ipconfig Command on Windows, Linux, and Mac

Introduction

The ipconfig command is a vital tool for diagnosing network issues on Windows. It reveals details about your IP address, DNS settings, and more for your network. While ipconfig is Windows-centric, Linux and Mac users have equivalent commands (we’ll cover those too!). Whether you’re troubleshooting a “DNS Server Not Responding” error or renewing an IP, this guide simplifies it all.

Section 1: Key ipconfig Commands Explained

1.1 Understanding `ipconfig /all`

Run ipconfig /all to view everything about your network connection:

IP and MAC addresses
DHCP lease details
DNS server info

This command is perfect for diagnosing conflicts or misconfigurations.

1.2 Viewing DNS Cache with `ipconfig /displaydns`

The DNS cache acts like a phonebook for the internet. Use ipconfig /displaydns to see cached entries. If a website isn’t loading, stale entries here might be the culprit.

1.3 Clearing DNS Cache: `ipconfig /flushdns`

A quick ipconfig /flushdns (or “flush dns”) clears outdated DNS records. Think of it as refreshing your browser but for network addresses!

1.4 Renewing IP Address with `ipconfig /renew`

Stuck with a broken IP? ipconfig /renew requests a fresh one from your DHCP server. Pair it with ipconfig /release to start from scratch.

Section 2: Cross-Platform Compatibility

2.1 Is there an “ipconfig Linux” equivalent?

Linux uses:

ifconfig (basic IP/MAC info)
ip addr (modern alternative)
nmcli for advanced network management

2.2 Using “ipconfig Mac” Alternatives

On Mac, try:

ifconfig for IP details
networksetup -listallnetworkservices to list adapters
dscacheutil -flushcache to flush DNS

Command Comparison Table

Task	Windows	Linux	Mac
Show IP	`ipconfig`	`ip addr`	`ifconfig`
Flush DNS	`flushdns`	`systemd-resolve --flush-caches`	`dscacheutil -flushcache`

Section 3: Practical Use Cases

Scenario: Fixing “DNS Server Not Responding”

Flush DNS: ipconfig /flushdns
Renew IP: ipconfig /renew
Verify with ipconfig /all

Combining commands resolves most connectivity issues in seconds!

Section 4: FAQs

Q: How do I flush DNS on Windows 11?
A: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns.

Q: Why isn’t ipconfig working on my Mac?
A: Mac uses ifconfig or dscacheutil instead.

Q: What’s the difference between /release and /renew?
A: /release drops your current IP; /renew fetches a new one.

Conclusion

Mastering ipconfig (and its Linux/Mac cousins) empowers you to tackle network glitches confidently. Bookmark this guide, experiment with commands, and share your wins in the comments!

Need More? Explore Microsoft’s official docs, MacOS official docs or Linux man pages for deep dives.