( Solved ) IPv4 no internet access – How to fix

Often caused by a glitch that blocks the network, many computer users cannot access the internet because of the IPv4 no internet access error. Let us look at how to fix this problem quickly.

Ever since the invention of the internet, we have come a long way in terms of advancements. Every day, more computer networks are interconnecting, meaning there is a newer and more innovative technology and protocols put in place to improve their protection and data exchange over the internet.

Despite these numerous strides in the world of internet connectivity, many PC users still find it challenging to connect to the internet. One of the more common problems is the IPv4 no internet access issue caused by outdated network drivers, wrong DNS servers or IP addresses, and installed security software, among many others. You can easily fix this issue by updating your drivers, uninstalling firewall programs and antivirus software, or altering your device settings. In this article, we will look into the various causes of this problem and give working solutions.

How to fix IPv4 with no internet access

Alter your HT Mode settings

Your High Throughput (HT) Mode settings are a useful feature, but they come with a set of issues. These settings allow computer users to specify which modes or data rates, often between Very High Throughput (802.11ac) or High Throughput (802.11n), support your device. As a result, you can change these settings to fix the IPv4 with no internet access error.

Change these settings by pressing the Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box. Proceed to type ‘ncpa.cpl’ in the bar and press OK to open Internet Connection Settings on your Control Panel. You can also open your Control Panel settings and choose the Network and Internet option. Click on the Network and Sharing Center and locate and press on the Change adapter settings on the left menu.

Once the Internet Connection window opens, find your active Network Adapter, double-click it, and click on its properties. Press on the Configure button and find the advanced tab to locate the HT mode option. Alter it to the HT Mode 20/40 or a similar option. Proceed to restart your device to confirm the changes. Test your internet connection to see if the problem persists.

Update your network drivers

Another common cause of this problem is an old or faulty network adapter driver. As a result, you have to update these network drivers to the latest version if you want the problem to stop reappearing. The best and easiest way to update your drivers is by checking your device’s manufacturer’s website and installs any updates manually. Device manager also allows you to update your drivers through the internet. However, since you have no access to the internet, it is best to check the manufacturer’s website for the latest updates.

Reset your IP configuration

An Internet Protocol (IP) Address is a unique means of identification given to every device in a particular network. As a result, this address enables devices to share information within a specific network. If your device does not have a correct IP address or its existing allocation was terminated, you should release and renew the current address to allow a complete connection.

To change your IP Address, press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type ‘cmd’ in the bar and click enter to open a command prompt. Proceed to type ‘ipconfig/release’ and hit enter. Type ‘ipconfig/renew’ and press enter, once the prompt returns. Type ‘exit’ and close the window by clicking on enter.

Disable IPv6 option

Although it supplements and will eventually replace IPv4, IPv6 is not likely to be explicitly functional for the next few years. However, Windows, together with your ISP and other equipment, uses its IPv6 mode as the preferred network. As a result, you can try forcing Windows to use its IPv4 mode unless you need IPv6 for something.

To disable IPv6 mode manually, press the Windows + R keys combo to open the Run dialog box. In the bar, type ‘ncpa.cpl’ and press enter to open the network connections window. Right-click on your connection and click on its ‘properties’. Scroll down the networking tab to the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), uncheck its box, and press OK. Restart your computer to confirm these settings.

You can also turn off IPv6 automatically by accessing tools on Microsoft. Go to the website and download the ‘Prefer IPv4 over IPv6 in prefix policies’ utility and run it on your PC. You may also opt to permanently disable IPv6 by using the ‘Disable IPv6’ utility. Take note that all these actions are reversible.

Disable antivirus and firewall software

Antivirus software, like McAfee and Avast, is notoriously known for promoting the IPv4 no internet access problem. Such software may download and install firewall programs as well as other software automatically. As a result, you should disable these firewall programs from their interface by completely uninstalling them.

To uninstall these firewall programs, press the Windows +R keys combo, type ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the search bar, and click on Enter to access Programs and Features. Scroll until you find McAfee or Avast and other firewall programs.  Once you locate them, right-click on the programs you want to uninstall and hit ‘uninstall’. Remember also to uninstall any residual programs and files of the firewall programs and antivirus.

Conclusion

Hopefully, one of the above solutions have fixed your ‘IPv4 no internet access’ issue, and you can now connect to the internet successfully. If not, you may go ahead and run the in-built Windows Internet Connections Troubleshooter. Troubleshooters cannot fix all computer issues, but it is a good start when encountering such issues. More so, it may just solve the ‘IPv4 no internet access’ problem.

Frequently Asked Question

Is IPv6 faster than IPv4?

The latency of IPv4 and IPv6 depends on your ISP settings. If your ISP settings have better IPv6 BGP peers compared to IPv4, IPv6 latency will be relatively lower than that of IPv4, and vice versa.

Should IPv6 replace IPv4?

IPv6 is an evolutionary upgrade of IPv4, and it coexists with the older IPv4 protocol for some time. Initially, it emerged due to a concern that the demand for IP addresses would surpass the available supply.