Restart your computer and router to resolve temporary glitches and reset the network environment. 2. Run the Network Troubleshooter via Settings to automatically detect and fix common connection issues. 3. Reset the TCP/IP stack and flush DNS by running netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, and ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt as administrator, then restart the computer. 4. Update or reinstall the network adapter driver through Device Manager, or uninstall it to let Windows reinstall it upon reboot. 5. Set a static IP and DNS manually by switching to Manual IPv4 settings with an appropriate IP, gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.1), and DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8), ensuring the gateway matches the router’s actual IP. 6. Disable IPv6 in network adapter properties to prevent interference with IPv4 connectivity. 7. Check for IP address conflicts by ensuring no other device shares the same IP and adjusting the router’s DHCP range to avoid overlaps. Most cases are resolved through these steps, starting with a reboot and progressing through software and configuration fixes, and the issue is typically not due to hardware failure.

The "Default gateway is not available" error usually means your device can't communicate with your router, which is needed to access the internet. This is common in Windows and often appears after a reboot or network change. Here’s how to fix it — step by step.

1. Restart Your Computer and Router

Before diving into technical fixes, try the simplest solution:

• Restart your PC – Sometimes a temporary glitch causes the issue.
• Restart your router/modem – Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the network environment and often resolves gateway conflicts.

Wait for the router to fully boot up (all lights stable), then reconnect your PC.

2. Run the Network Troubleshooter

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

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
• Click on Network troubleshooter under "Change your network settings".
• Follow the prompts and let Windows attempt to fix the issue.

It might detect problems like IP conflicts or gateway settings and apply automatic fixes.

3. Reset TCP/IP Stack and Flush DNS

Corrupted network configurations can prevent proper gateway communication. Resetting network components often helps.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Press Win X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

Run these commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

• netsh winsock reset – Resets the Winsock catalog (used for network connections).
• netsh int ip reset – Resets IP-related settings.
• ipconfig /release and /renew – Forces your PC to request a new IP from the router.
• ipconfig /flushdns – Clears outdated DNS entries.

After running these, restart your computer.

4. Update or Reinstall Network Adapter Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause.

• Press Win X → Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your network adapter (e.g., "Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200" or "Realtek PCIe GbE") → Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If that doesn’t help:

• Right-click the adapter → Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC – Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

? Tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure you have another way to download drivers (like a phone hotspot) in case the network driver removal disables your connection.

5. Set IP and DNS Manually (Temporarily)

If your router isn’t assigning a proper gateway, try setting a static IP:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties (or Ethernet).
2. Under "IP settings", click Edit.
3. Change from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
4. Toggle on IPv4 and enter:
   • IP address: 192.168.1.100 (or similar – avoid .1 or .254, which are often used by routers)
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 (usually auto-filled)
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (check your router’s actual IP – common ones are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

? To confirm your router’s gateway IP, check another connected device or look in your router’s admin page (usually http://ipnx.cn/link/20197c7d76e929ae6f23cda2b67f66d3).

If this works, the issue is likely DHCP-related on your router. Consider updating the router firmware or resetting it.

6. Disable IPv6 (Optional)

Sometimes IPv6 misconfiguration interferes with IPv4 gateway assignment.

• Go to Network & Internet Settings > Change adapter options.
• Right-click your active network connection → Properties.
• Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
• Click OK and restart.

Test your connection. You can re-enable it later if needed.

7. Check for IP Address Conflicts

If another device on your network has the same IP as your PC, the gateway won’t respond properly.

• Ensure your router’s DHCP range is set correctly (e.g., 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200).
• Avoid manually assigning IPs that fall in that range unless reserved.

You can also try:

• Disconnecting other devices temporarily.
• Waiting a few minutes and reconnecting – forces a new IP lease.

Final Notes

Most "Default gateway is not available" issues are resolved with a router restart, driver update, or TCP/IP reset. If none of the above work:

• Try connecting to a different network (like a phone hotspot) to rule out hardware failure.
• Consider a BIOS/UEFI update or checking for Windows updates.

Basically, start simple — reboot — then work through software and configuration fixes. It’s usually not a serious hardware problem.

The above is the detailed content of How to fix 'Default gateway is not available'. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!