ipconfig explanations

ipconfig release vs ipconfig renew

ipconfig /release sends a command to your DHCP server to remove the current network configuration for all the network adapters on the computer. Executing the /release command will dump all the network configuration, including the IP address, default gateway, DNS server etc.

The IP previously assigned to the network adapter goes back to the DHCP Server so that DHCP server can allocate that IP to another device. This setting works only for the network adapter where you have configured the IP assignment to be automatic (DHCP). In the case of a statically assigned IP, this setting will not work.

ipconfig /renew sends a request to the DHCP server to allocate a new network configuration (IP address, DNS server, gateway etc.) Executing the /renew command will either renew your existing IP address or it will get a new IP address assigned by the router.

This command will solve most of the issues related to expired IP addresses or any other issue with your current IP address lease. This setting will work only for automatically assigned IPs through DHCP. If you have set your network adapter to manual static IP assignment, this setting will not work.

Note that the DHCP server is running on your router, while your network adapters play the role of DHCP client. When running the ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew commands, your network adapter (DHCP client) is communicating with the router (DHCP server).