The message “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” indicates that two or more devices on your network are using the same IP address. This can disrupt your internet connectivity and prevent your devices from accessing the network. Well, this is a common network issue that can be fixed by restarting your router or computer. This article will explain what is IP Address, the common reasons behind this problem and provide solutions to resolve it effectively.
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What is an IP address?
Let’s start with what is an IP address. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to a network. It’s the computer’s address and identity that is used to identify it among all the other computers and network devices. For Example: When your computer, smartphone, or any other devices connect to a local network/WiFi network all the devices will get a unique IP address. The primary purpose of this is to provide a critical addressing technique to the network and its elements. It is often used to distinguish each device on the same network as well as to communicate with each other.
An IP address conflict occurs when two devices on the same network are assigned identical IP addresses. Since each device on a network must have a unique IP address to communicate properly, this duplication causes conflicts and disrupts network functionality. Here are the common reasons for an IP address conflict:
- Static IP Address Assignments: If two devices are manually assigned the same static IP address, a conflict occurs.
- DHCP Server Issues: The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server might incorrectly assign the same IP address to multiple devices.
- Network Device Issues: Faulty or misconfigured routers, modems, or switches can cause IP conflicts.
- Device Wake-Up Conflicts: If a device is put to sleep and wakes up while another device is using its previous IP address, a conflict can arise.
- Incorrect Network Configuration: Incorrect network settings on your devices can sometimes result in IP address conflicts.
Restart Your Router and Devices
Restarting your router and all connected devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, printers) can often resolve temporary DHCP issues and clear any IP address conflicts by refreshing the IP address assignments for all connected devices.
- Turn off your router or modem by unplugging it from the power source.
- Wait for 1-2 minutes to allow the device to reset.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Check if the error is resolved.
Release and Renew Your IP Address
Again incorrect network configuration also causes an IP conflict. Let’s reset the network configuration to its default and force your Windows PC to ask the DHCP server (modem/router) for a new IP address.
To do this Open Command prompt As Administrator and rune following commands one by one and hit enter key to execute the command.
- netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
After that, reboot your Windows computer and test again if the error is still there or gone.
Obtain IP address Automatically
On your keyboard, hold down the Windows logo key, then press R to bring up the Run box.
- Type ncpa.cpl in the box and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
- Right-click on your active network adapter and choose Properties
- Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4).
- Then select the radio button Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
- Click OK and close all the windows.
Assign a Static IP Address
If the issue persists, manually assigning a unique static IP address to your device can prevent conflicts.
- Press Windows + R keyboard shortcut, type ncpa.cpl and hit the enter key.
- On the Network connections window Right-click on the active network adapter and select properties.
- Here double-click on the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.
In the next step, configure your static IP following the details of your modem or router.
- IP address: This is the static IP of your computer that you want to assign. For example 192.168.1.111
- Subnet mask: The subnet mask often is 255.255.255.0
- Default gateway: This is the IP address of your router. It often is 192.168.1.1
Note: If the IP address of your modem/router is different, such as 192.168.0.1, then your static IP address needs to follow its form, for example, 192.168.0.111. Otherwise, your Windows computer won’t be able to connect to the network.
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternative DNS server: 8.8.4.4
After you fill in all essential details, click on the “OK” button and then restart your computer. Check now problem is solved, connected to network and internet without any problem.
Run Network Adapter Troubleshooting Tool
If after IP reset or manually Assign IP address to windows computer still getting Windows has detected an IP address conflict Error. Then you must check Network Adapter for Errors using windows inbuilt Network Adapter Troubleshooting tool and let Windows to find out the solutions for it.
- Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the settings app,
- Click on Update & security then troubleshoot
- On the right-hand side located network adapter,
- Select the network adapter, then click run the troubleshooter,
- This will start to diagnose problems related to the network adapter, reset the adapter check for outdated drivers and more.
- Once the troubleshooting process completes Restart your PC
Note: we strongly recommend after run this troubleshooting tool again perform IP release /renew and check problem is solved or not.
Disable IPv6
Also, some Windows users report disabling IPV6 will solve IP conflict Errors for them. You can also try to disable IPv6 by following the steps below to get rid of this problem.
- Press Win + R, then Type ncpa.cpl and hit the enter key.
- Select the active network Adapter, Right-click on it and select properties.
- Here scroll down and look for Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
- simply uncheck it and click ok to apply the changes.
Restart Windows check Windows has detected an IP address conflict error solved on your Windows PC.
Update Router Firmware
Outdated router firmware can cause DHCP issues, leading to IP address conflicts.
- Visit your router manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware for your model.
- Log in to your router’s admin interface.
- Navigate to the Firmware Update or Advanced Settings section.
- Upload the downloaded firmware file and follow the instructions to update.
- Restart the router and check if the issue is resolved.
Reset Network Settings
If none of the above methods work, resetting your network settings can resolve deeper configuration 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 network.
If you have multiple devices acting as DHCP servers (e.g., another router, a network-attached storage device), disable all but one.