Fix DHCP Not Enabled for WiFi on Windows 10/11

EP
Erropedia Team
📅 May 25, 2026 📅 Updated Aug 2, 2026 👁 9 views Network & Connectivity Beginner
WiFi shows 'No internet' or 'DHCP is not enabled' error. This guide helps you re-enable DHCP, release/renew IP, and reset network settings on Windows.

Symptoms

  • WiFi adapter shows 'No internet access' despite being connected.
  • Error message: 'DHCP is not enabled for WiFi' in network troubleshooter.
  • IP address shows as 169.254.x.x (APIPA) instead of a valid IP.
  • Unable to browse the internet or access network resources.

Root Causes

  • DHCP client service is stopped or disabled.
  • WiFi adapter is configured with a static IP instead of automatic DHCP.
  • Corrupted network settings or adapter driver issues.
  • Firewall or third-party antivirus blocking DHCP requests.
  • Router DHCP server malfunction (rare, but possible).

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Enable DHCP Client Service

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate DHCP Client in the list. Double-click it.
  3. If the service is stopped, click Start. Set Startup type to Automatic.
  4. Click Apply and OK. Restart your PC.

2. Set WiFi Adapter to Obtain IP Automatically

  1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, press Enter.
  2. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  5. Click OK and close all windows.

3. Release and Renew IP Address

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)).
  2. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
  3. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. Wait for a new IP.
  4. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  5. Restart your computer.

4. Reset Winsock and Network Stack

  1. In the same admin Command Prompt, run:
    netsh winsock reset
  2. Then run:
    netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your PC.

5. Reinstall WiFi Adapter Driver

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Uninstall device (check 'Delete driver software' if available).
  3. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Alternative Fixes

  • Run Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet > Run.
  • Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now.
  • Disable IPv6: In adapter properties, uncheck 'Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)' and restart.
  • Check Router: Restart your router and modem. Ensure DHCP is enabled on the router (default usually on).

Prevention

  • Always keep your network drivers updated via Windows Update or manufacturer website.
  • Avoid manually setting static IP unless necessary for your network.
  • Regularly run Windows Update to fix system-level bugs.
  • Use reliable antivirus that does not interfere with network services.
  • Create a system restore point before making major network changes.
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DHCP not enabled WiFi no internet Windows DHCP fix renew IP address release IP network reset WiFi adapter settings DHCP client service IPv4 properties automatic IP command prompt netsh ipconfig Windows 10 Windows 11

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EP
Erropedia Team
Tech Support Editors
The Erropedia editorial team researches and documents real-world tech errors from across Windows, Linux, macOS, networking, databases, cloud platforms, and more. Every solution is reviewed for accuracy and updated as software and systems evolve.