Show the local ARP table on Windows (find devices on your LAN)

Display the IP-to-MAC address cache Windows built by talking to neighbors — a quick way to spot which devices are on your subnet.

WindowsnetworktroubleshootinglanLow risk
Run `arp -a` to list every recently contacted device's IP and MAC address, grouped by network interface.

01Command

Command
$ arp -a

02What it does

Whenever Windows talks to another device on the local subnet, it records the IP-to-MAC mapping in the ARP cache. `arp -a` dumps this table per interface, so after pinging the broadcast address or just browsing normally, you'll see printers, phones, and routers listed. Entries expire after a few minutes of inactivity, so the list reflects recent traffic only. To remove a stale or spoofed entry, use `arp -d <ip>` or clear all with `arp -d *`.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • arp | Microsoft Learn
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Microsoft documents that 'arp /a' (or -a) displays current arp cache tables for all interfaces, mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses.
  • ARP - Windows CMD
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: SS64 explains arp -a shows the Address Resolution Protocol cache for every interface, with -d to delete entries.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Network

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