The default gateway is not available on Windows 10? Try this

by Milan Stanojevic

Deputy Editor

April 8, 2020

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Internet problems can cause a lot of trouble, and one problem that Windows 10 users reported is The default gateway is not available error.

Your default gateway may be unavailable due to incorrect IP settings. In rare cases, this may even be due to ISP configuration settings.

Router settings and outdated drivers could also cause this problem. Some users reported that McAffee security solutions may sometimes block your connection.

This problem can prevent you from accessing the Internet therefore it’s crucial to know how to fix it.

What can I do if the default gateway is not available?

1. Install a new Ethernet driver

If you’re getting this error on Windows 10, be sure that you have the latest Ethernet driver installed. To install it, just visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and go locate the latest Ethernet driver for your device.

After you download it, install it and the problems with gateway should be fixed.

Did you know that the majority of Windows 10 users have outdated drivers? Be a step ahead using this guide.

It’s important to mention that downloading drivers manually is a risky decision. You can damage permanently your system by  manually downloading the wrong driver versions.

Thus, we recommend TweakBit’s  Driver Updater 100% safe and tested by us) to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC.

Disclaimer: Some features of this tool are not free.

2. Change the channel of your wireless router

Sometimes issues with gateway can occur due to your wireless channel and dual-band wireless adapters. To fix this issue, you need to access your wireless router and change the channel from automatic to a certain value.

Users reported that setting the channel to 6 fixed the problem for them, but be sure to try different channels as well. For detailed instructions on how to change the wireless channel we advise you to check your wireless router manual.

In addition to changing the channel, some users are also advising to change the encryption method. Users reported that using WPA-WPA2 encryption method fixed the issue for them, so you might want to try using it.

If that doesn’t work, try switching to different encryption methods. Bear in mind that some encryption methods are outdated and that they don’t provide the necessary protection.

3. Change Power Management settings for your network adapter

Some users claim that you can fix this problem by changing the Power Management settings of your network adapter. To do that, follow these simple steps:

1. Press Windows Key + X to open Power User Menu and select Device Manager from the list.
   
2. Locate your network adapter and double click it.
3. Once the Properties window opens, go to Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK to save changes.
   

If you have any network adapter problems, check out this in-depth guide that will surely help you solve them.

4. Change the power saving mode of your wireless adapter

Some users claim that you can fix The default gateway is not available error on Windows 10 by changing your power options. To do that follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + S and enter power options. Select Power Options from the menu.
   
2. When Power Options window open locate your current plan and click Change plan settings.
   
3. Now click on Change advanced power settings.
   
4. Locate Wireless Adapter Settings and set it to Maximum Performance.
   
5. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

You can’t find your Power Plans? Get them back by following the easy steps in this article.

5. Change the frequency of your wireless router

Newer routers support 5GHz frequency, but your current adapter might not work with this frequency so you’ll have to change it to 2.4GHz. Users reported that after changing the wireless frequency from 5GHz to 2.4GHz the gateway problems has been resolved.

For detailed instructions on how to change the wireless frequency of your router be sure to check its manual.

6. Change the wireless mode to 802.11g

According to users, you can fix problems with the default gateway by setting the wireless mode from 802.11g/b to 802.11g. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Open Network Connections window. To do that press Windows Key + X and choose Network Connections from the menu.
   
2. Locate your wireless network adapter and right-click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
   
3. Click the Configure button.
   
4. Go to the Advanced tab and select Wireless mode. Select 802.11g from the drop down menu.
5. Save changes and check if the problem is resolved.

7. Use netshell reset command

Users reported that you can fix The default gateway is not available error by resetting TCP/IP. How do you reset your default gateway? First, you need to launch Command Prompt and enter the IP reset command.

To do that, follow these steps:

1. Start Command Prompt as administrator. You can do that by pressing Windows Key + X and choosing Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
   
2. When Command Prompt starts enter netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
   
3. After the process is completed close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look on this guide.

8. Uninstall McAfee

Antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with your network configuration, and users reported that McAfee antivirus can cause these types of problems.

To fix this issue it’s recommended to remove McAfee from your PC and check if that fixes the problem. Did you know that your antivirus can block the internet connection? Check out this detailed guide to find out more.

Sometimes the removal tool of the antivirus might not remove registry entries or leftover files, and this is why it’s usually better to use a third-party uninstaller such as Ashampoo Uninstaller or Iobit Advanced Uninstaller (free).

After you remove your antivirus your computer will be protected by Windows Defender, but you can also choose a different antivirus software from this list.

Best antiviruses recommended are Bitdefender, BullGuard, and Panda, so you can keep your system protected.

The default gateway is not available error is usually caused by outdated drivers or by improper network configuration. To fix this error be sure to try all solutions from this article.

If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

FAQ: Learn more about default gateways in Windows 10

• How do I fix The default gateway is not available Windows 10?

To fix The default gateway is not available error, you may install a new Ethernet driver, change the channel of your wireless router or change Power Management settings.

• How does a default gateway work?

A default gateway makes it possible for devices in one network to communicate with those in another network. So, it works as an access point that a PC uses to send information.

• What happens if no default gateway is configured on a computer?

If this case, there’s no intermediate path between the local network and the Internet. So, devices in one network can’t communicate with devices in another network.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in April 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.