Fix DHCP Not Enabled for WiFi on Windows 10/11

Symptoms

• WiFi shows connected but no internet access.
• IP address is 169.254.x.x (APIPA) or static.
• Network icon shows yellow triangle or globe with no internet.
• Cannot browse websites or use online services.

Root Causes

• DHCP client service is disabled or not running.
• Network adapter is configured with a static IP instead of automatic.
• Corrupted network adapter drivers or misconfigured settings.
• Third-party firewall or VPN software interfering with DHCP.

Step-by-Step Fix: Enable DHCP via Network Settings

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, press Enter.
2. Right-click your WiFi adapter, select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click Properties.
4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
5. Click OK. Repeat for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) if needed.
6. Click OK to close adapter properties.
7. Restart your computer or run ipconfig /renew in Command Prompt (Admin).

Alternative Fixes

Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run: netsh interface ip set address name="Wi-Fi" source=dhcp
3. Run: netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" source=dhcp
4. Run: ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew

Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run: Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -Dhcp Enabled
3. Run: Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ResetServerAddresses
4. Run: Restart-NetAdapter -Name "Wi-Fi"

Check DHCP Client Service

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
2. Find DHCP Client. Ensure status is Running and startup type is Automatic.
3. If not, right-click > Properties > set Startup type to Automatic > Start > OK.

Prevention

• Always use automatic IP assignment unless you have a specific static IP requirement.
• Keep network adapter drivers updated via Device Manager or manufacturer website.
• Avoid using third-party network managers that may override DHCP settings.
• Regularly check DHCP client service status after major Windows updates.
• Create a system restore point before making network changes.

Additional Tips

If the issue persists, try resetting TCP/IP stack: netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset in Admin Command Prompt, then reboot. Also check if the router's DHCP server is enabled by logging into router settings (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

For enterprise networks, contact your IT administrator to ensure DHCP scope is not exhausted.