Fix: Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Protocol

Disable or uninstall the VPN completely

by Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative... read more
Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • This error could occur due to outdated network adapter drivers or conflicting network configurations or settings.
  • To fix it, you need to update the network adapter, re-enable the network adapter or reset the network configuration.
windows couldn't automatically bind the ip protocol stack to the network adapter
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
Try Outbyte Driver Updater to resolve driver issues entirely: This software will simplify the process by both searching and updating your drivers to prevent various malfunctions and enhance your PC stability. Check all your drivers now in 3 easy steps:
  1. Download Outbyte Driver Updater.
  2. Launch it on your PC to find all the problematic drivers.
  3. Afterward, Click Update & Apply Selected to get the latest driver versions.
  • OutByte Driver Updater has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

If you are facing issues with your network and, upon running the Network troubleshooter, you encountered the Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network error, this guide can help!

Why can’t Windows bind the IP protocol stack?

There could be various reasons for this error; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

  • Obsolete network adapter drivers – You might face internet issues if the network adapter drivers are incompatible or outdated. Try updating them to the latest version.
  • Conflicting network configurations or settings – If the network settings are conflicting or corrupted, you may face this problem. Try resetting the network configuration.
  • Not able to fetch IP address using DHCP – Check the network adapter for malfunction if it is damaged; it could cause issues while connecting to the internet.
  • Unsupported VPN software – If the VPN software is incompatible or uninstalled but has leftover files, it might hinder the process. Try uninstalling VPN software completely.
  • WLAN AutoConfig service is disabled -This issue could appear if the service is stopped or not working due to a bad Windows update or some third-party app.

So, these are the causes for this internet connectivity issue; let us check out the solutions.

What do I do if Windows can’t bind the IP protocol stack?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • Restart your computer and router.
  • Disable or uninstall VPN if applicable.
  • Ensure Windows is up to date.

If these fixes don’t work for you, move to the steps mentioned below.

1. Revert to the default Network Adapter Properties settings

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.Network connections windows couldn't automatically bind the ip protocol stack to the network adapter
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and click OK to open the Network Connections window.
  3. Locate & right-click Wi-Fi and choose Properties.Ethernet 1
  4. Go to the Networking tab and take a screenshot of the current configuration.
  5. Check out this list of items below, and if you see any other items in the list checked in the Network Connections window, remove the checkmark:
    • 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 
      Uncheck the connections list item
  6. Click OK to save the changes.

2. Modify a registry entry

Note icon NOTE
Making changes into the Registry is risky because it may damage the system. We recommend backing it up before performing this solution.
  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.Regedit windows couldn't automatically bind the ip protocol stack to the network adapter
  2. Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkCards
  4. You will see two or three sub-keys related to the network adapters under NetworkCards, click on each sub-key one by one, and on the right-side pane, check the Description entry to locate the Network adapter causing the problem.regedit_Network adapter
  5. Select the affected one, double-click ServiceName, copy the Value data from the next window, and paste it somewhere.
  6. Copy and paste the path mentioned in the Registry Editor’s address bar and replace ServiceName_string_Value with the value you copied in Step 5: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\ServiceName_string_Value
  7. Right-click ServiceName Value, select New, and click DWORD (32-bit) value.New DWORD
  8. Right-click the freshly created entry, select Rename and name it DhcpConnEnableBcastFlagToggle.Rename the DWORD
  9. Double-click it, set the Value data as 1, and click OK.Change Value data to 1
  10. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

3. Reset the IP and clear the DNS cache

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated windows couldn't automatically bind the ip protocol stack to the network adapter
  2. Copy & paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command:
    • netsh winsock reset
      netsh int ip reset
      NETSH RESET WINSOCK
  3. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:
    • ipconfig /release
      ipconfig /flushdns
      ipconfig /renew
      cmd_flushdns
  4. Reboot your computer to let the changes take effect.

4. Update the network drivers

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.Device Manager Run command windows couldn't automatically bind the ip protocol stack to the network adapter
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open the Device Manager app.
  3. Locate and expand Network adapters, right-click the affected entry, and select Update driver.Update driver
  4. Select Browse my computer for drivers.Browse my computer
  5. Next, click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.Let me pick
  6. Select the suitable one from the list and click Next.Click NEXT
  7. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

5. Modify the WLAN AutoConfig service properties

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.SERVICES windows couldn't automatically bind the ip protocol stack to the network adapter
  2. Type Services.msc and click OK to open the Services app.
  3. Locate and double-click WLAN AutoConfig to open its Properties.WLAN AUTOCONFIG
  4. Set the Startup type as Automatic.Automatic click OK
  5. Click OK to save the changes.

If none of the solutions worked, you can always perform a System Restore to revert the OS to a previous healthy state.

Windows will restart and restore your machine to the selected state. If System Restore didn’t successfully complete, we recommend you read this guide to know the solutions.

So, these are methods you can use to fix the Windows couldn’t automatically bind the IP protocol stack to the network error. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Still experiencing troubles? Fix them with this tool:

SPONSORED

Some driver-related issues can be solved faster by using a tailored driver solution. If you're still having problems with your drivers, simply install OutByte Driver Updater and get it up and running immediately. Thus, let it update all drivers and fix other PC issues in no time!

This article covers:Topics: