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Windows command reference

PING

Test IP-level reachability and round-trip responses to a TCP/IP host; comparing a hostname with an IP can also provide name-resolution clues.

Risk: LowReviewed: 2026-09-17
ping <targetname>

When to use it

Use as a diagnostic clue for gateway/host reachability or when comparing hostname and IP behavior.

When not to use it

Do not treat a missing echo reply as definitive proof that a host is offline because firewalls and services can block ICMP while other traffic still works.

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.

CommandTRACERT

Trace the IP path toward a destination using increasing TTL values, providing hop/latency clues without changing network settings.

CommandIPCONFIG /all

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

CommandNSLOOKUP

Query DNS name-resolution information so a hostname failure can be distinguished from general IP connectivity problems.

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.

GuideVPN connected but no Internet in Windows 11: separate tunnel policy from Windows networking

Compare the connection with and without the VPN, preserve organization policy, and avoid network reset until the failure is proven to be Windows-wide.