The default gateway allows for a computer in one network to communicate with a computer on another network. It basically works by transferring data from the local network to the internet and back again. At home, for example, the default gateway will be the router. Although windows 10 is quite capable of maintaining a good connection to the default gateway sometimes issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the default gateway is not available issue.
How To Fix The Default Gateway Is Not Available Issue
Before performing the recommended troubleshooting steps for this particular issue it’s best to restart your computer and router first. This will refresh the software of both devices and will usually fix the problem if it is caused by a minor software glitch.
Run Windows Network Diagnostic
Windows Network Diagnostic is a useful tool that’s been around since Windows 7 that is effective in fixing common network problems. It will automatically find a solution to the network problem and attempt to fix it. If it can’t fix the problem then it will give you suggestions on what you should do.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Type Control Panel.
- Select Network and Internet.
- Now select Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Troubleshoot problems.
- Select Internet Connections.
- Follow the prompt to have the Troubleshooter fix it for you.
Check if the default gateway is not available issue still occurs.
Update your network adapter driver
There are instances when the computer software has been updated the adapter driver setting or its files can go missing. To eliminate this possibility you will need to reinstall the network adapter driver. Make sure to have a copy of the latest version of the network adapter driver. You can download this from the device maker website.
Start by uninstalling the driver. Open the Device Manager. After that, find out the Network adapters label and expand it. You should find your network adapter in the list. Right-click on the driver, and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer then install the device driver. Check if the default gateway is not available issue still occurs.
Turn off power saving mode
If this issue occurs when you are using a laptop then this might be caused by a power saving plan that is activated. This power saving plan disables certain drivers from running to conserve power and sometimes due to a glitch it can disable drivers permanently. You should try to disable this feature to check if this is what’s causing the problem.
- Press “Windows” + “R” to open the run prompt.
- Type in “devmgmt.msc” and press “Enter”.
- Double click on the “Network Adapter” option in the list.
- Right–click on the driver that you are using and select “Properties”.
- Click on the “Power Management” tab and uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to conserve power” option.
Check if the default gateway is not available issue still occurs.
Reset TCP/IP
TCP/IP is a protocol needed for your computer to connect to the internet. If this has been corrupted then you will be having issues going online. To fix this you will have to reset the TCP/IP stack of your computer.
- Open the command prompt as an Administrator
- type the following: netsh int ip reset and hit Enter
- This will generate a log file: netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt
- If you are using IPv4, type the following: netsh int ipv4 reset and hit Enter
- If you use IPv6, type the following : netsh int ipv6 reset and hit Enter
Check if the default gateway is not available issue still occurs.
Disable the firewall
If you are using a third party firewall software that is managing incoming and outgoing connections then this might be what’s causing the problem. Try to disable this firewall temporarily then check if the issue still occurs.
Remove McAfee
For some strange reason one of the culprits behind this issue is the McAfee antivirus software. If you have this software installed in your computer then you should try to uninstall it.
- Download McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool or MCPR from the McAfee site
- Run the MCPR
- Once you agree to the T&Cs, the program will start
- MCPR automatically detects the McAfee software installed on your computer and uninstalls it for you.
Check if the default gateway is not available issue still occurs.