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FIX: Computer is stuck on 169 IP address [detailed guide]
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
If you find your computer stuck with a169IP address, it could generally mean either of the following:
The 169 IP range is reserved by Microsoft for private network addressing.
With that in mind, if your computer is configured to obtain an IP automatically, you may get one of those (169).
If this happens, the APIPA (automatic privateIP addressing) checks to configure itself automatically with anIP addressand a default class B subnet mask.
If you tried to reboot your computer/router and still find your PC stuck with a169IP address, we have a few solutions you could try.
What can I do if the Computer is stuck with a 169 IP address?
Check your system’s configuration
Some PC users might have made certain configuration changes to their systems.
Whether by updating the OS, upgrading to a major OS release, migrating to a new system, or performing a system restore, these can all affect your PC.
With that in mind, check for any recent changes on your system and try to roll them back one-by-one.
If you see no improvement, you can move to our other suggestions.
Reset your firewall
One of the reasons that the 169IP addressis assigned is to let the network interface create an ad-hoc network without an established network.
This only happens if the network detects a proper hardware connection but can’t communicate with the DHCP server to get anIP address.
In this situation, more often than not, the culprit is the system’s firewall.
Therefore, it makes sense that resetting your firewall preferences and rebooting your system could fix this issue.
Reinstall the LAN network adapter
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Right click yourStartmenu
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SelectDevice Manager
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FindNetwork Adapters
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Expand the list
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Right-click theLAN Ethernet adapter
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SelectProperties
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Go to theDrivertab
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Click theUninstallbutton
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Restart your computer
Reconfigure your IP
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Right click theStartmenu
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SelectRun
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Typecompmgmt.mscand press Enter
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SelectDevice Manager
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Expand theNetwork Adapterslist
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Right-click the troublesomeEthernetorWireless Adapterdriver (it may have an exclamation mark or error mark next to it)
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Click theUninstallbutton
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Right click theNetwork Adapterscategory
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SelectScan for Hardware Changes
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Right-click theStartmenu
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SelectRun
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Typencpa.cpland click OK
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Right-click your computer’sNetwork Adapter
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Click thePropertiesbutton
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Uncheck theInternet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)box then click OK
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Right clickStart
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SelectCommand Prompt (Admin)
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In the command prompt window type the following commands, followed by Enter (for each of them):
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Restart your computer and try to connect again
Use a VPN
What aVPNdoes is it allows you to surf the web anonymously by assigning you a different IP address than your ISP-assigned one.
Thus, aVPNcan not only keep you away from traffic monitors, spies, and hackers, but it can also prevent this type of error from occurring.
Thebest VPNs for Windows 10have a large number of servers across the globe, allowing you a seamless connection at all times.
Disable fast startup
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Right-click theStartmenu
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SelectControl Panel
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Go to thePower Optionscategory
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Select theChoose what the power buttons dooption
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Click theChange settings that are currently unavailablebutton
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Scroll down toShutdown settings
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Uncheck theTurn on fast startupoption
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ClickSave changes
Restart DNS service
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Right click your Start Menu
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SelectRun
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Typeservices.mscand press enter
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Go to theServicessection
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SelectDNSclient
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Right click and selectRestart
Run a SFC scan
This is useful especially if your computer has an infection with a proxy redirection, thus scanning your system will check these issues.
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ClickStart
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Go to the search field box and typeCMD
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Right-clickCommand Prompt
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SelectRun as Administrator
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Typesfc/scannow
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PressEnter
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Restart your computer and try to connect again
Reset IP address and subnet mask
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Right clickStart
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SelectControl Panel
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Go to theNetwork and Internetcategory
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Click theNetwork and Sharing centerbutton
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Select theManage Network Connectionsoption
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Right-click your Local Area Network and selectProperties(make sure that the device listed refers to a Realtek RTL Ethernet card)
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Go to theNetworkingtab
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Uncheck theInternet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)option
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Highlight (click) theInternet ProtocolVersion4 (IPv4)option
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ClickProperties
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Go to theGeneraltab
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SelectUse the followingIP addressand type the following:
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Under theAlternate Configurationtab, set toAutomatic privateIP address
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ClickOKfor both windows to save and exit
Rerun the automatic configuration for your network connection. If it does not complete successfully, set up the network information to:
Save and then test your connection once again.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, if you discover that your PC is stuck with a 169 IP address, there are many ways you can fix this issue.
We recommend you to try our methods one by one and avoid skipping any of them; the one you skip may be the very one that would’ve solved your issue.
Has any of our suggested fixes worked for you? Tell us how you managed to solve the problem in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix network issues
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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