[Solved] The Default Gateway Is Not Available Error

You might be experiencing the Wi-Fi Limited access connective issue. Therefore, when you run the network troubleshooter an error message stating ‘the default gateway is not available’ might be pop up on the display.

The main reason for this issue can be corrupted or incompatible network drivers. Sometimes, due to the security software, if there is an issue with the Ethernet cable, in case, the auto-login feature is enabled, then, this error message might appear on your Windows device. 

Once this issue appears, then you will be able to see a yellow exclamation mark on the Wi-Fi icon and until the problem gets resolved you won’t be able to access the internet.

Solutions to Fix the Default Gateway are not Available Windows 10:

Here are some of the common solutions that you can implement to fix the problem. These solutions can also be implemented to fix the default gateway that is not available on Windows 7 issue. 

Solution 1: Temporarily Disable the Security Software

Temporarily Disable the Security Software

First, move to the System Tray and right-click on the Antivirus Program icon. After that tap on the Disable button.

Now, choose the time frame for which you want to disable the antivirus software. If possible, then select the smallest amount of time range such as 15 to 30 minutes.

However, if the error message still appears after disabling, then move to the next solution.

Solution 2:  Reset the Ethernet Adapter

To fix the default gateway is not available ethernet issue, reset the Ethernet Adapter. To implement the task, follow the given steps.

Step 1

First, right-click on the network caption and after that click on the ‘Open network Internet settings’ button. 

Next, navigate to the ‘Change your network settings’ button.

Step 2

From the available option, select the ‘menu change adapter settings’ option by tapping on it.  Then, the Ethernet Connection adapter will pop up on the display.

Once you have selected, then, right-click on it and select the Disable button. Wait for a while. Now, again click on the Enable button.
Then, close the menu.

Reboot your system and if the error message still appears on the screen, try the next fixing technique.

Solution 3: Update the Network Adapter Drivers

Update the Network Adapter Drivers

 First, move to the Device Manager. In the Device Manager drop-down and select the Network Adapter. Then, right-click on it to see the full list.

After expanding, the current version of the network adapter will show on the LED display. Choose the Update driver software option from the available lists.

Next, click on the Download and let the process complete. Once done, restart your device and if the error message still persists, then try out the next one.

Solution 4: Turn off the Auto-Login Feature

Turn off the Auto-Login Feature

To disable the automatic login feature, press and hold the Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch the Run dialog box. Next, type ‘netplwiz’ in the input field and hit the Enter key to open the’ User Accounts’.

Mark the box next to the ‘Users must enter a username and password to use this computer’ option. Then, click on Apply.

Restart the system and check the status of the error message.

Solution 5:  Change the Network Adapter Drivers

Change the Network Adapter Drivers

If all the above four solutions fail to fix the problem, then you are suggested to change the network adapter drivers. Follow the given steps to successfully perform the task.

Step 1

Move to the Device Manager by using the Search box. Under the Device Manager, locate the Network Adapter and then right-click on it to expand the menu.

Now, all the available current version will appear on the display.

Step 2

From there, choose the update driver software button. On the next screen, you will see two options. 

Choose the ‘Browse my computer for driver software’ option. Then, navigate to the ‘let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer’ button.

Step 3

Unmark the ‘show compatible hardware’ option. In case, you use the Broadcom 802.11b network adapter in the device manager before, then choose the Broadcom 802.11f network 802.11f network adapter and vice versa.

Then, again restart the computer and if you are still getting this error message, then try solution 6.

Solution 6: Change the Power Settings for the Network Adapter

Change the Power Settings for the Network Adapter

At times, after changing the power management settings of the network adapter, you might quickly get rid of the problem.

For that, first type ‘device manager’ in the Search field and press the Enter key to open it. Within the Device Manager, find out the Network Adapter and double-click on it.

Now, the Properties window will appear on the screen. After that, go to the Power Management tab and unmark the box beside the ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ button.

Tap on OK to take the effect of the changes.

Solution 7: Change the Frequency of the Wireless Router

All the new generation router works on the 5GHz frequency. However, many times the router that you are using do not support this 5GHz frequency. In such a condition, you have to set the frequency to 2.4 GHz.

The changing procedure must be given on the router manual. So, follow them thoroughly.

That’s it. Hope any of the above-given solutions will surely help you to fix the issue on your own.

Maria Colombo
Maria Colombo
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