Solved: DHCP is not enabled for local area connection in Windows 10

Here how to enable DHCP for Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Local Area Connection on Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 to obtain an IP address automatically and fix Internet connection problems

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Sometimes you might experience WiFi, Ethernet/Local Area connection is connected properly but windows 10 is unable to connect to the internet. Or after recent windows update notice a yellow exclamation mark on the network adapter saying No Internet Access. To deal with such problems, Windows 10 comes with built-in network troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes the problems prevent internet access. But a few users report right click on the network icon and click troubleshoot problems end up with the error message DHCP is not enabled for local area connection.

DHCP enables devices such as routers or servers to assign IP addresses to computer systems connecting to the network. But If that fails, for whatever reason, connection errors may occur and that results ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration, DHCP is not enabled for ethernet or WiFi and more. Let’s understand the DHCP, how it works and how to enable DHCP to obtain an IP address automatically on Windows 10.

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What is DHCP?

The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration) is a standardized network protocol used on Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This is client or server based protocol allows assigning an automated IP host and its address for network connectivity. Generally, if you want to connect the network and internet your device must have a unique IP address, and enabling DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses for your device helps provide network stability and reduce static IP address conflicts.

But if due to some reason such as an outdated network adapter, a wrong proxy or incorrect network configuration DHCP might fail to assign IP address automatically to the client computer. As a result without the unique IP address, the client computer is unable to connect to the network and result no internet access.

DHCP is not enabled for ethernet

If you are also struggling with similar problem, here is how to enable DHCP for the local area network and fix the problem.

Note: Solutions listed below are also applicable for Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 computers to fix DHCP not enabled for Ethernet, Wifi or ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration as well.

If this is the very first time you are seeing this problem, we recommend restart networking devices (Router, Modem, Switch) Include your PC. This will Fresh Start and fix the problem if a temporary glitch causes the issue.

Temporarily disable security software and disconnect from VPN (if configured on your PC)

Enable DHCP on Windows

The first thing you must check is your network adapter settings, to confirm its configured correctly to Assign IP Address From the DHCP server.

  • Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter key.
  • This will open the Network connections window,
  • Here right-click on Active Network Adapter select properties.
  • Then Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  • Here make sure to Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.

obtain IP address automatically

Pro Tip: Also following steps with router official site, check and make sure your router is configured/Enabled to assign IP address to client PC automatically.

configure router for dhcp

Enable DHCP client service

The DHCP client service helps register the IP address and update DNS records for your computer. If due to any reason DHCP client service not started / Stopped this may cause fails to obtain an IP address to the client computer. And that might result DHCP is not enabled for local area connection or wifi.

  • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and hit the enter key.
  • This will open the windows services console,
  • Scroll down and locate DHCP client service,
  • If its running state, right-click on DHCP service and select restart
  • But if it’s not started, Double click on DHCP service to open its properties
  • Here change its startup type to automatic and start the service next to the service status
  • Click Apply followed by OK

DNS client service

Reset your proxy settings

  • Press Win + R then type inetcpl.cpl and hit the enter key,
  • This will open internet properties.
  • Move to the Connections tab then click on the LAN settings button.
  • In the New popup window, uncheck the ‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’ checkbox.
  • And make sure to Automatically detect settings is selected.

Disable Proxy server

Reset Winsock and TCP/IP

There are chances wrong network configuration causing DHCP to fail to assign IP addresses automatically Let’s reset the TCP/IP stack that probably helps fix the problem. Open Command prompt As an administrator, Then performs Command Below to release and renew IP Address on your PC.

  • netsh Winsock reset
  • netsh int IP reset
  • Ipconfig /release
  • Ipconfig /flushdns
  • Ipconfig /renew

Winsock reset IP reset

That’s all close the command prompt and restart your PC, Check if this helps to fix the problem.

Reinstall your Network driver

Still, need help? There are chances your network adapter driver is outdated, and fails to perform as expected and that makes your PC unable to receive an IP address from DHCP. Update or reinstall the driver for the network adapter probably help to fix the problem.

  • Right-click on the Start menu select device manager,
  • Expend network adapter, Right-click on installed network adapter select update driver,
  • Click Search automatically for updated driver software and follow on-screen instructions.

update network adapter driver

If windows didn’t find the updated driver you can try to reinstall the driver for the network adapter following the steps below.

  • Open device manager,
  • Expand network adapters, right-click on your active network adapter driver and select uninstall.
  • Now Confirm that you want to uninstall the drivers, Then after restart windows.
  • Next time when windows start it will find and install the network adapter driver for you.
  • Or you can manually update the driver by Right click on Device manager -> computer name – right-click and select scan for hardware changes.

scan for hardware changes

Also, you can visit the device manufacturer’s website, download the latest available driver for your network adapter, then install it on the problematic computer and restart winnows check DHCP problem is solved and the network and internet connection working.

Did these solutions help fix DHCP that is not enabled for local area connection on windows 10, 8.1, and 7? Let us know the comments below.

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Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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