Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters to fix common issues automatically. 2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, netsh int ip reset, and netsh winsock reset, then restart the computer to repair the TCP/IP stack. 3. Check Network Adapter Permissions by accessing adapter Properties in Network and Sharing Center, ensuring the user has modification rights and is logged in as an administrator, especially on managed devices. 4. Update or reinstall the network driver through Device Manager by selecting Update driver or uninstalling it for automatic reinstallation, or download the latest version from the manufacturer. 5. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software that may block network changes, then reconfigure IP settings and adjust security settings if successful. 6. Use Control Panel instead of the Settings app: go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click the adapter, select Properties, then configure IPv4 settings manually under TCP/IPv4. 7. Perform a full malware scan using Windows Defender or Malwarebytes to rule out malicious interference with network configurations. 8. Create a new administrator user profile to determine if the issue is account-specific, and migrate data if the new profile resolves the problem. The error is typically caused by insufficient permissions, driver issues, or a corrupted network stack, and can usually be resolved by following these steps in order, starting with elevated command-line tools and proper user rights.

If you're seeing the error "Windows cannot save IP settings" when trying to change your network configuration, it’s usually related to permission issues, corrupted network components, or problems with the network adapter. Here’s how to fix it step by step.

1. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common network issues.

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Internet Connections, click Run.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and let Windows attempt to fix any detected problems.

This might resolve minor configuration glitches automatically.

2. Run Command Prompt as Administrator

Many IP setting changes require elevated permissions. Always use an admin Command Prompt for network changes.

• Press Win X and choose Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
• Try releasing and renewing your IP:

  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew

• Or reset TCP/IP stack:

  netsh int ip reset
  netsh winsock reset

• Restart your computer after running these commands.

? The netsh int ip reset command resets IP configuration and may fix corrupted settings preventing changes.

3. Check Network Adapter Permissions

Sometimes, group policies or user account restrictions block IP changes.

• Open Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
• Right-click your network adapter (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
• Make sure your user account has permission to modify settings. If you're on a work or school PC, contact your administrator.
• Also ensure you're logged in as an Administrator on the machine.

? Standard user accounts often can't change IP settings — switch to an admin account if needed.

4. Update or Reinstall Network Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause this error.

• Press Win X > Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your adapter and choose Update driver > Search automatically.
• If that doesn’t help, uninstall the driver, then restart your PC — Windows will reinstall it automatically.

Alternatively, download the latest driver from your PC or network card manufacturer’s website.

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Some third-party security software blocks network configuration changes.

• Disable your antivirus/firewall (especially if it's third-party like Norton, McAfee, etc.) temporarily.
• Try changing the IP settings again.
• If it works, re-enable the software and adjust its network protection settings.

6. Edit IP Settings via Control Panel (Not Settings App)

The modern Settings app can be limited. Use the classic Control Panel instead:

• Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
• Right-click your adapter > Properties.
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Now set your IP address, subnet, gateway, and DNS manually.
• Click OK — this method often works when the Settings app fails.

7. Check for Malware

Rarely, malware can interfere with network settings.

• Run a full scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
• Use Malwarebytes for a second-opinion scan.

8. Create a New User Profile (If Needed)

If the issue is isolated to your user account:

• Create a new administrator account.
• Log in to it and try changing IP settings.
• If it works, migrate your data or fix profile corruption.

Bottom line: Most often, this error is due to lack of admin rights, driver issues, or corrupted network stack. Start with admin Command Prompt and netsh commands, then move to driver updates and Control Panel configuration.

Basically, it's not a deep system flaw — just a permissions or software hiccup most of the time.

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