Restart the router, then run ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset as administrator and restart. Make sure the adapter is set to Obtain an IP address automatically.

What's going on

Every device needs an IP address from the router’s DHCP server. When none arrives, Windows assigns itself a 169.254.x.x address and the Network troubleshooter reports “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration”.

A router whose DHCP pool is full or frozen, a manually set IP, or a damaged TCP/IP stack on the PC are the common causes.

Symptoms

  • Troubleshooter: “Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration” (or Ethernet).
  • ipconfig shows an IPv4 address starting 169.254.
  • Wi-Fi shows connected but no internet.

Common causes

  • Router DHCP not responding or out of addresses.
  • Static IP/DNS set incorrectly on the adapter.
  • Corrupted Winsock/TCP-IP settings.
  • Outdated Wi-Fi driver or security software interference.

Try these fixes

  1. Restart the routerUnplug it for 30 seconds to reset DHCP.
  2. Renew and resetRun the commands below, then restart the PC.
  3. Set automatic addressingncpa.cpl → right-click Wi-Fi → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  4. Reinstall the adapterDevice Manager → Network adapters → uninstall your Wi-Fi adapter → restart.
  5. Check the routerIn the router admin page, check the DHCP range isn't exhausted and that MAC filtering isn't blocking the PC.

Command

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

Run in an elevated Command Prompt, then restart Windows.

Check it's fixed: ipconfig shows a 192.168.x.x/10.x.x.x address with a default gateway, and websites load.

Avoiding it in future

Restart old routers periodically and avoid manual IP settings unless you need them.