Next time when windows start it will find and install the network adapter driver for you.Or you can manually update the driver by Right click on Device manager -> computer name – right-click and select scan for hardware changes.
Also, you can visit the device manufacturer’s website, download the latest available driver for your network adapter, then install it on the problematic computer and restart winnows check DHCP problem is solved and the network and internet connection working. Did these solutions help fix DHCP that is not enabled for local area connection on windows 10, 8.1, and 7? Let us know the comments below. Also, Read
Tor Vs. VPN – Which Online Privacy System Is Better? ExplainedSolved: Unidentified network no internet access on windows 10How to block websites using host files on windows 10How to fix IP address conflict on windows 10, 8.1 and 7Diagnose Network and Internet connection problems in Windows 10
