[FIXED] DHCP Is Not Enabled for Wi-Fi on Windows

The root of the issue could lie in anything from your router’s settings, your device’s configuration, outdated drivers, to interference from other software.

Let’s navigate through DHCP troubleshooting together and secure your uninterrupted online experience.

What Is DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is a standardized network protocol that assigns reusable IP addresses within a network. To cut a long story short, it is a safe and reliable way of enabling you to communicate on your network.

Why Does the “DHCP Is Not Enabled for Wi-Fi” Issue Come Up?

The “DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi” may come up when your PC can’t get an IP address automatically from your network’s DHCP server on your router. DHCP is crucial for managing network IP addresses. It lets devices join a network without issue and connect to the Internet. 

There are a few things that may cause the problem:

• Router configuration issues: If the router’s DHCP settings are disabled or misconfigured, devices won’t receive IP addresses automatically.
• Incorrect network settings on device: The network settings on your device might be set to use a static IP address instead of obtaining one automatically.
• Network adapter driver problems: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible network adapter drivers can prevent DHCP from functioning correctly.
• Operating system issues: Sometimes, the problem might stem from bugs or misconfigurations in the operating system, affecting its ability to communicate with the DHCP server.
• Interference from third-party software: Security software or VPNs can sometimes interfere with network settings, including DHCP functionality.
• Hardware issues: Rarely, the problem could be due to a malfunctioning router or network interface card that cannot properly process DHCP requests.

How to Fix DHCP Not Enabled for Wi-Fi

Here’s how you can address the problem:

1. Enable DHCP in router settings

• Access your router’s admin page through a web browser, usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar.
• Log in with your credentials (found in the router’s manual or its body).
• Navigate to the DHCP settings and ensure DHCP is enabled.
• Save the changes and reboot the router.

2. Set your device to obtain an IP address automatically

• Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

• Right-click your Wi-Fi connection, select Properties, then Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click Properties.

• Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically.”
• Click OK, then restart your computer.

3. Update network adapter drivers

• Go to Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Update driver.
• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.

Also read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

4. Disable third-party security software temporarily

Stopping your antivirus or firewall (temporarily) will help you check if they are interfering with your connection. Make sure to turn your security software back on once your test is complete.

5. Run the Network troubleshooter

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

• Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter.

6. Renew the IP address

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew to refresh your IP address.

7. Reset network settings

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.

[FIXED] “DHCP Is Not Enabled for Wi-Fi” in Windows

You may see this message on your PC when your device is unable to automatically get an

IP address from the network’s DHCP server. This may happen because of the wrong router configurations, incorrect network settings, driver issues, operating system bugs, interference from third-party apps, hardware malfunctions, and more. 

To get rid of the error message, there are several things you can try. We recommend enabling 

DHCP on your router, adjusting your device settings so that they are able to obtain an IP address automatically, updating your network adapter drivers (you can do this quickly with Auslogics Driver Updater), renewing the IP address, resetting network settings, and more. 

If none of the above helps you get rid of the error message, there may be a more significant problem at play. In this case, consider reaching out for professional assistance or consultation with an internet service provider (ISP). 

FAQ