# Networking: Windows: Default gateway is not available / Diagnose Connection Problems: DHCP not enabled

**Code:** `Windows: Default gateway is not available` · **Category:** Networking · **Seen on:** Windows, Networking

The PC can't reach its router, so it has no path out of the local network.

## Meaning

Check the cable or Wi-Fi, the gateway address in `ipconfig`, and whether the router is up and answering (`ping gateway`). Release/renew the lease, reset the adapter, update or roll back the network driver and turn off adapter power saving; faulty IP settings or a wrong gateway also cause it.

## Common causes

- Router off, crashed or unreachable
- Wrong or missing default gateway
- Network adapter driver or power-saving problem
- Wi-Fi/cable intermittent
- Static IP with the wrong subnet

## Quick fix

1. Ping the gateway shown in `ipconfig`
2. Renew: `ipconfig /release` and `/renew`
3. Update or roll back the NIC driver; disable power saving

## Detailed fix by platform

### Windows

1. 

```powershell
ipconfig /all | findstr /i "gateway dhcp"
ping 192.168.1.1
netsh winsock reset
```


## How to diagnose

1. **Gateway** — Pingable?
2. **IP settings** — Correct?
3. **Driver** — Healthy?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/networking/default-gateway-not-available)