How to Release and Renew the IP Address on Your Computer

When your computer makes a connection to the outside world, like your company network or the internet, that PC obtains a unique address called an IP address. This IP, or Internet Protocol, address identifies the computer on the network and allows the necessary communication to take place.

When you experience communication problems between your computer and an outside network, one of the first things you should do is check the IP address. Part of that troubleshooting process should be to release and renew the IP address. Releasing the IP address resets the connection, and renewing the address reestablishes communication with your home or company network or the internet. The results of the release and renewal process can tell you a lot about the status of communication with your computer and your network.

Windows XP

1. Click the Start button on your computer

1. Choose Run from the menu

1. Type CMD in the box and press Enter

1. Type ipconfig /release all and press Enter. Wait for the confirmation message indicating that the IP address has been released.

1. Type ipconfig /renew all and press Enter. Wait for the new IP address to appear.

Windows 7

1. Click the Start button on your computer

1. Type CMD in the Search box and press Enter

1. Type ipconfig /release all at the command prompt and press Enter. Wait until the computer releases the current IP address.

1. Type ipconfig /renew all and wait for the computer to obtain its new IP address. Check the status of your router, modem and other network equipment if the computer is unable to obtain a new address.