Geek's Advice

Method 1. Restart your Router and PC

As a rule, restarting a computer and router can fix common network connection problems like a charm. Therefore, before you go deeper into the tutorial, we suggest you try this basic fix – it might solve the problem for you.

Shut down your computer first. Then, go to your router and shut it down. Wait a couple of minutes before turning it back on. Once all of its lights are back on, turn on your computer and check whether Internet connection is back on. You should no longer encounter the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error.

Method 2. Reset TCP/IP Network Settings

The second method to fix the identified network connection issue is to reset TCP/IP settings via Command Prompt. It includes usage of Netsh, a command-line phrase that allows you to display or alter network settings of the computer either locally or remotely. You can find an in-depth guide how to reset TCP/IP here.

In order to carry out these instructions properly, you will have to use the Administrator’s Command Prompt. Follow the given steps to do everything correctly and get rid of Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error now.

1. Open Windows search and type Command Prompt. Right-click the matching result and choose Run as Administrator.
   
2. In User Account Control window, press Yes.
   
3. Once the Administrator: Command Prompt opens, type one command at a time and press Enter:
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset
   
4. You will receive a message claiming that you need to restart your computer to complete the reset. Ignore the mesage and type the second command, and only then restart your computer for changes to take effect. Then, check if the error is fixed.

Method 3. Flush DNS Cache

Another simple method to fix Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration issue is to Flush DNS cache. This step also requires using the elevated Command Prompt, just like in the previous method. Follow the given directions to release DHCP configuration, flush DNS and renew the DHCP configuration so that your network settings would be cleared from cached and incorrect information.

1. Use Windows search to find Command Prompt. Then right-click the corresponding result and select Run as Administrator.
   
2. In UAC prompt, select Yes.
   
3. Type one command at a time and press Enter. Then repeat the same thing with the next two commands:
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /renew
4. After executing all three commands, restart your computer. Check if the issue persists.

Method 4. Update or Reinstall Network Adapter Driver

A network adapter driver is a program which allows communication between your network connections and your computer. According to PCMag.com’s definition, it is a software that activates the actual transmission and receipt of data over the network. It also provides data link protocol which controls the brand of network adapter installed on the user’s computer.

That said, using outdated or faulty network drivers can result in Internet connection issues and consequently, cause Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration issue. Therefore, you should definitely check your driver status, or reinstall them, if needed.

1. Press Windows key + R to launch Run prompt.
2. Here, type devmgmt.msc and press OK or Enter.
   
3. Click the little arrow next to Network Adapters to expand the section. Right-click your driver and choose Uninstall device option.
   
4. Select Delete the driver software for this device. Confirm your choice by clicking Uninstall.
   
5. Restart your PC – this automatically reinstalls a fresh driver copy. Then check if this fixed the issue. If the problem persists, then open Device Manager once again (steps 1-2), right-click your computer name and choose Scan for hardware changes.
   
6. Now, right-click the network adapter and choose Update driver.
   
7. In the next window, click Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow instructions on your screen.
   Optional: you can also download the latest driver version from your network adapter’s manufacturer website.
8. Check if Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error is solved.

Method 5. Alter TCP/IP Settings Yourself

You can try to configure TCP/IP settings yourself to fix Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration option, especially if the automatic fix provided in method 3 didn’t solve the problem. Follow the given instructions to do it:

1. Press Windows key + R to launch Run prompt. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter or OK.
   
2. Find connection labeled as Ethernet, right-click it and select Properties.
   
3. In Ethernet properties, scroll down the list until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4). Select this or Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) option (whichever you’re using) and click Properties.
   
4. In case the settings are configured to use static address, you can try Obtain an IP address automatically along with Obtain DNS server address automatically options. After choosing them, click OK.
   Alternative option: If automatic options were set by default, you can try entering values manually. Use the example provided for reference only. Click OK after entering preferred values.
   

Method 6. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

When it comes to fixing Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error, users report that temporarily disabling their antivirus helped to solve the issue. To disable your antivirus, open it and go to its Settings. While different software settings differ, you should find an option to disable the protection easily.
However, remember that you should never leave your computer unprotected for extended periods of time. This leaves the computer system susceptible to ransomware attacks, Trojans, and other sorts of malware.