ipconfig is a built-in Windows command that displays and manages your machine's TCP/IP network configuration. If you're troubleshooting a connection, diagnosing a DNS issue, or just need to know your IP address fast - this is your first stop.

Open Command Prompt (Win + R → type cmd → Enter) and you're ready.

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Core Commands

Basic output - your IPs at a glance:

Command 
ipconfig

Returns your active network adapters with their IPv4 address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Clean, fast, essential.

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Full detail - everything your adapter knows:

Command 
ipconfig /all

Adds MAC address, DHCP status, DNS servers, lease times, and IPv6 addresses. Use this when you need the full picture - especially when comparing config against a network policy or firewall rule.

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Release your current IP:

Command 
ipconfig /release

Drops the DHCP-assigned IP address on all adapters. Useful when your IP has gone stale or you're switching networks.

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Request a new IP from DHCP:

Command 
ipconfig /renew

Forces a fresh DHCP lease. Run /release first, then /renew to do a full reset. Fixes most "connected but no internet" issues caused by bad DHCP assignments.

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Flush the DNS cache:

Command 
ipconfig /flushdns

Clears locally cached DNS records. Essential when a domain resolves to a stale or incorrect IP - common after DNS migrations, CDN switches, or misconfigured hosts files.

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Display cached DNS entries:

Command 
ipconfig /displaydns

Shows every DNS record currently cached on your machine. Useful for confirming whether a DNS update has propagated locally yet.

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Quick Troubleshooting Flow

Problem Command
What's my IP? ipconfig
Check DNS servers ipconfig /all
Site not loading after DNS change ipconfig /flushdns
No IP assigned ipconfig /release → ipconfig /renew
Confirm DNS propagation locally ipconfig /displaydns

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The Linux / macOS Equivalent

ipconfig is Windows-only. On Linux and macOS, the equivalent commands are:

Command 
ip addr          # Modern Linux
ifconfig         # Legacy Linux / macOS

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Bottom line: ipconfig /all and ipconfig /flushdns cover 90% of real-world network troubleshooting scenarios. Learn those two, and you'll solve most issues before they escalate.