How to Release and Renew IP Address in Windows 11

Releasing and renewing your Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lease in Windows 11 is an effective troubleshooting step for resolving network connectivity issues, IP address conflicts, and internet access errors. By using the Command Prompt with the ipconfig utility, you can force your computer to discard its current network configuration and request a brand-new IP address from your local router or DHCP server.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows Key.
  2. Type cmd or Command Prompt into the search bar.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator.
  4. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Release the Current IP Address

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /release

This command instructs your computer to release its current IPv4 address lease by sending a DHCP release message to the DHCP server. Your internet connection will temporarily disconnect.

(Optional) If your network uses IPv6 and you wish to release that configuration as well, run:

ipconfig /release6

Before requesting a new address, clearing the DNS resolver cache can eliminate stale entries:

ipconfig /flushdns

Step 4: Renew the IP Address

To request a new IP address configuration from your DHCP server, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /renew

After a brief pause, the Command Prompt will display the new network configuration details, including the newly assigned IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway.

(Optional) To renew IPv6 addresses, execute:

ipconfig /renew6

Step 5: Verify the Connection

To confirm that your device has successfully acquired an active IP configuration, run:

ipconfig

Review the active network adapter (such as Ethernet adapter or Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi) to ensure an IP address is assigned and your network connection is restored.