How to Fix IP Address Conflict

When the warning “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” appears, it indicates a network issue that needs fixing. 

This guide on how to fix IP address conflict will explain why two devices on your network are using the same IP address (this disrupts communication as each device requires a unique IP). 

Without further ado, let’s dive into the causes and solutions for this common problem:

Common Reasons for IP Address Conflicts on Windows

Unable to access the internet due to an IP address conflict? This issue typically arises due to:

• Static IP Address Conflicts: When IP addresses are assigned manually  to different devices, it is easy to accidentally give two devices the same IP, leading to a clash. Make sure the static IP you assign to a device does not fall within the range that your DHCP server might allocate. 

• Mixed IP Allocation Methods: Combining both dynamic and static IP assignment methods can sometimes cause trouble. For instance, if a network administrator manually assigns the same IP that a DHCP server later tries to allocate automatically, this will result in a conflict.

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies: In environments that welcome personal devices, conflicts can occur if a visitor’s device retains a static IP from another network that matches one on your network.

• DHCP Server Glitches: Sometimes, the issue lies with the DHCP server itself, especially those of low quality. Such servers might mistakenly assign the same IP to multiple devices.

• Network Setup Errors: Mistakes in network configuration can lead to the same static IP being set for multiple devices, or overlap between the ranges of IPs assigned manually and those distributed by the router’s DHCP function.

• Overworked Routers or Modems: In home networks, routers or modems pushed beyond their capacity might start assigning IPs incorrectly, leading to conflicts.

Fixes to Resolve IP Address Conflicts on Windows

If you are having an IP address conflict on Windows, you can fix it by ensuring each one of your devices has a unique IP. Here are some solutions you can try out:

Solution #1: Restart Your Router

Your router gives your device a unique IP every time it connects to the internet. If it is unable to do that, you might face an IP address conflict. Therefore, restart your router to see if it fixes the issue. Here is how:

1. Search for the power button on your router and switch it off. If there is no power button, you can unplug the router from its power source.
   
2. Wait for approximately 5 minutes to ensure your network and router have turned off completely.
   
3. Now, turn on the router or plug it back into its power source again. You might be required to reconnect your devices to the internet.

Solution #2: Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

If you are using a USB or wireless network adapter, you can get rid of the IP address conflict by disabling and then re-enabling it. Here is how: 

1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys.
   
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” and click “OK” to open the “Network connections” window.
   
3. Find the network adapter you are using and right-click it. Now, choose the “Disable” option.
   
4. To re-enable your adapter, right-click it again and select the “Enable” option.
   
5. See if your internet access is restored. If needed, restart your device and check if the IP address conflict persists.

Solution #3: Release and Renew IP Address

You can direct your router to release your existing IP and give your device a new, unique IP address using certain commands. Here is how:

1. Enter “Command Prompt” in the search bar.
   
2. Right-click the first result and choose the “Run as administrator” option. You might be prompted to type your user password.
   
3. Once the command prompt window opens, type “ipconfig /release” and hit the “Enter” button. This causes your existing IP address to be released.
   
4. Next, type “ipconfig /renew” and press the “Enter” button. This requests the DHCP server to assign a new IP address. 

Solution #4: Use an Automatic IP Instead of Static IP

You can change your computer’s IP address from a manually assigned one (static IP) to one that is assigned automatically by your router (dynamic IP). Here is how:

1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys.
   
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” and click “OK” to open the “Network connections” window.
   
3. Find the network adapter you are using and right-click it. Now, select the “Properties” option.
   
4. Double-click the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” item.
   
5. In the “General” tab, choose both the “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” options.
   
6. Click the “OK” button and restart your computer.

Solution #5: Disable IPv6

If your network uses both Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and version 6 (IPv6), it might cause an IP address conflict. To resolve this issue, consider temporarily deactivating IPv6 in your device’s network configurations. Here is how: 

1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys.
   
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” and click “OK” to open the “Network connections” window.

3. Find the network adapter you are using and right-click it. Now, select the “Properties” option.

4. To disable IPv6, untick the checkbox adjacent to “Internet Protocol Address Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” and click the “OK” button. 

5. Once done, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Solution #6: Update Network Driver

If your network driver is corrupted or outdated, it can lead to numerous networking problems, such as IP address conflicts. To resolve this issue, try updating the network adapter driver on your Windows machine. Here is how:

1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys.

2. Now, type “devmgmt.msc” and press “Enter” or click “OK” to open the “Device Manager” window.

3. Click the “+” sign to expand the “Network Adapter” list 

4. Search for your network card in the list and right-click it. Then, select the “Update driver” option.

5. Select the option to update driver software automatically.

6. Next, install the driver’s available update by following the on-screen instructions.

7. Once done, restart your computer.

Solution #7: Get a Unique IP Address Using a VPN

Besides protecting your online activities through encryption, a Windows VPN gives your device a new IP address each time you access the internet. This reduces the chances of encountering the “Windows has detected an IP address conflict” error.

The PureVPN app is available for Windows and all other major devices, and you can use it on up to 10 different devices at a time. However, if you configure a VPN on your router, all devices connected to it will be able to enjoy VPN protection.

Effective Tips to Avoid IP Address Conflicts

To prevent IP address conflicts, it is important to take proactive steps and maintain consistent oversight of how IP addresses are allocated within your network. Here’s a breakdown of the key measures you should implement:

• Regularly Monitor IP Assignments: Consistently oversee the distribution of IP addresses to avoid overlapping, especially when combining static IPs (manually set) with DHCP (automatically assigned).

• Maintain Router and Modem Health: Ensure that your routers and modems are in good working condition and updated with the most recent firmware to avert network problems.

• Check DHCP Server Settings: Frequently review the settings of your DHCP server to identify and correct any misconfigurations or software glitches that might cause IP address conflicts.

• Network Documentation: Maintain detailed records of your network’s configuration, including IP address allocations, device information, and network structure. This documentation can be invaluable for troubleshooting and ensuring that changes do not introduce conflicts..