The error “DHCP is not enabled for wireless network” typically indicates that your device cannot obtain an IP address from the router automatically. This issue results in limited or no internet access and prevents you from connecting to the internet or other devices on your local network. Let’s understand what is DHCP, why the ‘DHCP is not enabled for WiFi’ error occurs and the troubleshooting steps to fix and restore network and internet access on your computer.
This error indicates that your system isn’t obtaining an IP address from the DHCP server, which is essential for network communication.
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Why DHCP is Not Enabled Error?
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is responsible for assigning IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses to devices on a network. This simplifies network management, as you don’t have to manually configure each device. However if for some reason, DHCP service is disabled or misconfigured, your device can’t obtain the necessary network settings causing connectivity issues. Well, Several factors can cause this error, preventing your computer from communicating with the DHCP server. some of the common ones include,
- Misconfigured network settings, such as using a static IP address, can prevent DHCP from functioning.
- The router might have DHCP disabled or configured improperly.
- Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause this error.
- Firewalls might be blocking DHCP traffic.
- The DHCP server may have run out of available IP addresses to assign.
Restart Your Router and PC
This is the first and often easiest solution. Restarting both devices refreshes network configurations and resolves temporary glitches that might be interfering with DHCP.
- Unplug the power cord from your router. Wait 30 seconds. Plug the power cord back in. Allow the router to fully power on (usually for a minute or two).
- Click on the Windows start menu select power then restart.
- After the router stabilizes, Connect to the wireless network and check for connectivity.
Ensure you’re properly connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Check if you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi password.
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.
Enable DHCP on Your Device
This is the very first thing you need to check and Ensure that your wireless adapter is set to obtain an IP address automatically.
- Press Win + R key type ncpa.cpl and hit the enter key.
- Right-click on your active wireless connection and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Ensure both options are set to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
- Click OK to save changes. Reconnect to your wireless network and check if the error is resolved.
Restart DHCP Client Service
This Windows service is responsible for getting IP addresses automatically from DHCP server. If for some reason this service not started or stuck you may get such error DHCP is Not Enabled for Wireless Network.
- Press Windows key + R, type
services.msc
, and press Enter. - Scroll down to Find “DHCP Client”.
- Right-click it, and select “Properties”.
- “Startup type” should be “Automatic”. If it’s not running, click “Start”.
Check if DHCP is Enabled on Your Router
This is another important step you need to check and ensure your router is configured for assign IP address via DHCP server.
- Access your router’s configuration page by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1) into a web browser. The exact address may vary depending on your router’s manufacturer. Check your router’s documentation if you’re unsure.
- Log in to your router’s interface using the administrator username and password (default credentials are often printed on a sticker on the router).
- Look for DHCP settings. They might be under sections like “LAN Setup,” “Network Settings,” or “DHCP Server.”
- Ensure that the “DHCP Server” is enabled.
- If it’s disabled, enable it and save the changes.
- While you’re in the router settings, ensure that there are available IP addresses in the DHCP pool. If the pool is too small, increase the range.
Run the Network Troubleshooter
Running the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter can detect and fix DHCP-related issues automatically.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Check if the issue is resolved.
Reset Winsock
Winsock is a programming interface and the supporting program that handles input/output requests for Internet applications in a Windows operating system. And ‘netsh winsock reset’ is a useful command that you can use in Microsoft Windows to reset winsock catalog back to the default setting or clean state.
- Press Windows Key Key + R to open Run
- Type netsh winsock reset and hit enter (note: if it doesn’t run, then open cmd as administrator, and then run the command).
- A black Command Prompt box will flash and close after successfully resetting Winsock.
In addition, run the following commands to reset TCP/IP settings, can resolve deeper configuration issues.
- Ipconfig / release
- Ipconfig /flushdns
- Ipconfig /renew
This will release the current Ip address clear the DNS cache and renew a new IP address from DHCP server, Which helps to resolve Network and internet connection problems including DHCP not enabled issue.
Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause DHCP-related errors. By uninstalling and reinstalling the Network adapter driver, you will clear any bad, corrupt or incompatible drivers. This will also reset the DNS and IP address for your computer.
First Uninstall the Old Network Adapter driver
Press Win + R then type devmgmt.msc and hit enter key. This will open the Windows device manager where you can find list of all installed drivers. Now expend the network adapters then right-click on your active network adapter driver and select uninstall.
Now Confirm that you want to uninstall the drivers, Then after restarting Windows. Next time when windows start it will find and install the network adapter driver for you. Or you can manually update the driver by right-clicking on Device Manager -> computer name – right click and select scan for hardware changes.
Also, you can visit the device manufacturer’s website, download the latest available driver for your network adapter, then install it on the problematic computer and restart Windows to check DHCP problem is solved and the network and internet are connected.
Perform a Network Reset
If none of the above methods work, resetting your network settings can resolve persistent issues.
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
- Scroll down and click Network reset.
- Click Reset now and confirm the action.
- Restart your PC and reconnect to your wireless network.
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