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Re-register this computer in Windows DNS (ipconfig /registerdns)

Manually refresh DHCP leases and re-register the machine's DNS records so other hosts can resolve its hostname again after an IP change.

Windowsactive-directoryDNSipconfigLow risk
Run ipconfig /registerdns to re-register the computer's DNS names and IP addresses with the dynamic-update zone.

01Command

Command
$ ipconfig /registerdns

02What it does

In Active Directory domains, clients register their A/AAAA records in DNS automatically, but stale entries after a DHCP or VPN change can make the machine unreachable by name. /registerdns triggers that registration immediately instead of waiting for the periodic refresh cycle (typically 24 hours). It is the standard fix for 'ping computername fails but ping computername.domain works' after an IP address changed.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsA DNS zone that accepts dynamic updates (e.g. an Active Directory domain)

04Undo

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

05Sources

  • ipconfig | Microsoft Learn
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Microsoft documents /registerdns as initiating manual dynamic registration of the DNS names and IP addresses configured on the computer.
  • IPCONFIG - Windows CMD
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: SS64 lists /registerdns as the switch that refreshes all DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names.

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

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