[FIX] Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter

Many users have reported an issue wherein they are not able to access the Internet and the Windows network troubleshooter is also not able to give a solution to this problem. It has been observed that when the troubleshooter is run to fix the network connection, it displays an error stating that “Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter”.

If you are one of them encountering this error while troubleshooting the network, then check the fixes listed in this article to clear this error. In case you have VPN installed on your system, either turn it off it or completely remove it and check if it helps to solve this error.

Fix 1 – Reset IP and Clear DNS Cache

 

1. Press Windows and R key to open the Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.

 

Command Prompt (admin) Cmd Enter

 

3. Execute the following commands one after the other.

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

4. Restart your computer.

5. Open the Command Prompt as administrator again.

6. Type the following commands and execute them one after another.



ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

7. Reboot your PC. Now check if the error is fixed after the system startup.

 

Fix 2 – Check Network Adapter Options

 

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open Network Connections.

 

Run Network Connections Command Min

 

3. Right-click on the current network adapter that is experiencing this error and choose Properties.

 

Network Connections Network Adapter Propertei Min

 

4. In the Properties window, below This connection uses the following items section, check the box associated with the ones mentioned below:

  • Client for Microsoft Networks
  • File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
  • QoS packet scheduler
  • Bridge driver
  • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  • Microsoft LLDP Protocol Driver
  • Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
  • Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O driver
  • Link-Layer Topology Discovery Responder

5. Make sure the ones not mentioned in the list above are unchecked.

6. Click on OK to confirm the setting changes.

 

Network Adapter Properties Check Uncheck Items Min

 

7. Check if the problem is resolved.

 

 

Fix 3 – Update Network Adapter

 

1. Using another computer with an internet connection, visit the manufacturer’s website of your network adapter. Look for the latest network drivers, download and save them on a USB.

2. To open the Run dialog use the Windows and R key combination.

3. Type devmgmt.msc to open the Device Manager.

 

Run Device Manager Min

 

4. Expand Network Adapters in the list by clicking on it.

5. Right-click on the current network adapter. Here, select the option Update driver.

 

Device Manager Network Adapter Update Driver Min

 

6. Click on Browse my computer for the drivers in the window that asks How do you want to search for drivers?

 

Update Drivers Browse Computer For Drivers Min

 

7. Click on let me pick option

Screenshot 2022 07 28 121240 Min

8- Click on Next to complete the driver update following the on screen instructions.

 

Update Network Min

 

8. Once the process is complete, reboot your PC for the changes to come into effect.

9. Check if you have been able to clear the error.

Fix 4 – Modify WLAN AutoConfig Service’s Startup Type

 

1. Hit the Windows key and type services in the search box.

2. Select the Services app in the search result list.

 

Open Services App Min

 

3. Scroll down and locate WLAN AutoConfig in the list.

4. Right-click on the service and choose Properties.

 

Wlanautoconfig Service Properties Min

 

5. In the Properties window, use the dropdown associated with the Startup type. Select the option Automatic.

6. Click on Apply and then OK.

 

Wlanautoconfig Startup Type Properties Min

 

7. Restart your computer and check if this has helped fix the error for you.

 

Fix 5 – Shut Down System Using the Shift Key

In the case, you have performed a restart or shut the PC in the normal way, consider using the Shift key while shutting down. Many users have found that this fix has helped them overcome the error.

You have to click on the Shutdown option when having the Shift key pressed. Once the system shuts down, wait for some time and then switch it on. Check if this helps resolve the error for you.

Fix 6 – Make Changes in the Registry

 

1. Just press Windows and R keys to open the Run box.

2. Type regedit and click on OK to open the Registry Editor.

 

Run Registry Editor Command Min

 

3. Click on Yes when you are prompted by User Account Control.

4. Navigate to the location below or copy and paste it into the navigation bar of the Registry.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkCards

5. Double-click on NetworkCards to expand it.

6. Here you will find numbered folders 2, 3, 4 etc. We have just 3 and 4.

 

Registry Location Network Cards Min

 

7. To find your adapter, select the numbered folder. In the right pane, see the Description entry and you will find your network adapter’s name in the Data field.

8. Double-click on the ServiceName entry corresponding to your adapter.

 

Registry Networkcards Numbered Folder Servicename Of Corresponding Network Adapter Min



 

9. Copy the text in the Value data field using the Ctrl + C key combination.

 

Copy Value Data Of Servicename Entry For Network Adapter Min

 

10. Now copy and paste the path below in the Registry’s navigation bar.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\ServiceName_string_Value

Note: Replace ServiceName_string_Value with the text copied in Step 9 above.

11. Right-click on the right side and select the option New –> DWORD (32-bit) Value.

 

Registry Tcpip Parameters Interfaces Servicename New Dword Min

 

12. Name this entry as DhcpConnEnableBcastFlagToggle.



13. Open this entry by double-clicking on it.

 

Dhcp Connenablebcastflagtoggle Entry Min

 

14. Enter the value 1 in the Value data field. Click on OK.

 

Dhcp Connenablebcastflagtoggle Set Value Data Min

 

15. Close the Registry. Reboot your system and check if the error is resolved.

That’s it!

You must now be able to access the internet without seeing any error. Comment and let us know the fix that worked for you.