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8 Ways to Fix DHCP is Not Enabled for Wi-Fi
Make sure IP and DNS are set to automatic
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
DHCP plays a vital role for devices on a network. Besides allowing effective communication, it also assigns critical parameters. But many found that DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi in Windows.
The error message appears after you run the built-in Windows Network Diagnostics troubleshooter when the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray reads,No Internet. However, other devices on the network have proper connectivity.
Keep reading to find out how to fix things and enable DHCP for Wi-Fi!
What is DHCP?
As the name suggests, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) dynamically assigns IP addresses and other critical parameters to the devices when connected to a network. This is essential for the device to interact and have a stable Internet connection.
In addition, DHCP also provides devices with a DNS server address, which is responsible for locating websites on the Internet. This is done by turning the domain name we enter into the IP address used by the website.
All the functions of DCH are automatic in nature and require minimal to no human intervention as long as things are configured correctly. But when you can’t access the Internet and find that DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi, issues are bound to appear.
What is the DHCP problem with Wi-Fi?
Here are a few reasons you find that DHCP is not enabled for Wireless Network Connection:
How do I fix DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi?
Before we move to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones:
If none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Run the network troubleshooter
Often the quickest way to fix things when DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi is to run the dedicated troubleshooter. The built-in Windows tool will automatically identify the underlying cause, recommend the changes, and enforce them for you, all within a matter of minutes.
2. Run the DHCP Client service
The DHCP client service is vital for the network protocol to function. So you must set it to run automatically when Windows boots. Also, this will help when Windows isunable to get DHCP address.
3. Update network drivers
When you have a faulty network adapter driver, it’s best that youupdate the network drivers. When Windows can’t find an update, head to the device manufacturer’s official website, find the latest version, download it, and thenmanually install the driver.
Updating the network drivers will also help if you get theUnable to contact DHCP servererror.
Anyhow, you have a greater alternative to update the network drivers or any other devices with dedicated support given by a driver manager application. All you have to do is press one button to proceed and fix all your drivers.
➡️Get Outbyte Driver Updater
3. Configure the network adapter settings
If DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi network adapter settings could be set such that users must manually enter the DNS server and IP address. And in the absence of these two parameters of the Wireless Network Connection, you wouldn’t be able to access the Internet.
4. Re-enable the network adapter and DHCP service
For some users, when the wireless adapter didn’t have access to DHCP, the underlying cause turned out to be a temporary glitch, and simply restarting the service and re-enabling the adapter did the trick!
6. Disable proxy
7. Disable Windows Firewall
Once done, verify whether theDHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fierror disappears. If yes, your firewall was conflicting with the active network connection, and that triggered the error.
8. Reset the network settings
When everything else fails to work, the last option is toreset the network settings, i.e., reset Winsock and release the IP address. A network reset also helps when you findDHCP not working.
You should have fixed theDHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fierror by now. Remember, the solutions here work on all iterations of the OS, including Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Does Wi-Fi need DHCP?
While this wasn’t the case a decade ago, Wi-Fi now needs the DHCP running. You don’t just need the protocol running on devices, but DHCP must be enabled in the router settings.
DHCP is, more or less, a norm now, and you will end up facing issues when it’s disabled or not working.
Before you leave, find out how tospeed up the Internet connectionin Windows 11.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:DHCP guides,internet connection errors,Wi-Fi issues
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
