IPCONFIG Command: IP Address, Diagnose Network Issues, and Fix Common Internet Connection.
IPCONFIG Command (IP Configuration)
IPCONFIG is a built-in Windows command that displays your computer’s current TCP/IP network configuration. It shows IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways for every network adapter, and it can also renew a DHCP lease, release an IP address, or clear the DNS resolver cache. It helps diagnose issues like no internet access, IP conflicts, and DNS lookup failures.
C:\ ipconfig /all
Platform
Windows CMD
Powershell
Difficulty
Beginner
Level
Syntax
ipconfig [/all] [/renew [adapter]] [/release [adapter]] [/flushdns] [/displaydns] [/registerdns]
Basic Examples
1. View basic config:
ipconfigShows IPv4/IPv6 address, subnet mask, and default gateway for each adapter.
2. Show full details
ipconfig /allDisplays the full TCP/IP configuration for all adapters, including MAC address and DHCP/DNS servers.
3. Renew IP address
ipconfig /renewRequests a new IP address lease from the DHCP server for all adapters.
4. Flush DNS cache
ipconfig /flushdnsClears and resets the local DNS resolver cache.
Parameter Reference
|
/all |
Displays the full TCP/IP configuration for all adapters (physical and logical). |
Example: ipconfig /all |
|
/release |
Releases the current DHCP-assigned IPv4 address for one or all adapters. |
Example: ipconfig /release |
|
/renew |
Requests a new IPv4 address lease from the DHCP server for one or all adapters. |
Example: ipconfig /renew |
|
/flushdns |
Flushes and resets the contents of the DNS client resolver cache. |
Example: ipconfig /flushdns |
|
/displaydns |
Displays the contents of the DNS client resolver cache. |
Example: ipconfig /displaydns |
|
/registerdns |
Manually refreshes DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names for the client. |
Example: ipconfig /registerdns |
Quick Tip
If /renew or /release seem to do nothing, it’s because they only affect adapters set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). If your adapter uses a static IP, these commands won’t have any effect. Also, /release on a remote session’s active adapter will disconnect you, so use it carefully over RDP or SSH.
Verdict
CHKDSK remains one of the most reliable and effective built-in Windows troubleshooting tools for diagnosing and repairing storage health issues. Running it periodically helps protect against unexpected data loss and fixes common operating system instabilities before they require a complete system wipe.