Fix DHCP Not Enabled for WiFi on Windows

Symptoms

When DHCP is not enabled for WiFi on Windows, users may experience the following symptoms:

• WiFi shows as connected but no internet access.
• Limited or no connectivity notification appears.
• IP address displayed as 169.254.x.x (APIPA) in network settings.
• Unable to browse websites or use online services.
• Other devices on the same network work fine.

Root Causes

This issue typically arises due to one or more of the following:

• WiFi network adapter is set to a static IP address instead of automatic (DHCP).
• DHCP client service is disabled or not running.
• Corrupted network adapter drivers or settings.
• Router or access point DHCP server malfunction (less common).
• Windows network stack corruption.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Enable DHCP via Network Adapter Properties

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Ensure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
5. Click OK and close all windows.
6. Restart your PC to apply changes.

2. Restart DHCP Client Service

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
2. Scroll to DHCP Client, right-click and select Restart.
3. If the service is stopped, right-click and choose Start.
4. Set startup type to Automatic by double-clicking the service, selecting Automatic, then OK.

3. Reset Network Stack via Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search cmd, right-click, Run as administrator).
2. Run the following commands one by one:

   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   ipconfig /flushdns
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset

3. Restart your computer.

4. Update or Reinstall WiFi Driver

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If no update found, right-click again and select Uninstall device (check 'Delete driver software' if prompted).
4. Restart your PC; Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Alternative Fixes

Use Windows Network Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
2. Click Network troubleshooter and follow prompts.
3. This may automatically reset DHCP settings.

Reset Network Settings

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Click Network reset and then Reset now.
3. Confirm and restart your PC. This reinstalls network adapters and resets all settings to default.

Prevention

• Avoid manually setting IP addresses unless necessary; always use DHCP for home WiFi.
• Keep Windows and network drivers updated.
• Regularly restart your router and modem to prevent DHCP server issues.
• Create a system restore point before making network changes.
• Use reliable antivirus to avoid malware that may alter network settings.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 'DHCP is not enabled for WiFi' issue and restore normal internet connectivity on your Windows device.