Built-in tools
Windows command reference
Read the purpose and risk before execution. Select any command below to open its full guide with usage steps, expected results, limitations, and troubleshooting information.
ipconfig /flushdnsFlushes and resets the contents of the Windows DNS client resolver cache so dynamically cached DNS answers, including negative cache entries, are discarded and later lookups can be resolved again.
View full command guideYes — for a straightforward troubleshooting procedure, open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator before running the command.
Low. The command clears the local DNS client resolver cache; subsequent name lookups may need to query a configured resolver again. It does not reset the network adapter, router, IP address, or browser data.
ipconfig /allDisplays the full TCP/IP configuration for all Windows network adapters so you can inspect addressing, DHCP, gateway, DNS, and adapter details before changing network settings.
View full command guideNo — displaying the configuration is read-only and does not require an elevated terminal.
Read-only, but the output can reveal local IP addresses, physical (MAC) addresses, DNS suffixes, host information, DHCP details, and other network identifiers. Review and redact output before posting it publicly.
ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renewDrops DHCP-assigned addresses and asks the DHCP server for fresh configuration.
View full command guideYes — use an elevated terminal for this deliberate connectivity change.
Moderate; active network access stops between commands and remote sessions can disconnect.
pingCompares local gateway, public IP, and hostname responses to help separate link, routing, DNS, latency, and packet-loss symptoms.
View full command guideNo — standard echo tests are read-only.
Low. Repeated or continuous tests still create network traffic and should respect managed-network policy.
sfc /scannowSystem File Checker scans protected Windows system files and repairs files with problems when possible. Microsoft support guidance uses SFC after DISM has repaired the Windows component store.
View full command guideYes — open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator.
Low to moderate. SFC can replace protected Windows system files. Keep reliable power, allow verification to reach 100%, and do not deliberately interrupt an active repair.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthScans the running Windows image for component-store corruption and performs repair operations automatically. A healthy component store can provide the files that System File Checker needs to repair protected Windows files.
View full command guideYes — open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator.
Moderate; RestoreHealth changes the Windows component store and can use Windows Update or another configured repair source. Keep reliable power and do not deliberately interrupt an active repair.
netsh winsock resetRebuilds Winsock catalog entries when damaged network-layer providers cause socket failures.
View full command guideYes — an elevated terminal and restart are required.
Moderate; VPN, proxy, endpoint-security, or other network-filter software may need repair or reconfiguration afterward.
chkdskThe first form reports file-system status; /scan performs an online NTFS scan. Repair options such as /f change file-system metadata and may require a restart.
View full command guideYes — open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator for status checks, /scan, and repair options.
Low for a basic check. Repair options can modify metadata, take a volume offline, and worsen loss on failing hardware; back up first.