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Windows command reference

IPCONFIG FlushDNS

Clear the DNS client resolver cache on Windows.

Risk: LowReviewed: 2026-09-17
ipconfig /flushdns

When to use it

Use when stale DNS resolution is a plausible part of a network problem.

When not to use it

It will not repair a dead Wi-Fi radio, router outage or missing network adapter.

Primary reference

Reviewed source

Related authority records

Continue with the same failing system

These links share the same component or repair context; they are not generic keyword suggestions.

CommandIPCONFIG /all

Display full TCP/IP configuration for all adapters, including addressing information useful for DHCP, gateway and DNS diagnosis.

CommandIPCONFIG Release / Renew

Release the current DHCP lease and request a new IP configuration from the network.

Guide169.254 IP address in Windows 11: diagnose DHCP before resetting the network

A 169.254.x.x IPv4 address is a strong clue that Windows did not receive a usable DHCP address from the router or DHCP server.

GuideConnected but no Internet in Windows 11: identify IP, DNS or upstream failure

A connected Wi-Fi/Ethernet icon does not prove usable Internet; check addressing, gateway, DNS and another device before resetting Windows.

GuideDNS not resolving in Windows 11: prove name resolution before changing DNS settings

Use IP configuration, nslookup and a browser comparison to separate DNS failure from general connectivity or one-site failure.

GuideEthernet not working in Windows 11: isolate cable, router, adapter and Windows

Separate a physical Ethernet path failure from a PC-only network-stack or driver problem before using network reset.