ipconfig explanations

ipconfig /release vs ipconfig /renew

The ipconfig /release command sends a DHCPRELEASE message to the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. This message tells the DHCP server to revoke the current IP address lease for all network adapters on the computer. The released IP address returns to the DHCP server's available address pool, and the DHCP server can assign that address to another device on the network.

The ipconfig /renew command sends a DHCPDISCOVER message to the DHCP server to request a new IP address lease. The DHCP server responds with a new or renewed IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses. The /renew command either extends the existing lease or assigns a different IP address, depending on the DHCP server's configuration and available address pool.

Both ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew work only on network adapters configured for automatic IP assignment through DHCP. Adapters with manually assigned static IP addresses ignore these commands. The DHCP server runs on the local network router, and the computer's network adapter acts as the DHCP client. When running ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew, the network adapter communicates directly with the router to complete the DHCP handshake.