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Inspect Windows Network Configuration with ipconfig

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Overview

The ipconfig command displays Windows TCP/IP configuration. It can show addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, DNS servers, and DHCP details that help diagnose connectivity problems. Its release, renew, and flush options change network state and should be used only when the symptom justifies them.

Troubleshooting Checklist

  1. Open Command Prompt. Standard access is sufficient for the read-only display commands.
  2. Run ipconfig to get a quick overview of network adapters.
  3. Run ipconfig /all for detailed configuration information.
  4. Identify the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for your active adapter.
  5. Note the DNS server addresses being used.
  6. Use ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew only for an adapter that receives its address through DHCP. This temporarily interrupts that adapter's connection, so do not use it during a remote support session without a recovery plan.
  7. Use ipconfig /flushdns only when stale DNS cache information is a plausible cause of a name-resolution problem.

Common Indicators

  • Cannot access websites or network resources.
  • Limited or no connectivity status in Windows.
  • Unable to ping other devices on the local network or the internet.
  • Slow internet browsing or network access.
  • Trouble connecting to shared folders or network printers.
  • Error messages related to IP address conflicts or DNS resolution failures.

Commands 

ipconfig

Displays the current TCP/IP network configuration for all active network adapters, including IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. 

ipconfig /all

Provides a comprehensive display of TCP/IP configuration for all network adapters, including physical (MAC) address, DHCP server, DNS servers, and lease information. 

ipconfig /release

Releases a DHCP-assigned IPv4 address for the specified adapter. This interrupts that adapter's connection until an address is renewed. 

ipconfig /renew

Renews DHCP configuration for the specified adapter. It is commonly used after ipconfig /release when diagnosing DHCP address assignment. 

ipconfig /flushdns

Clears the DNS resolver cache. This is useful when troubleshooting DNS name resolution problems, as it forces the system to re-query DNS servers for hostnames.

Related Topics

Basic Network Troubleshooting Understanding IP Addressing DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) DNS (Domain Name System) Using ping and tracert commands

Knowledge Check

Which 'ipconfig' command provides the most detailed information about all network adapters, including physical address and DHCP server details?

  • ipconfig
  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /all
  • ipconfig /flushdns

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Related Commands

Commands demonstrated or referenced in this article.

Command Prompt Beginner

ipconfig

Displays TCP/IP configuration details for Windows network adapters.

View Command
PowerShell Beginner

Get-NetIPConfiguration

Shows active interfaces with IP addresses, default gateways, and DNS servers.

View Command
Official Sources and References

ipconfig

External technical reference

Open Source

Article Details

Article ID
inspect-windows-network-ipconfig
Schema version
1.0
Review status
approved
Reviewed by
Codex Runtime Verification
Reviewed at
2026-08-08T22:22:12.040703+00:00