Refresh IP Address [Using the Command Prompt]

Refresh IP Address [Using the Command Prompt]

1) Open the command prompt.

While the command prompt is the same no matter which version of Windows you’re using, more recent versions of Windows will need to run it “as administrator” to refresh the IP address. ^[1]

·         Windows Vista, 7, 8, or newer: Open the Start menu and click “Search” (or tap the magnifying glass icon). Type cmd (don’t press Enter). Right-click on the cmd you just typed and select “Run as Administrator.” If a User Account Control message asks for confirmation, click “Yes.” ^[2]

·         Windows 98, XP, NT, and 2000: Click the Start button and select “Run” from the menu. Type cmd into the blank and press Enter.

2) View your IP address. Type “ipconfig” at the prompt and press Enter.

Your IP address will be listed next to “IPV4 address” in most versions of Windows, and next to “IP address” in older versions.

3) Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter. 

Be sure there is a space between ipconfig and /release. Your computer will now “lose” its IP address. 

4) Type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter. 

Windows 98 users should use ipconfig /renew all. This will refresh your PC’s IP address.

5) Type “ipconfig” to view your IP information. 

Refreshing the IP will almost always change your computer’s IP address to a new one on the same network segment, e.g., 176.58.103.10 to 176.58.103.59, so don’t be alarmed if your new address looks very similar to your old one.

6) Exit the command prompt by clicking the X in the top right corner of the window. 

You can also exit the screen by typing “exit” at the command prompt and hitting the Enter key.