Windows has detected an IP address conflict

What causes a “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” error?

An IP address is a unique way to identify your device when connected to a network. All private IP addresses must be unique. If two devices are sharing the same IP address, the network won’t won’t be able to differentiate between them, causing conflicting IP address problems while you use the Internet.

Quick fixes for the “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” error message

Follow these steps to ensure your devices have unique IP addresses. We’ve started with the simplest fix, but continue through the list if problems persist.

1. Try restarting your router

Your router assigns each device a unique IP address when it connects to the internet. If it fails to do that, you could get a “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” or “Windows has failed to obtain an IP address message.” Restarting it could help.

1. Find the router’s power button and turn it off. (This will also disconnect you from the internet).
2. Wait 5 minutes to make sure your router and network have shut down completely.
3. Turn your router back on. You might have to reconnect your devices to the internet afterwards.

2. Disable then re-enable your network adapter

You’ll need local user and administrator permissions to do this.

If you’re using a wireless or USB network adapter, disabling it and then re-enabling it can fix issues with your connection.

1. Press and hold the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This will open the Run utility window.

2. Type in ncpa.cpl and click “OK”. This will open the Network Connections window.

3. Right-click on the adapter you’re using, then click “Disable”. (This will disconnect you from the internet).

4. To re-enable your network adapter, right-click the same adapter and click “Enable”.
5. Restart your device, connect to the internet, and see if you still get the same IP conflict error message.

3. Release and renew your IP address

You will need local user and administrative permissions for this process.

You can use commands to release your current IP address and prompt your router to assign a new, unique IP address to your device.

1. In your search bar, search for “Command Prompt”. Right-click on the top result and choose “Run as administrator”. You might be asked to enter your user password.

2. In the command prompt window, type these three commands. Remember to press enter after each one.

• netsh int IP reset c:\resetlog.txt

• ipconfig /release

• ipconfig /renew

If you’re still receiving the same “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” message, don’t give up. You still have a few more options to try.

4. Remove static IP and use an automatic IP instead

You can swap a static IP for an automatic one in your settings. A static IP means that the IP address your computer is using was set manually instead of being set automatically by your router.

To use an automatic IP:

1. Press and hold the Windows and R key on your keyboard. This will bring up the Run function.

2. Type in ncpa.cpl and click “OK”. This will open up the Network Connections window.

3. Right-click on the adapter you’re using, and select “properties”.

4. Double click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.

5. From the General tab, select both “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”.

6. Click “OK” on both windows and restart your computer.

5. Disable IPv6

If your computer is using Internet Protocol version 6, it can cause the “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” error to show up on your device. You can disable IPv6 from the settings on your device.

What is IPv6?

IPv6 is a protocol used by the internet to assign IP addresses to devices and route traffic around the internet.

1. Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard, then press “R”. This will bring up the Run utility.

2. Type in “ncpa.cpl” and click “OK”. This will open up the Network Connections window.

3. Right-click on the adapter you’re using, then click on “Properties”.

4. Untick the checkmark box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). This will disable IPv6 on your device.

5. Restart your computer to see if the issue has been fixed.

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6. Use a VPN to get a different IP address each time

A VPN for Windows PC will make sure that you get a different IP address each time you connect to the internet, and that goes for all of your devices. NordVPN keeps you truly private and secure online by encrypting your traffic. For even more privacy, it also assigns your devices a different IP address every time you connect to the internet, which means you’re less likely to receive the “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” message.

You can get the NordVPN app for Windows and all other major platforms. And you can even use it on up to six devices at the same time.