How to fix 169 IP address error − Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (Windows 8.1)

In order to access the Internet, our computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. need to be assigned ID cards (an IP address). Most likely the reason for a 169 IP address error is a stuck router and/or modem, failing to assign IP addresses to devices connected to it. In this case, all you need to do is to restart your router, after which, it should assign IP addresses properly.

Note: If you use a modem, make sure to restart it, as well, too.

Another reason for errors with Internet access, especially with IP address 169 can be the computer itself. Maybe the router/modem has assigned an IP address to the computer, but the computer fails to take it.

What you need to do in this case is to restart the computer, what would restart the network card, and network driver.

The Windows network troubleshooter can help you address IP address errors which prevent you from obtaining Internet access. This tool, developed by Windows, will identify the root cause of the issue and attempt to fix it.

What you need to do is to run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions. To run the troubleshooter, right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen and click on Troubleshoot (problems).

If you have recently changed the router's settings, intentionally or not, it is possible that you have blocked your computer from connecting to the Internet, or disabled assigning of IP addresses to more devices.

To test this, disconnect the main Ethernet cable through which your router has Internet access, and connect that cable directly to the computer. Depending on the ISP, you may be asked to set up a network connection enter your username and password.

If you managed to connect to the Internet, following the test above, then check the router's settings and reconfigure them, if needed. Pay attention to the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network) setting, and ensure it's turned on.

Note: If you feel uncertain about changing the router's settings by yourself, you may want to consult a friend or your ISP.

Outdated computer drivers may not work well with the software updates released on a daily basis. In the case of the network driver, this can result in IP address errors like error 169. What you need to do is to update the drivers to the latest version, in order to fix it.

Another way, aside from downloading the latest version of the driver via the manufacturer's website, is to update drivers via the device manager, by following the steps below:

1. Right-click on My Computer/This PC, select Properties and then Device Manager (or type Device Manager in the start menu search box and click on it once it appears in the list);
2. Click on one of the driver categories (Keyboards, Network adapters, Display adapters, Sound, video and game controllers);
3. Right click a driver from the drop-down list and select Update Driver Software...
4. Click on search automatically for updated driver software, if you don't have the drivers' installation files in your computer or on a CD;
5. Click on Next and do not interrupt the updating process.
   
   

The don't know how to update drivers guide will be of use, if you are not sure how to update drivers.

Maybe your Windows version is outdated. If it is errors like 169 are more likely to happen. Updating the operating system regularly can resolve many issues, and improve the computer's stability and performance.

In most cases, updates are applied by the operating system itself, automatically, however, it would be best if checked for updates manually, from time to time.

To check for updates manually, and update your device's operating system, do check out the don't know how to update the operating system solutions.

Restarting the network card can resolve issues with IP address error. By restarting the network card, you will actually "unplug" it and "plug it back in." Once it is "plugged back in," it will search for an IP address to be assigned to it. 

Check out the Don't know how to enable/disable the network adapter guide (if you are not connected via Wi-Fi), or Don't know how to enable/disable the Wi−Fi (if you are connected via Wi-Fi), if you are not sure how to disable the network card.

Corrupt DNS settings can be the reason behind errors with the IP address. If this is the case, flushing the DNS will help your computer get assigned an IP address and connect to the Internet.

If you feel unsure how to flush the DNS, do check the don't know how to flush the DNS guide.

Typing the following commands, in the order below, can help you address the IP address errors, including error 169:

1. Go to the start menu, type command prompt and once it appears right-click on it and select Run as Administrator;
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter;
3. Type nbtstat -RR and press Enter, to refresh the netBIOS names;
4. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter to reset the IP settings;
5. Restart the computer.