iSolutions Data Networking – How do I release and renew my IP address?

This function is only possible when the DHCP IP address service is available and your PC's TCP/IP settings are configured to automatically obtain an IP address from the network.

Every time an IP address is issued out by the DHCP system it is given a 'Lease' time. During that time it should be allocated to that machine only. When that lease time expires the computer automatically requests a renewal or a new IP address from the DHCP server.

Also see What is my IP address? (See related links).

The DHCP RELEASE function can tell the DHCP Service to end the lease before the expiry time, thus making the IP address available for other machines on the network to use.

An IP address can be requested again or renewed with the DHCP RENEW function. The DHCP service will tend remember which IP address you used last and try to issue the same address each time unless another network device is using it.

How do I release and renew my IP address in Microsoft Windows?

Windows 95/98 Windows 2000/ME/XP
  • Click START
  • Click PROGRAM FILES
  • Click ACCESSORIES
  • Click MS-DOS PROMPT
  • Type: winipcfg /release
  • Type: winipcfg
    has IP address initialised?
  • Type: winipcfg /renew
  • Type: winipcfg
    to view your new IP address.
  • Click START
  • Click PROGRAM FILES
  • Click ACCESSORIES
  • Click MS-DOS PROMPT
    (or COMMAND PROMPT)
  • Type: ipconfig /release
  • Type: ipconfig /all
    has IP address reset?
  • Type: ipconfig /renew
  • Type: winipcfg
    to view your new IP address.