DHCP is Not Enabled for WiFi: FIXED

Many users have complained about situations where the DHCP is not enabled for WiFi. This problem can be quite frustrating as the error could prevent your device from connecting to the internet, prevent your system from accessing shared resources, and it could also prevent you from receiving system updates, leaving your system vulnerable to attacks.

Because the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol responsible for controlling and managing IP address management and communication across IP networks, it is necessary to troubleshoot errors associated with it quickly, and this guide will provide you with the best ways to do this.

1. Run the Network Troubleshooter

A very common solution for resolving problems with DHCP is running the network troubleshooter. It is a built-in feature in Windows 10/11 that can be found in the Network and Sharing Center and can scan for and resolve network-related problems.

1. Hold Windows + R to open the Run dialogue, type ncpa.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
   
2. Navigate to your WiFi network, right-click on it, and choose the Diagnose option.
   
3. Next, choose the  Try these repairs as an administrator  option.
   
4. Now choose the Apply this Fix option.
5. Finally, reboot your device and check if the problem has been fixed.

2. Uninstall Wireless Adapter Drivers

DHCP may not be enabled for wireless network connections due to corrupt network adapter drivers. This issue can occasionally be resolved by uninstalling and then reinstalling the drivers. Follow the instructions below to uninstall drivers.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue, type devmgmt.msc, in the text field and hit Enter.
   
2. Go to the Network Adapters section and expand it.
3. Choose your wireless device and right-click on it.
4. Next, choose the Uninstall device button.
   
5. Once your driver is uninstalled, reboot your system to reinstall the driver automatically.

3. Get DHCP automatically

You can try manually enabling DHCP if you are getting this error. It might be disabled for a variety of reasons. Change your adapter’s settings according to the directions below to automatically get an IP address and a DNS server address for Internet Protocol version 4.

1. Hold Windows + R to open the Run dialogue, type ncpa.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
   
2. Look for the Wi-Fi connection, right-click on it and choose the Properties option.
   
3. Next, navigate to the Networking tab, select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option, and pick Properties.
4. On the new window, click the radio button for Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically option.
   

4. Perform a malware scan and reset proxy configuration

The DHCP error could have a virus as a cause, so perform a malware scan to remove malicious files that might be causing this error. After scanning your computer for viruses, reset the default proxy settings.

1. Download and install a reliable antivirus software.
2. After getting the program, launch it to remove malware from your device.
3. Next, press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue, type inetcpl.cpl in the text field and hit Enter.
   
4. Now, navigate to the Connections tab and press the LAN settings option.
   
5. Then, uncheck the box for the Use a proxy server for your LAN option.
   

5. Reset the Windows socket API

Thanks to the Windows Socket API (Winsock) collection of functions, applications can connect via a network. Numerous programs, such as web browsers, email clients, and file-sharing apps, utilise this tool; if there is a problem, you will experience this error.

1. Hold the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue, type netsh winsock reset in the text field and press Enter.
   
2. Doing this will reset Winsock settings on your computer.
3. If this does not work, open the command prompt by pressing Windows + R, type cmd in the text field, then hold Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the command prompt as administrator.
   
4. Once in the command prompt, input the command below and hit Enter.
   netsh winsock reset

6. Disable the Windows Firewall

A security tool that aids in defending your computer from unauthorized access is the Windows Firewall. Sometimes, it can prevent network activity, causing the DHCP is Not Enabled for WiFi error.

1. Navigate to Control Panel > System Security.
2. Next, choose the Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Then select the radio button for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (recommended).
   
4. Lastly, restart your system and check if the error has been fixed.

Rounding up

Finally, we have covered all the possible ways to overcome the DHCP is Not Enabled for WiFi error and get your system running without any problem. For further questions, reach out to us via the comment section below.