Limited IP address access on WiFi - Windows 11

Question

Hi,

I’m using Windows 11 on my new laptop, but I cannot access two of my Raspberry Pi devices via WiFi – addresses 192.168.x.4 and 192.168.x.5.

I can however connect to these two devices if I use a cable network connection from my new laptop . Also, I can access these two devices using my Android phone or other computes on my network.

Using my other computers, I can access these two devices either via WiFi or cable connection.

It would appear that my new laptop does not allow access to device below 192.168.x.8. I can access a device on 192.168.x.8 but not 192.168.x.4 and 192.168.x.5.

Is there a setting that limits the IP access range, if so where do I find it?

Kind regards

Andre

***Moved from Microsoft Edge / Tabs, address bar, and search / Windows 11***

Answer 1

Hello,

It sounds like your Windows 11 laptop is experiencing a network routing or filtering issue when connecting via WiFi. There isn't a default setting in Windows 11 that limits access to certain IP address ranges (like the 192.168.x.4 and 192.168.x.5 addresses), but there are a few things that could be causing this issue:

1. Private vs. Public Network Setting

Windows 11 can treat networks as either Public or Private, and the security rules for these networks differ. Public networks have more restrictive settings, which might block communication between devices on the same network.

To check the network profile:

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

Click on your connected Wi-Fi network.

Ensure the network is set to Private. If it’s set to Public, change it to Private.

2. IPv4 Configuration

If your IP range is restricted only when using WiFi, there could be an issue with your DNS settings or IPv4 configuration on your laptop's WiFi adapter.

To check or reset IPv4 settings:

Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection and select Properties.

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

Ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected (unless you have specific static settings).

3. Firewall or Security Software

Sometimes, third-party security software or even Windows Firewall can block local network traffic. Make sure the firewall is not blocking the specific IP addresses.

To check the Windows Firewall:

Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall.

Check if any relevant apps (like the Raspberry Pi devices) are being blocked.

If you use third-party security software, check its firewall settings too.

4. Router or Access Point Settings

It’s possible that your router is applying some form of IP range filtering or restricting certain devices from accessing the network via WiFi.

Check your router's settings to ensure that there isn’t any form of IP address filtering or access control list (ACL) set up that might be limiting access to IPs below 192.168.x.8.

If none of these suggestions work, please let me know more details, and I can guide you further. Hope this helps!