How Do You Reset Your IP Address

You can reset your IP address using a few simple commands in the Windows Command Prompt. This process refreshes your computer’s connection to the local network.

💻 How to Reset Your IP Address with Command Prompt

Follow these steps to release your current IP address and request a new one from your router:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Press the Windows key, type “cmd”, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Release Your Current IP
   • Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. Your internet connection will temporarily drop.
3. Renew Your IP Address
   • Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. Your computer will be assigned a new IP address.
4. Clear DNS Cache (Recommended)
   • Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. This clears old domain name information and can help resolve website connection issues.

🔧 Other Reset Methods

Method	Description	Best For
Network Reboot	Unplug router & modem for 5+ minutes.	Getting a new public IP from your ISP; fixing general connection issues.
Netsh Commands	Run netsh int ip reset in Command Prompt (Admin).	Fixing deeper Windows network stack corruption.

💡 Important Things to Know

• What Gets Reset: This method primarily changes your private IP address on your local network (e.g., 192.168.1.20). Getting a new public IP (the one websites see) usually requires rebooting your router or using a VPN.
• Automatic Assignment: In most home networks, a router (DHCP server) automatically assigns IP addresses. The ipconfig /renew command simply requests a new one from this server.

If you’re still having network trouble after trying these steps, performing a network reboot (turning your modem and router off and on again) is often the most effective solution.