Fix DHCP Is Not Enabled for Wi-Fi on Windows 11

The error message “DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi” in Windows 11 usually means your computer fails to obtain an IP address from the router (DHCP Server) automatically. As a result, your Wi-Fi connection may show “Connected, no internet” or fail to access websites altogether. This can be due to misconfigured network settings, the DHCP client service is not started, your device’s Wi-Fi adapter is set to a manual IP address instead of an automatic one, or there is a problem with your network drivers. However, you can quickly fix a DHCP error using the Windows Network Troubleshooter or by checking network and router settings.

What is DHCP on the Computer network?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network service that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on your network. When DHCP is enabled, your router dynamically provides an IP address to your PC, ensure a smooth and automatic network connection. In addition, DHCP also provides devices with a DNS server address, which is responsible for locating websites on the Internet.

In most homes and small businesses, the router acts as the DHCP server.

If, for some reason, DHCP is disabled, Windows won’t receive a valid IP address, and result no internet access, limited connectivity, or other network issues.

Here are a few common causes behind this issue:

• DHCP Client service stopped: If this Windows service is disabled, DHCP cannot function.
• Corrupted network settings: Misconfigured TCP/IP stack or Winsock settings can prevent DHCP communication.
• Issues with the router: If you find that DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi, there’s also the possibility of a hardware issue, typically with the router.
• Faulty drivers: Outdated or corrupt Wi-Fi drivers can cause IP configuration errors.
• Third-party antivirus or firewall interference: Some security software blocks network configuration processes.

Restart Your Computer and Router

Most of the time, restarting your PC and router can fix temporary DHCP communication glitches.

• Turn off your router and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 30 seconds.
• Reconnect the router and let it fully reboot.
• Restart your Windows 11 PC.
• Try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network.

If the issue persists, move to network configuration fixes.

Configure network adapter settings

The most common reason for this issue is that the network adapter is set to use a static IP. You can fix it by switching to automatic IP assignment.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
• Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → select Properties.
• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → click Properties.
• Now make sure to select the radio button “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”.
• click ok to apply and save changes. Close all windows.
• Disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network to retrieve the IP address from the DHCP server.

Restart the DHCP client service

If, for some reason, the DHCP Client service is stopped, your PC won’t be able to obtain an IP address automatically.

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc and ok
• Scroll down and look for the DHCP client service
• Right-click on the DHCP client service and select restart.
• If the service is not started, then double-click on it to open its properties.
• Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic and click Start if the service is not already running.
• Click Apply followed by OK.
• Restart your computer and test the Wi-Fi connection again.

Reset TCP/IP Stack and Winsock

If your network settings are corrupted, resetting the TCP/IP stack and Winsock can restore proper DHCP functionality.

• Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

This resets all network configurations and forces Windows to re-establish DHCP-based IP allocation.

Restart your PC after executing all commands and check if your device get an IP address from the DHCP server and the internet connection is restored.

Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Adapter Driver

A faulty or outdated driver can prevent proper DHCP communication with your router. Updating or reinstalling it can often fix the issue.

• Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If Windows can’t find an update, visit your laptop or Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver manually.

Steps to Reinstall Driver:

• In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → select Uninstall device.
• Check delete the driver software for this device (if available).
• Restart your PC — Windows will automatically reinstall the correct driver.

Disable Proxy Settings (if enabled)

Incorrect proxy configuration can interfere with DHCP and cause connectivity issues.

• Press Windows Key + R, then type “inetcpl.cpl” and hit enter to open Internet Properties.
• Go to the Connections tab and select LAN settings.
• Here, Uncheck Use a Proxy Server for your LAN and make sure “Automatically detect settings” is checked.
• Click Ok, then Apply and reboot your PC.
• Now check there is no problem with the Network & internet connection.

Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewall

Some security programs block network traffic or interfere with DHCP requests. Try disabling your antivirus or firewall temporarily to check if it’s the cause.

• Right-click the antivirus icon in the taskbar.
• Choose Pause protection or Disable temporarily.
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test the connection.

If it works, re-enable the antivirus and configure exceptions or switch to Windows Defender.

Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

If none of the above methods work, perform a network reset to restore all adapters and settings to default.

• Press Windows + I → go to Network & Internet.
• Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
• Select Network reset → click Reset now.
• Confirm when prompted and restart your computer.

After reboot, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and check if DHCP is enabled automatically.

Check Router DHCP Configuration

If all else fails, your router’s DHCP service might be turned off.

• Open your browser and type your router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Log in with your admin credentials.
• Look for LAN Setup, Network Settings, or DHCP Server.
• Make sure DHCP Server is enabled.
• Save changes and restart your router.

FAQs: DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi

1. What does “DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi” mean?
It means your computer is not set to obtain an IP address automatically from the router, resulting in no internet access.

2. Should DHCP be enabled or disabled?
DHCP should be enabled in almost all home networks, as it allows automatic and error-free IP assignment.

3. Will resetting network settings delete my Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes, performing a network reset will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords. Make sure to note them down before resetting.

4. Can I fix this without administrator rights?
Some methods like resetting TCP/IP or modifying adapter properties, require administrator access. Limited users should contact the system admin.