More than 70% of PC users across the globe use Microsoft’s Windows, making it the most widely used operating system in the world. The current versions of Windows are all well-equipped with troubleshooters that can solve a lot of system errors. It can automatically solve problems about network connectivity, printers, bluetooth, and more. These troubleshooters are readily accessible and extremely helpful in solving problems.
Though troubleshooters can fix problems automatically most of the time, there are some problems it can’t solve on its own. “Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter” is one such example. Alternatively, you may also have come across errors like “There might be a problem with the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter” or “the IPv6 TCP/IP interface failed to bind to its provider”. These errors will prevent you from connecting to the internet; hence, the troubleshooter will not be of any help to you in this case. Therefore, we will need to find the problem and fix it manually.
What Causes the Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Protocol Stack Error?
- Sometimes Windows finds it difficult to fetch the IP address via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol due to a bad driver or some conflicting network tools.
- For most cases, this error occurs after you install a third-party VPN. In such cases, you might need to uninstall the VPN completely.
- Due to a lot of applications or a bad Windows update, WLAN AutoConfig could get turned off resulting in the “Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter” error.
7 Ways to Fix Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Protocol Stack to the Network Adapter:
There are multiple ways to fix the network adapter error. If one doesn’t work out for you, move on to the next one.
1. Use the Default Network Settings
- Open the run box by pressing Windows+R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter key. This will open the network connections, where you need to right-click on the network adapter and click on properties. For example, you can check the Properties of Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Next, choose the networking options and tick the checkboxes beside the below options.
- Client for Microsoft Networks
- File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
- QoS packet scheduler
- Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
- Microsoft LLDP Protocol Driver
- Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
- Link-Layer Topology Discovery Responder
- Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O driver
- Make sure, Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol is not selected.
- Once done, click on OK and try to connect your PC to the network.
2. Reset the IP and Clear DNS Cache
Open the Command prompt from the search box and select Run as administrator. Type “netsh winsock reset” and press Enter button and then “netsh int ip reset” and again press Enter. Once done, restart the PC and open the command prompt again. Again run the following commands “ipconfig /release”, “ipconfig /flushdns” and “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter after each one. Again restart your PC and try to connect to the network.
3. Try Changing the Startup Type of WLAN AutoConfig Service
Open the run box, type “services.msc” and press Enter. In the new window, double click on WLAN AutoConfig and switch the Startup type to Automatic. Next click on the start button, then apply, and finally OK. Finally restart the PC and try to connect to the network.
See Also: Fix WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Problem on Windows PC
4. Disable the ANOD Network Security Filter Drivers
In the Run box, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. From the Device Manager window click on the Network adapter window and expand it. Next right-click on ANOD Network Security Filter Driver and click on uninstall the device. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process and finally restart the PC.
5. Update the Network Adapter Drivers
Follow the previous step (No. 4) and expand the network adapter. Right-click on the network adapter driver and click on the update driver option. You will be asked how you wish to find the driver. Here click on the Search automatically for driver option and complete the process by following the on-screen instructions.
6. Remove CISCO VPN Registry Keys
Open the command prompt and select yes to run as administrator. Copy and paste the command “reg delete HKCR\\CLSID\\{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /f” and press Enter. If the key is not found in your system it will let you know by stating that the system was unable to find the specific key. In that case type “netcfg -v -u dni_dne” and press Enter followed by restarting the system.
7. Restore Your PC to the Recent Restore Point
If all the above options fail, try this one. Open the command prompt and select yes for admin rights. Next type rstrui.exe and press Enter button. In the system restores the window click on next. This is meant to display the list of all system restore points. From here you can select the Restore point that you prefer the click on next and finally finish.
See Also: What Are the Best Practices of Database Security?
Conclusion
The above steps are most likely to solve the “Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter” problem. If not, you should contact your Internet provider or PC customer support service. Additionally, you may also try some PC diagnostic tools that can detect the problem and provide a solution best suited for the scenario.
