How To Fix ‘The Default Gateway is Not Available’ Issue

The windows 8/10, has gradually won the audience’s heart. The complete user interfaces and improvements and features are improvised well and good. However, there are some issues with it as well. The “Default gateway is not available” is one such error.

This issue has often resulted in dropping their internet facilities now and then or couldn’t have internet access at all.

This “Default gateway is not available” issue can be the result of anything from a McAfee product. It can be for the Windows 8 auto logon feature and due to obsolete network drivers. This issue has a direct effect on your network and connections hence creating a lot of hindrances.

The Default Gateway is Not Available

What is “The Default Gateway is Not Available” Error?

“The Default Gateway is Not Available” error typically occurs on Windows-based computers when the system is unable to establish a connection to the default gateway, which serves as the access point to the internet for devices on a network.

When this error occurs, users may experience a loss of internet connectivity and difficulty accessing online resources.

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Causes of the Error

Several factors can contribute to “The Default Gateway is Not Available” error:

  1. Network Adapter Issues: Problems with the network adapter, such as outdated drivers or incorrect settings, can prevent the device from communicating with the default gateway.
  2. Router or Modem Problems: Issues with the router or modem, such as firmware glitches or hardware malfunctions, can disrupt the connection to the default gateway.
  3. IP Address Conflict: When multiple devices on the same network have conflicting IP addresses, it can lead to connectivity issues, including “The Default Gateway is Not Available” error.
  4. Network Configuration Errors: Incorrect network configuration settings, such as an improperly configured IP address or subnet mask, can result in gateway connectivity problems.
  5. Software or Driver Conflicts: Conflicts between software applications or device drivers can interfere with network connectivity and trigger gateway errors.

How To Fix The “Default Gateway Is Not Available” Issue?

To tackle the problem, we must understand the problem and address it. There is a whole set of instructions that can help you to solve the issue. However, we advise you to power-cycling your router once before all of these. The simple procedure to do this is –

Step 1: At first turn off your router.

Step 2: Turn off the modem if the router is hooked up to ISP’s modem for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Turn it back on.

Even if after doing all these your issue is not solved then continue with the solutions given below. The “Default Gateway is not available” problem can be fixed and there are multiple solutions to it.

Solution 1: Remove any and all McAfee programs that you have

In major cases, it is seen that the main reason behind the “Default gateway is not available” issue is a McAfee security program. So, the first thing that is advised in this case is to follow these steps –

Step 1: Go to Control Panel, and then Programs, and from there select Programs and Features.

Step 2: Click on Uninstall button.

You can also go through some different steps as well. They are mentioned below –

Step 1: Click on the windows key from the keyboard and R key simultaneously.

Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl on the run dialog box

This will take you to the Add & Remove Programs. If this works perfectly, then you can later install the McAfee programs that you deleted. However, if this do not work then without wasting any more time go to the next solution.

Solution 2: Disable the Auto Logon feature

It has been reported by many Windows 10 user that “Default gateway is not available” issue is encountered several times. Many also consider that the man reason is the auto logon feature that Microsoft introduced with Windows 8.

The auto logon feature usually is known to log the user onto the user account that was being used, as soon as the user turns on the computer; it shuts down the window just after that. However, there is no particular clear and straightforward instruction set, that can allow you to disable the auto logon feature directly.

But this can be prevented by a simple trick. If the user assigns a password to all of the accounts on the computer, then this auto logon feature is delayed and is prevented from activation. The user might find it difficult to memorize so many passwords. In that case thy can go for a simple set of passwords.

Even there are options to keep hints, that can help you to remember the password in case you forget that. This can be easier if the user switch to Microsoft Account instead of Local Account. This will allow the user to reset password easily even if the user has forgotten with the help of the e-mail address.

Solution 3: Update your network adapter’s drivers

To do this go through the following set of instructions.

Step 1: First search and open the Device Manager

Step 2: Expand the Network adapters

Step 3: Right click on the network adapter that you are currently using.

Step 4: Click on Update Driver Software from the drop-down.

Step 5: Click on search automatically for update driver software

Allow Windows to search and download for any available software updates for the networks adapter’s drivers. The search may or may not show no results in case of a more recent version of your network adapter’s drivers. The result might be false negative.

And in this case, it may happen that more recent versions of the network adapter’s drivers actually exist. In this case, even if the system shows that your drives are up to date, it is advised to visit the official website of your computer or network adapter’s manufacturer.

You can go to their Downloads page and check for yourself whether you have the newer updated version or not. If the newer version is available, make sure you instal it in your respected system. Also, if the affected computer faces trouble in maintain a stable internet connection while updating your network adapter’s driver, follow these instructions:

Step 1: Open Windows Trouble-shooter

Step 2: Click on Network and Internet

Step 3: Click on Internet connections

Step 4: Click on Next

Step 5: Click on Troubleshoot my internet connection.

After that go through the instruction and follow that clearly. At the end of the whole process, your internet issue might be resolved (at least for this particular time period).

If these don’t work as well, then you can simply download the latest drivers for the respective computer system’s network adapter from the manufacturer’s website on a separate computer. And after that transfer them to your affected device through DVD or USB and install them.

Solution 4: Uninstall your Network Adapter’s Drivers

Another solution that you can try is by uninstalling your network adapter’s drivers. This can help you to fix the “Default gateway is not available” issue on Windows 8. You might get anxious after this idea. But there is no need to worry.

This is so because Windows will automatically detect your network adapter once it reboots and reinstall its drivers.

Step 1: First search and open the Device Manager

Step 2: Expand the Network adapters

Step 3: Right click on the network adapter that you are currently using.

Step 4: Click on Uninstall. Then Confirm the action.

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Your network adapter will automatically be detected and its driver will get reinstalled once your whole system boots up.

Solution 5: Change your network adapter’s drivers

This can also be an effective method to tackle the addressed issue. You can switch your network adapter’s drivers with a different set of drivers that you already have on your computer in order to fix the “default gateway is not available” problem on Windows 8.

This can be better explained with an example: The Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter to Broadcom 802.11a Network. Once again, follow these set of instructions below to solve the addressed issue –

Step 1: First search and open the Device Manager

Step 2: Expand the Network adapters

Step 3: Right click on the network adapter that you are currently using.

Step 4: Click on Update Driver from the drop-down list.

Step 5: Click on Browse my computer for driver software

Step 6: Click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

Step 7: Uncheck the Show compatible hardware

Therefore, if your network adapter was listed as Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter in the Device Manager already, then select Broadcom 802.11a Network Adapter from the list. If your network adapter was listed as Broadcom 802.11a Network Adapter in the Device Manager already, then select Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter from the list. That is vice versa.

Step 8: At last, click on Next.

Follow all the instructions clearly as mentioned on the screen to change your network adapter’s drivers.

There is no guarantee that it will work. Hence, if it does not work, then keep changing the network adapter’s driver to a different one from the list. There will be at least one driver that is not affected by the “default gateway is not available” problem and will provide you a sustaining connection.

Solution 6: Disabling Power Conservation Options

Coming to the last solution. It is seen that the newer versions of Windows include a power-saving feature. This features simply disable certain drivers in order to conserve power. This feature can however undergo malfunction and disable the drivers permanently.

But the essential fact is that this feature can easily be disabled too. To do that, you should follow this instruction step by step,

Step 1: Press the Windows key from the keyboard and the R button simultaneously to open the run prompt.

Step 2: Type “devmgmt.msc”

Step 3: Press “Enter”

Step 4: Double click on the “Network Adapter” option in the list.

Step 5: Right–click on the driver that you are using

Step 6: Select “Properties

Step 7: Click on the “Power Management” tab

Step 8: Uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to conserve power” option.

After this you’re your issue will surely be solved.

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Conclusion

“The Default Gateway is Not Available” error can be frustrating for users, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can usually be resolved quickly.

By understanding the potential causes and following the solutions outlined in this guide, users can effectively troubleshoot and fix gateway connectivity issues, ensuring uninterrupted internet access.

Regular maintenance, such as updating network drivers and resetting TCP/IP stack, can also help prevent such errors from occurring in the future. With these solutions at their disposal, users can enjoy seamless connectivity and productive online experiences.