5 Solutions to fix IP Address Conflict error on Windows 10/11

Windows 10 Disconnected from Network and Internet, and Getting IP Address Conflict Error – “Another computer on this network has the same IP address as this computer.” This error means two computers on the same LAN network end up with the same IP address. When this occurs, both devices fail to connect to the network and disrupt internet communication. If you are also struggling with this error, here are effective solutions to resolve IP address conflict in Windows 10/11.

What is the IP address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique address that your computer gets when it connects to a network. It’s the computer’s address and identity that is used to identify it among all the other computers and network devices. For Ex: When you connect your computer, smartphone, or any other device to a local network/WiFi network, all the devices will get a unique IP address. The primary purpose of this is to provide a critical addressing technique to the network and its elements.

IP address enables devices to communicate with each other over the network.

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But if due to some reason or misconfiguration, two communication endpoints on a network are assigned the same IP address, this will result Windows has detected an IP address conflict. Here Endpoints can be PCs, mobile devices, or any individual network adapter.

Causes of IP Address Conflicts:

Misconfigurations or malfunctions within the DHCP server can lead to duplicate IP address assignments.
Manually assigning static IP addresses without proper coordination can result in conflicts.
Unauthorized or improperly configured devices connecting to the network can cause conflicts.
Adding new devices or reconfiguring network settings without updating DHCP scopes or static IP assignments can lead to conflicts.
In complex network environments with multiple subnets, misconfigured routing or VLAN settings can cause IP conflicts.

How to Fix IP address conflict Windows 10

Sometimes due to a temporary glitch, your router might fail to assign an appropriate IP address to your computer. That results from error “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” In such case, restarting your router modem helps to fix the problem.

Reset Network Devices

Power cycling network devices refresh their configurations, clear caches, and resolve temporary issues. This action can eliminate conflicting entries and restore normal operation by resetting devices to a known, stable state.

To restart Windows, click on the Start menu, select the Power icon, and choose “Restart.”
For network devices such as routers or switches, locate the power button or unplug the power cable, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in or press the power button to turn it on again.

Obtain IP Address Automatically

Configuring devices to obtain an IP address automatically from a DHCP server ensures efficient and dynamic IP address allocation. It eliminates the risk of conflicts by allowing the DHCP server to manage IP assignments dynamically, adapting to changes in the network environment automatically.

Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and ok
This will open the network connections window.
Here Right-click on the active network adapter, select properties,
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Now select the Radio button “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically.”
Click ok to save and apply changes, Now restart Windows and check there is no more IP address conflict error.

Release and Renew IP Addresses

Here is another effective solution, Reset the TCP/IP configuration Release and Renew IP Address, and flush the DNS cache. This will refresh the DHCP lease and obtain a new, unique IP address for the device.

Search for the command prompt, Right-click and select run as administrator.

Now perform the command below to reset the TCP/IP configuration on your PC.

netsh Winsock reset
netsh int IP reset c:\restlog.txt

Now perform the command below to reset your network configuration.

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

After that, reboot your Windows computer and check again if the error is still there or gone.

Most of the time, This resolves conflicts by ensuring that each device on the network has a distinct IP address assignment.

Disable and Re-enable the Network Adapter

Disabling and re-enabling the network adapter triggers a reset of the network connection, clearing any temporary issues or conflicts. It can resolve connectivity problems and refresh network settings without the need for a full system restart, saving time and avoiding disruptions.

Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and ok
Right-click on your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Disable.”
Wait for a few seconds, then right-click on the adapter again and select “Enable.”

Run Network Adapter troubleshooter

Also, run the built-in network adapter troubleshooter, which automatically detects and fixes problems that prevent your PC connect to the network & the Internet.

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app,
Click Update & security then troubleshoot,
On the right-hand side look for and select the network adapter,
Click Run the troubleshooter,
Restart Windows after completing the process.
Check if this may help.

Disable IPv6

Disabling IPv6 can resolve compatibility issues and conflicts in networks where IPv4 is predominantly used. It streamlines network communication by prioritizing IPv4 addressing, reducing the likelihood of address conflicts and simplifying network troubleshooting..

Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and ok
Right-click the active network Adapter, and select properties.
Look for and uncheck Internet Protocol version 6 ( TCP/IPv6 )
Click OK to apply to save the changes

Restart Windows check Windows has detected an IP address conflict error solved on your Windows PC.

Manually Set a Static IP Address

Manually setting a static IP address ensures a consistent network configuration for devices that require fixed IP assignments. It prevents conflicts by assigning a unique IP address that doesn’t change, ensuring reliable communication and simplifying network management.

Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and ok
Right-click the active network Adapter, and select properties.
Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list.
Select the option “Use the following IP address.”
Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.
Click “OK” to save the changes.

Update Network Adapter Drivers

If none of the above solutions work for you, it’s time to look and Update Network Adapter Drivers. If drivers for the network adapter are corrupted or incompatible with the current Windows version, this may not perform well or the network adapter fails to work properly.

Press Windows + X select Device Manager,
Expand network adapter,
Right-click the installed driver for the network adapter and select update driver,
Select the option “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
This will check and install the latest driver for the network adapter, if available.
Restart Windows after completing the process and check this helps to fix the IP address conflict in Windows 10.

Did these solutions help to fix Windows has detected an IP address conflict? Let us know in the comments below.

5 Solutions to fix IP Address Conflict error on Windows 10/11

Table of contents

What is the IP address?