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Hands-On Lab: Verifying IP Parameters on Windows (GUI and CLI)

This hands-on lab covers checking a Windows PC's current IP configuration using both the graphical Network Connections interface and the command-line ipconfig utility, including releasing and renewing a DHCP-assigned address.

Windows IP Configurationipconfig CommandDHCP Renewal

~3 min read · Updated Sep 12, 2026

Lab Objective

Determine a Windows PC's current IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers using both the graphical interface and the command line, then release and renew its DHCP lease.

Lab Purpose

Network engineers frequently need to verify a client PC's actual configuration when troubleshooting connectivity, whether working directly at the machine or walking a remote user through the same steps over the phone. Knowing both the GUI and CLI methods ensures the engineer can adapt to either situation.

Lab Topology

Windows PC ---- connected to a switch port
                configured for DHCP (client)

Task 1: Check IP Configuration via the GUI

Open Network Connections, view the active adapter's status, and locate its IPv4 address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

Task 2: Check IP Configuration via the Command Line

Open Command Prompt and use the appropriate command to display the same information, plus the DNS servers currently in use.

Task 3: View Detailed Adapter Information

Use a more verbose version of the same command to also reveal the DHCP server address and lease expiration time.

Task 4: Release and Renew the DHCP Lease

Manually release the current lease and request a new one, then confirm the resulting address.

Solution and Verification

GUI Method:
Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center >
Change adapter settings > right-click the active
adapter > Status > Details

  IPv4 Address: 192.168.1.105
  Subnet Mask:  255.255.255.0
  Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

C:\> ipconfig

Ethernet adapter Ethernet:
   IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.105
   Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
   Default Gateway . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

C:\> ipconfig /all

   DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
   DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . : 8.8.8.8
                                     8.8.4.4
   Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . : Monday, June 8, 2026 9:14:02 AM
   Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, June 9, 2026 9:14:02 AM

C:\> ipconfig /release
C:\> ipconfig /renew

Ethernet adapter Ethernet:
   IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.108
   -- Note the address changed slightly (.105
   -- to .108), a normal outcome since DHCP does
   -- not guarantee the exact same address is
   -- reassigned unless a reservation exists

Key Takeaway

ipconfig shows the essentials, but ipconfig /all is what actually reveals the DHCP server address and lease timing — critical details when diagnosing whether a PC is receiving an address from the expected server or an unexpected rogue DHCP server, discussed in an earlier lab on this topic.

Written & researched by Dr. Shahin Siami

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