Windows ipconfig is a fast command-line tool for inspecting a machine’s TCP/IP configuration and troubleshooting DHCP, gateway, and DNS problems. Microsoft documents it for Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server, and Azure Local.

Basic network configuration

ipconfig

The basic output shows IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet information, and the default gateway for network adapters.

Get the full adapter details

ipconfig /all

Use /all when you need more detail, including adapter information, DHCP state, DNS configuration, and physical addressing. In a server rack or data-center troubleshooting session, this is usually the most useful starting point.

Renew a DHCP address

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

These commands release and renew DHCP configuration. Be careful when running them remotely because releasing the active adapter can interrupt the connection you are using to administer the machine.

Flush the DNS resolver cache

ipconfig /flushdns

This clears the local DNS resolver cache. It is useful when a hostname resolves incorrectly after a DNS record has changed or when testing name-resolution problems.

Field troubleshooting workflow

ipconfig /all
ping <default-gateway>
nslookup example.com
tracert example.com

Read the commands as a sequence: verify local addressing, test the gateway, test DNS resolution, then inspect the path beyond the local network. If the address begins with 169.254, investigate DHCP connectivity because Windows can use an automatic private address when it cannot obtain the expected DHCP configuration.

Official reference

Microsoft Learn: ipconfig

Microsoft Support: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows

Video lesson

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