How to - Use ipconfig - Windows 10

Windows 10: Troubleshooting Like a Pro with ipconfig

While Windows 10 has introduced many flashy "Settings" menus, the most powerful tool for fixing internet problems remains the humble Command Prompt and the ipconfig command. Whether you're dealing with a "Limited Connectivity" error or your browser simply refuses to load pages, ipconfig allows you to see exactly what your network card is doing.

How to Access the Command Line in Windows 10

In Windows 10, you have two main options for running network commands:

1. The Quick Menu: Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

2. The Search Bar: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

3 ipconfig Power Moves

Once you have the black window open, use these commands to diagnose and fix your connection:

• ipconfig /all: This is the "Full Report." It shows your physical MAC address, your DNS server (which translates website names into numbers), and whether your router is successfully handing out IP addresses via DHCP.

• ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew: This duo tells your computer to "drop" its current connection and ask the router for a brand-new one. It’s the digital equivalent of "unplugging it and plugging it back in" for your IP address.

• ipconfig /flushdns: If you can access some websites but not others, your DNS cache might be "stale." This command wipes that memory clean so your computer looks up the most current address for every site.