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How to Fix PC Won’t Acquire IP Address Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If your Windows 11 PC is unable to acquire an IP address, it means your computer is having trouble connecting to the network. This can prevent you from accessing the internet or other network resources.

There are several reasons why this issue happens, including problems with your network adapter, router, or configuration settings. The good news is, most causes can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions, starting from the most basic checks to more advanced fixes. You don’t need to be a tech expert to solve this problem.

Let’s get started and get your PC connected again.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

  • Make sure your router or modem is powered on and working correctly.
  • Check if other devices (phones, tablets) can connect to the same network.
  • Confirm that your network cable (if using Ethernet) is securely plugged in.
  • Restart your PC once before trying any other steps, as a simple reboot can fix minor glitches.

Step 1: Restart Your Network Devices

Turning your router and modem off and on again can clear temporary network issues. This is often the quickest fix.

  1. Unplug your router and modem from the power source.
  2. Wait for about 60 seconds. This allows the devices to reset.
  3. Plug the modem back in and wait until all lights are stable.
  4. Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully power up.
  5. Try connecting your PC to the network again.

This process refreshes the network connection and can resolve IP address conflicts.

Step 2: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool that can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Click on Status.
  4. Scroll down and select Network troubleshooter.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows diagnose and fix the issue.

This tool checks for configuration errors and can reset network adapters if needed.

Step 3: Reset Your Network Adapter

Resetting your network adapter will refresh its settings and can fix issues preventing it from obtaining an IP address.

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
  2. Select Status on the left menu.
  3. Scroll down and click on Network reset.
  4. Click the Reset now button and confirm.
  5. Your PC will restart automatically. After reboot, try connecting again.

This step reinstalls your network adapters and resets network components to default.

Step 4: Manually Release and Renew IP Address

Sometimes, your PC’s current IP configuration can get stuck. Manually releasing and renewing the IP address can fix this.

  1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

These commands force your PC to drop its current IP and request a new one from the router.

Step 5: Check Your Network Adapter Settings

Your network adapter should be set to obtain an IP address automatically. If it’s set to a static IP, it might cause conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens Network Connections.
  2. Right-click your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  3. Scroll down and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
  4. Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
  5. Click OK to save changes.

If these settings were incorrect, fixing them should help your PC get an IP from the network.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can lead to connectivity problems. Updating or reinstalling them can solve many issues.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
  5. If updating doesn’t help, right-click again and select Uninstall device.
  6. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Keeping drivers up to date ensures compatibility and smooth operation of your network hardware.

Step 7: Disable IPv6 (Optional Advanced Step)

Some routers and networks have trouble with IPv6, causing IP address issues. Disabling IPv6 may help in these cases.

  1. Open Network Connections by pressing Windows + R, typing ncpa.cpl, and hitting Enter.
  2. Right-click your active connection and select Properties.
  3. Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
  4. Click OK and restart your PC.

Disabling IPv6 forces your PC to use IPv4, which can sometimes resolve IP address acquisition problems.

FAQs

Why does my PC say “Cannot acquire IP address”?

This usually means your PC is unable to get a valid IP from your router. It may be due to network adapter issues, router problems, or incorrect settings.

Can a faulty Ethernet cable cause this error?

Yes, a damaged or loose cable can prevent your PC from communicating with the router properly.

Is it safe to reset my network settings?

Yes, resetting your network settings restores default configurations but will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN connections.

Will updating Windows fix this issue?

Sometimes, yes. Updates can fix bugs affecting network functionality, so keep your system up to date.

What if my PC connects to some networks but not others?

This indicates the problem may be with the router or network settings, not your PC. Try restarting the router or checking its DHCP settings.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still cannot acquire an IP address, consider these final options:

  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check for network outages or router issues.
  • Reset your router to factory settings (refer to your router’s manual for instructions).
  • Use Windows 11’s built-in System Restore to revert to a previous working state.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for more advanced troubleshooting: Microsoft Network Troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Getting the “PC won’t acquire IP address” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with simple steps. Starting with restarting your network devices and running the troubleshooter, you can move on to resetting your network adapter and checking settings.

Manual commands and driver updates often solve deeper issues, while disabling IPv6 can help in special cases. If all else fails, reaching out to your ISP or using official resources is recommended.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to restore your network connection and enjoy seamless internet access again.

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