DHCP is Not Enabled for Ethernet: 5 Ways to Fix It

If you are stuck with a DHCP not enabled for ethernet warning message on the Network troubleshooter window, your DHCP server cannot assign an IP address. No matter how complex that sounds, the fixes to the problem are relatively simple.

In this guide, we will walk you through some troubleshooting steps to resolve this error right after discussing the reasons for the issue’s occurrence. 

What does the DHCP is not enabled for ethernet error mean?

The DHCP is not enabled for ethernet means the device using the connection can’t receive an IP address or network configuration information from a DHCP server. Also, this will stop your device from communicating with other devices on the network.

There could be various reasons for this error, but we have mentioned some of the popular ones here: 

• The DHCP server is not working – If the DHCP is not configured or not functioning correctly, the ethernet connection won’t be able to receive an IP address or other configuration data from the DHCP server.
• Ethernet device is not configured to use DHCP – If your device is set to use a static IP address or DHCP is disabled in its network settings, you might get this issue.
• Ethernet cable/Device is faulty – If your ethernet cable or device is physically damaged, it might not be able to work correctly, hence the chances of getting the error.
• Network configured to use a different IP address method – If your network is configured to use static IP or IPv6, your ethernet will not receive an IP address from the DHCP server.

How do I fix DHCP not enabled for ethernet?

Perform the following preparatory checks to ensure that the warning message is not a result of fundamental issues which may require only subtle tweaks:

• Restart your PC.
• Restart your router.
• Check updates for Windows.
• Uninstall any new software installed.
• Disable the use of a proxy server option.
• Remove extensions related to the network from browsers.

If these steps are not able to fix the issue, then proceed with the detailed troubleshooting steps mentioned below: 

1. Enable the Obtain an IP address and DNS server automatically option

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
3. Go to active connection, right-click it, and select Properties from the context menu.
4. From This connection uses the following items option, locate and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. From the next window, click on the radio buttons beside Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
6. Click OK and then click OK.

2. Use the Command Prompt

2.1 Enable DHCP

1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: Netsh Interface IP Set Address "Ethernet" DHCP
3. Once the process is complete, close the window. Restart your PC.

2.2 Reset the network

1. Press the Windows key, type CMD and click Run as administrator.
2. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after every command: ipconfig/release ipconfig/flushdns ipconfig/renew
3. Type the following commands and press Enter after every command: netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
4. Close the window and restart your PC.

3. Restart the DHCP Client service

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter to open Services.
3. Locate and double-click the DHCP client.
4. Go to Startup type, and select Automatic.
5. For Service status, click Start.
6. Click Apply and OK.

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4. Enable DHCP via router

1.  Launch your preferred browser and go to your router settings page. Here we have used the TP-Link router settings to show you the process.
2. Enter your credentials to access router settings.
3. From the left pane, click DHCP.
4. Now select the radio button beside the Enabled option for the DHCP server.
5. Click Save or OK as per your router.
6. Restart your modem.
   

5. Update the Network driver

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to press Device Manager.
3. Click on the arrow next to Network adapters to expand.
4. Right-click the Network adapter and click Update driver.
5. On the next window, click Search automatically for drivers.
6. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the process.
7. Restart your PC.

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So, these steps to resolve the DHCP is not enabled for ethernet error. Try them, and feel free to let us know which worked for you in the comments section below.