Fix DHCP Not Enabled for WiFi on Windows

EP
Erropedia Team
📅 May 25, 2026 📅 Updated Jul 31, 2026 👁 8 views Network & Connectivity Beginner
When DHCP is disabled for WiFi on Windows, the device cannot obtain an IP address automatically. This guide explains how to enable DHCP for WiFi adapters to restore network connectivity.

Symptoms

  • WiFi shows 'Connected, no internet' or 'Limited connectivity'
  • IP address is 169.254.x.x (APIPA) instead of a valid one
  • Error message: 'DHCP is not enabled for WiFi' or 'Unable to obtain IP address'
  • Network adapter status shows 'Automatic IP' disabled

Root Causes

  • DHCP client service is stopped or disabled
  • IPv4 settings manually set to static IP instead of automatic
  • Corrupted network adapter drivers
  • Firewall or third-party security software blocking DHCP
  • Router DHCP server is off or malfunctioning

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Enable DHCP via Network Adapter Properties

  1. Press Win + 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. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  5. Click OK and close all windows.

2. Restart DHCP Client Service

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate DHCP Client in the list.
  3. If it's not running, right-click and select Start.
  4. Set Startup Type to Automatic by right-clicking > Properties.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

3. Renew IP Address via Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X > Windows Terminal (Admin)).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew
    ipconfig /flushdns
  3. Wait for the renewal process to complete.

4. Reset Network Settings

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
  2. Click Network reset > Reset now.
  3. Restart your computer.

Alternative Fixes

  • Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter.
  • Update WiFi driver: Device Manager > Network adapters > right-click WiFi > Update driver.
  • Disable IPv6 if not needed: Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) in adapter properties.
  • Check router settings: Ensure DHCP server is enabled (usually under LAN settings).
  • Use netsh command: netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset in Admin Command Prompt, then restart.

Prevention

  • Always keep DHCP enabled for WiFi unless you have a specific reason for static IP.
  • Regularly update network drivers from the manufacturer's website.
  • Maintain Windows updates to avoid service corruption.
  • Use reliable security software that doesn't interfere with DHCP.
  • Periodically restart your router to prevent DHCP lease exhaustion.
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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.