How to Ping or do a Trace Route - Windows 10

Windows 10: Troubleshooting Network Connections with Ping and Traceroute

In Windows 10, when your internet connection drops or a specific website becomes unreachable, you don't have to guess where the problem is. By using two classic command-line tools—Ping and Traceroute—you can pinpoint exactly where the signal is failing, whether it's your local router, your ISP, or the destination server itself.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt

The fastest way to get started is by using the Windows 10 search bar:

1. Press the Windows Key on your keyboard.

2. Type cmd and press Enter.

3. Optional: To ensure all commands run without restriction, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Use "Ping" to Check Basic Connectivity

Ping sends a "pulse" to a specific address and waits for it to bounce back.

• The Command: Type ping google.com (or any IP address) and hit Enter.

• Reading the Results:

  • Successful: You’ll see "Reply from..." with a time in milliseconds (ms).

  • Failed: "Request timed out" means the destination is unreachable or blocking the signal.

  • Pro Tip: Use ping -t google.com to run a continuous test while you wiggle cables or restart your router. Press Ctrl + C to stop.

Step 3: Use "Traceroute" to Find the Bottleneck

If Ping shows a failure or high latency, Traceroute shows you the path your data is taking. It lists every "hop" (router) between you and the website.

• The Command: Type tracert google.com and hit Enter.

• Reading the Results: Each line is a different router. If the trace stops at Hop 1, your own router is the problem. If it gets stuck at Hop 5 or 6, the issue is likely with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).