What Do ipconfig and ifconfig Do?

ipconfig and ifconfig are command-line utilities used to inspect network interface configuration. ipconfig is commonly used on Windows, while ifconfig is associated with Unix-like systems, including older Linux environments and some macOS versions. Modern Linux systems generally use the ip command instead.

What Does ipconfig Do?

ipconfig is a Windows command-line tool that displays and manages selected network configuration details, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways.

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig

This displays basic network information for available adapters.

Useful commands include:

• ipconfig /all to display detailed network configuration, including DNS servers and DHCP information.
• ipconfig /flushdns to clear the local DNS resolver cache.
• ipconfig /release to release a DHCP-assigned IPv4 address.
• ipconfig /renew to request a new DHCP configuration.

Use release and renew commands carefully, particularly on remote systems, because they can temporarily interrupt network connectivity.

What Does ifconfig Do?

ifconfig stands for interface configuration. It has traditionally been used on Unix-like operating systems to display or configure network interfaces.

Depending on the operating system and implementation, it can show interface names, IP addresses, network masks, and interface status. Some versions also support changing interface settings.

On systems where it is installed, run:

ifconfig

On modern Linux distributions, the ip utility is generally preferred:

ip addr show

This command displays IP addresses assigned to network interfaces. To inspect routes and the default gateway, use:

ip route

ipconfig vs. ifconfig: Key Differences

Feature	ipconfig	ifconfig
Common platform	Windows	Unix-like systems
Main purpose	View and manage Windows IP configuration	Inspect and configure network interfaces
DNS cache management	Supports /flushdns	No equivalent universal DNS-cache command
Modern Linux usage	Not standard	Often replaced by ip
Typical use	Troubleshooting Windows connectivity	Inspecting network interfaces on supported systems

When Should You Use These Commands?

Use these tools when troubleshooting internet connectivity, checking assigned IP addresses, identifying DNS settings, or diagnosing incorrect network configurations.

For example, if a Windows computer cannot reach the internet, ipconfig /all can help identify whether it has an IP address, a default gateway, and the expected DNS servers.

Conclusion

Command-line network tools help IT teams diagnose connectivity problems and verify device configurations. Prismberry supports businesses with network infrastructure management, cloud services, and IT troubleshooting to help maintain reliable operations. Contact Prismberry for assistance with network diagnostics, configuration, or infrastructure support.