Fixed “Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Protocol Stack to the Network Adapter” Error

Windows-couldn't-automatically-bind-the-IP-protocol-stack-to-the-network-adapter-Error

The “Windows could not automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter”  is an error that appears on your PC when the network adapter is not working properly. The biggest giveaway is the disturbed internet connection, where the internet stops working out of nowhere. 

Another instance of this error is encountered when you try switching between regular and VPN connections. 

The IP address of your network plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the internet. Therefore, when there is an issue with the VPN servers or while uninstalling VPN when it becomes difficult for your PC to bind the IP back to your network adapter, you face a “Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter” error. 

Some other issues that cause the error are – 

  • Network adapter settings 
  • DNS Cache
  • Incompatible network adapter drivers

Fortunately, all these issues can be resolved. Keep reading as we reveal that the ultimate fixes to Windows could not automatically bind the IP.

How to Fix Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Error on Windows?

To fix the issue, identifying the core reason is a must. However, as multiple reasons may cause the error, you have no other option than to try a bunch of fixes one after the other. Check out the fixes below and apply them using the steps given.

Fix 1 – Change the Network Adapter Settings to Default

Step 1 – Press Win+R to open the Run search.
Step 2 – In the Run search, use the command ncpa.cpl to open the adapter menu.

Type ncpa.cpl

Step 3 – Select the adapter that you are connected to and right-click on it to find Properties.select properties in wi-fi
Step 4 – In the Properties pop-up, navigate to the Network tab and put an enable mark for the following – 

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

Click Configure

Step 5 – After enabling all of these, click OK to save the changes.

Read Also: Fixed – Your Computer Appears to Be Correctly Configured, But the Device or Resource Is Not Responding

Fix 2 – Ensure the WLAN AutoConfig Service is Running

Step 1 – Press Win+R to bring up the Run search.
Step 2 – In the Run search, use the command Services.msc

type services msc command
Step 3 – Find the WLAN AutoConfig service and double-click on it to check its status.WLAN AutoConfig
Step 4 – Change the Startup type of the service to Automatic so that it starts running every time you start your PC.wlan auto
Step 5 – Click the Start button to initiate the WLAN AutoConfig service. 

Fix 3 – Reset Winsock and Flush DNS

Step 1 – Go to the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.

Command Prompt_Admin
Step 2 – Use the Run as administrator option to launch the CMD window.
Step 3 – In the cmd window, use the command – netsh winsock reset.

netsh-winsock-reset
Step 4 – After you have run the command, use the next command – netsh int ip reset.
Step 5 – The above two commands will reset the Winsock for your PC. Simply restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Step 6 – After you have restarted the PC, relaunch the CMD window using the admin privileges.
Step 7 – To flush the DNS cache, use the following commands one after the other (press enter after each) – 

  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • ipconfig /renew

Step 8 – After you have performed all the steps, you can restart the PC and try checking if the Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter error is resolved or not. 

Read Also: Ways to Fix The Requested URL Was Rejected Browser Error

Fix 4 – Update Network Adapter Driver

Step 1 – Download the Advanced Driver Updater.

Step 2 – Click the Start Scan Now button to initiate the scan.

start scan using advanced driver updater

Step 3 – The scan searches for outdated drivers on your PC.
Step 4 – Check the results to find the network adapter listed there.

click on update all button
Step 5 – Click on Update all to clear all the outdated drivers.

Fix 5 – Use a System Reset as a Last Resort

Step 1 – Press Win+I to open the System Settings.
Step 2 – In System Settings, use the command look for recovery options.

app recovery option
Step 3 – Use the Reset this PC button to initialize the process in the recovery option.
Step 4 – Follow the shown steps on the screen to choose your reset mode and continue resetting the system. 

After trying all these fixes, you will be relieved that Windows could not automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network adapter error is resolved. Also, ensure that you have uninstalled and removed all the components of your VPN client, as that is the primary reason behind the occurrence of this error. 

You might not need to apply all the fixes depending on the reason; the fixes work differently for everyone. To resolve the issue all you have to do is try the fixes until your problem is resolved.

 With that, we have reached the end of this post. Thanks for reading. Good luck!

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About The Author

Dishank Sharma
Dishank Sharma

A creative tech-writer who loves to explore latest tech-trends & convey them to his readers in the simplest way possible. He loves to blend the crispness of technology with a pinch of creativity while curating best practices for the readers. In his free time, he likes to scribble poetry, listen to rap & travel.

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3 thoughts on “Fixed “Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Protocol Stack to the Network Adapter” Error

  1. Avatar for freeman freeman says:

    Fix 2 worked for me, thank you so much.

  2. Avatar for Melissa O’Harra Melissa O’Harra says:

    One must be patient in Win7, as applying the Startup Type- takes a good 1 minute. This is a fix further down the list. Any specific items if Win7 + Intel Adapter AC 7295 Dual Adapter. I sourced with manufacturer sites for hardware’s drivers individually. It guarantees I have what I need. I have done that since 1998…..:)

  3. Dear Melissa O’Harra, There are no specific steps for win 7 AC 7295 dual adapter. You have to change the Startup type to Automatic. As far as the drivers are concerned it is a good thing that you are able to get them from the OEM websites. However, we believe this method consumes time and effort. Might we suggest using Advanced Driver Updater that can update your drivers with a few mouse clicks.
    And while you get the drivers straight from the OEM websites, ADU has an inbuilt database of OEM drivers, all accumulated helping users to save time and efforts

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