Description:

IPCONFIG is a Windows console application that displays all of the TCP/IP network values. With IPCONFIG, you have the ability to refresh all of the DNS (Domain Name System) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) settings using several commands. The command “IPCONFIG” must be entered in the Windows Command Prompt. The file path to IPCONFIG is almost always %WINDIR%\System32\ipconfig.exe.

Parameters:

Note: The IPCONFIG command may be used without parameters to show the current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for connected network adapters.

Parameters are entered in the following format “ipconfig parameter” e.g. “ipconfig /all” (without quotes).

/all - Will display the TCP/IP configuration for all adapters.

/displaydns - Shows the content of the DNS client resolver cache.

/flushdns – Clears and resets the contents of the DNS client resolver cache.

/registerdns – Refreshes the DNS names and DHCP leases for active network connections.

/release [AdapterName] - Releases the current DHCP configuration and will remove IP addresses for all adapters if not specified.

/renew [AdapterName] - Renews the IP address for all adapters unless specified.

/setclassid AdapterName [ClassID] - Sets the DHCP class ID for a specific adapter. To show all adapters use * after the parameter.

/showclassid AdapterName - Shows the DHCP class ID for a specific adapter. To show all adapters use * after the parameter.

/? - Help

Examples:

The commands entered are in italics, and the description of what the command performs is to the right of the arrow. Click on the images to enlarge.

IPCONFIG -> Shows the current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for network adapters currently connected.

ipconfig

IPCONFIG /renew -> Renews the IP address for all connected adapters.

ipconfig /renew

IPCONFIG /renew “Local Area Connection” -> Renews only the adapter named “Local Area Connection”.

ipconfig /renew "Local Area Connection"

IPCONFIG /renew Local* -> Renews only adapters starting with “Local”.

ipconfig /renew local*

IPCONFIG /flushdns -> Resets and clears the DNS.

ipconfig /flushdns

Troubleshooting:

Most network errors can be resolved with the “IPCONFIG /renew” (without quotes) command. If you experiencing DNS issues use the command “IPCONFIG /flushdns” (without quotes) to reconfigure your computer’s DNS.

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