DHCP is not enabled for Ethernet or local area connection (Solved)

A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for both work and leisure. However, at times you may encounter the frustrating “DHCP Not Enabled for Ethernet or local area connection” error on Windows PC, which can disrupt the ability to connect to the internet. Users report being unable to visit web pages after installing the Windows update or experiencing no internet access after the Windows 11 upgrade. This error typically occurs if your PC Network configuration or NIC (Network interface card) is not enabled to obtain IP addresses automatically from the DHCP server. In this article, we’ll explore what is DHCP and how to fix DHCP is not enabled for local area connection in Windows 10/11

Network adapter settings play a critical role in facilitating a seamless and uninterrupted internet connection. Misconfigurations can lead to a host of issues, including the notorious “DHCP Not Enabled” error.

What is DHCP?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a networking protocol that automates the process of assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. It ensures that each device can communicate with others efficiently.

When a device connects to a network, it sends a request to a DHCP server, which then allocates an available IP address to the device. This process is crucial for seamless network communication.

Misconfigured Network Settings, Faulty Network Hardware or Software Conflicts are common reasons behind DHCP is not enabled for the local area connection in Windows 10/11.

• Incorrect settings in your network configuration can lead to DHCP-related issues.
• A malfunctioning router or modem may prevent proper DHCP operation.
• Certain security software or third-party firewalls can interfere with DHCP functionality.

Fix DHCP is not enabled error Windows 10

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary network glitches. Power down your router and modem, wait for a minute and then power them back on.

Ensure that all cables connecting your computer, router, and modem are securely plugged in.

• Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
• Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
• Ensure that “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” is checked.

Enable DHCP for Ethernet or Wi-Fi

The problem in question often stems from incorrect adapter settings, so you should tweak them straight away:

1. Press the Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok to open network connections
2. Locate your active network adapter (WiFi or Ethernet) connection, Right-click on it and choose Properties.
3. Navigate to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), double-click on it to open its properties.
4. Here check the configuration is set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” as shown image below.
5. If not, set them to Automatically obtain IP and DNS address.

That’s all Click OK to confirm the changes and save. Now reboot your PC and try to access the Internet.

This simple adjustment should resolve the “DHCP Not Enabled for Local Area Connection” issue, restoring your internet connectivity.

Check the DHCP client service is running

If due to any reason or a temporary glitch DHCP client service stops or gets stuck running, this would cause fail to assign IP address to the client machine, let’s check and enable the DHCP client service. To do this

1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc and hit the Enter key.
2. In the list of services, scroll down and look for DHCP Client
3. If it’s running stage, Right-click and restart the service.
4. In case it’s not started, then double-click on it.
5. Set its startup type to Automatic, and start the service.
6. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
7. Restart Windows for better results, and open the webpage to check if the Internet started working.

Disable Proxy

1. Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.
2. The Internet Properties window will open.
3. Navigate to Connections and click on LAN settings.
4. Locate the Use a Proxy Server for your LAN option and uncheck it.
5. Check Automatically detect settings.
6. Click OK to confirm your actions.
7. Reboot your PC and check if you can connect to the Internet now.

Reset Winsock and TCP/IP

Still, need help? You might need to reset your Winsock and TCP/IP configuration, which reset the network configuration to the default setup. And fix most of the Windows network and Internet connection problems.

• Type Cmd on Start menu search, Right-click on Command prompt and select Run as administrator.
• Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
nbtstat –r
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns

• After executing these commands, type exit to close the command prompt, and restart Windows. Check your Internet connection.

Reinstall Network Adapter Driver

If all the above solutions failed to fix “DHCP is not enabled for ethernet/WiFi” then there is a chance the installed network adapter driver is outdated, not compatible with the current Windows version that fails to receive IP address from the DHCP server. We recommend update or reinstalling the network driver following the steps below.

Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause DHCP issues. Visit your computer manufacturer’s website for the latest driver updates.

Update Network Adapter Driver

• Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc and ok to open device manager.
• Expand the Network adapter, right-click on the active network adapter driver, select update driver,
• Select option “Search automatically for updated driver software”, let Windows to check and install the best available driver for your installed network adapter.
• After that, Restart windows and Check, the Internet connection started working.

Reinstall the Network Adapter driver

If Windows didn’t find any driver, let’s do it manually.

First, download the latest network adapter driver (for ethernet or WiFi) for your PC on a different laptop or PC (which has an active internet connection). And save the latest drivers on your local PC (Which is causing the problem)

• Now open Device Manager, (devmgmt.msc)
• Expand the network adapter, right-click on the active network adapter driver, select Uninstall the device.
• Click yes when asking for confirmation and restart Windows to completely uninstall the network driver.
• Most of the time on the next restart Windows automatically install the built-in driver for your network adapter. (So check once its installed or not)
• If not installed, open device manager, click on Action and select “scan for hardware changes”
• This time windows scan and install the network adapter(driver), If ask for driver select the driver path which you downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
• Restart your PC and check the Internet connection started working.