Built-in tools

Windows command reference

Read the purpose and risk before execution. Commands are diagnostic tools, not guaranteed fixes.

CommandPurposeAdministrator requirement and risk

ipconfig /flushdnsRemoves cached positive and negative hostname answers so the next lookup asks a configured DNS resolver again.Yes — open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator. · Low; the next lookup may take slightly longer while Windows resolves it again.

ipconfig /allShows connection state, physical address, DHCP status, assigned addresses, default gateway, DNS servers, and lease details.No — the command is read-only. · Read-only, but output can expose local addresses, adapter identifiers, DNS suffixes, and physical addresses; redact before sharing.

ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renewDrops DHCP-assigned addresses and asks the DHCP server for fresh configuration.Yes — 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.No — standard echo tests are read-only. · Low. Repeated or continuous tests still create network traffic and should respect managed-network policy.

sfc /scannowCompares protected system files with known copies in the Windows component store.Yes — open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator. · Low, but repairs change protected files and the scan should not be interrupted.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRepairs servicing-image corruption that can prevent Windows Update or SFC from obtaining sound system files.Yes — run from an elevated terminal. · Moderate; DISM changes the component store, may use Windows Update as a source, and must not be interrupted.

netsh winsock resetRebuilds Winsock catalog entries when damaged network-layer providers cause socket failures.Yes — 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.No for a basic status check; yes for /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.