The rollout of Windows 11 24H2 has been a mixed bag for users. While many enjoy the updates, others find themselves facing significant challenges, particularly with Wi-Fi connectivity. Reports emerging in October 2024 indicate that a DHCP bug within the update has disrupted internet access for numerous devices, rendering Wi-Fi useless for affected users.
This isn’t an isolated issue; the problem is prevalent and has yet to receive a comprehensive fix. A recent discussion on Reddit highlights this DHCP bug, which many users have encountered, confirming a widespread issue.
If you’re experiencing network troubles after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics of this issue. Before diving into troubleshooting steps, I suggest reviewing my prior report: “Windows 11 24H2 Issues Break Internet, Wi-Fi, Network Sharing, Cause More BSODs.” This context can be helpful, as it touches on interconnected problems you might also be facing.
This article will clarify the ongoing DHCP issues, their impact on Wi-Fi connectivity, and outline troubleshooting steps so you can restore internet functionality.
Understanding the DHCP Bug and its Impact on Wi-Fi
After upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, a number of users reported their devices failing to obtain an IP address. Instead of receiving the designated IP, many found themselves assigned an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA). This issue arises when the DHCP server becomes inaccessible, prompting Windows 11 to generate a random IP address automatically.
As one user expressed: “A group of computers over the last few days have been having DHCP issues. I can still statically assign IP addresses without a problem. I’ve been troubleshooting the issue, ruling out various settings.”
Another user shared, “All the devices having connectivity issues have updated to Win11 v24h2. After rolling back the update, DHCP worked perfectly again.” Hundreds have echoed these sentiments, putting pressure on Microsoft, who acknowledged the volume of user reports.
A patch was included in the November 2024 Patch Tuesday update, addressing issues surrounding DHCP responses. According to Microsoft, conflicts due to duplicate DHCP options in the server’s response were leading to obstacles in IPv4 connections on various networks, and you can read more about this patch here.
Troubleshooting Your DHCP Issues on Windows 11 24H2
If you’re grappling with DHCP-related Wi-Fi issues, the initial step is to ensure you have the latest updates installed. The November 2024 patch may resolve some problems; however, some users still report persistent issues even with the December updates applied.
In light of these ongoing complications, Microsoft may provide additional guidance in due course. Meanwhile, you can try the following workarounds, which have proved effective for several users:
- Consider adjusting the endpoint configurations for your device’s DNS. Specifically, change the type from text to string.
- If the above doesn’t work, follow these detailed instructions:
- Press Windows + S to open the search menu and type regedit.
- Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WcmSvc.
- Within the WcmSvc folder, edit the DependOnService entry and remove the line that states: WinHTTPAutoProxySvc.
- Apply your changes. Next, open Task Manager, access the Services tab, and restart Windows Connection Manager (WcmSvc). Also, restart the WLAN AutoConfig service (WlanSvc).
Keep in mind that these workarounds can be hit-or-miss, depending on your specific setup. If these suggestions do not remedy the situation, rolling back to Windows 11 23H2 may be your best option until Microsoft resolves the underlying DHCP issue.
Additional Insights
1. What exactly is the DHCP bug in Windows 11 24H2?
The DHCP bug in Windows 11 24H2 prevents devices from receiving valid IP addresses, leading to connectivity failures. Affected users may receive an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA) instead of a proper IP address from the DHCP server.
2. How can I determine if my Wi-Fi issues are related to the DHCP bug?
If your internet drops after installing Windows 11 24H2 and you notice your device is assigned an APIPA address, it’s likely you’re experiencing DHCP-related issues. You may also encounter messages indicating the inability to connect to the network.
3. Are there any permanent fixes available for these Wi-Fi issues?
While Microsoft has released patches aimed at resolving the issues, there is no guaranteed permanent fix for all users. The efficacy of workarounds may vary between devices, and some users might consider rolling back to a previous version of Windows until a stable fix is released.