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For everyday troubleshooting in Windows 11, start with three commands: ipconfig to view network details, sfc /scannow to check protected Windows files, and chkdsk to inspect a drive’s file system. Enter them in Command Prompt; the last two need an administrator-level prompt.
Open Command Prompt in Windows 11
These examples use Command Prompt, a Windows command-line shell. PowerShell is a separate shell, although it can run Windows commands; Command Prompt does not run PowerShell cmdlets.
- Open Start and type
Command Prompt. - For
sfcorchkdsk, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Approve the User Account Control prompt if it appears. - Type or paste one command at a time, then press Enter. Keep the window open while a scan is running.
1. Use ipconfig to view network details
At a normal Command Prompt, enter:
ipconfigThe output lists IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways for network adapters. If you are troubleshooting Wi-Fi, find the section for the Wi-Fi adapter and note its Default Gateway. That address can help with a connection test; Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance uses it in a ping test.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhen to use the optional switches
ipconfig /alldisplays fuller network configuration details.ipconfig /flushdnsclears the DNS resolver cache. Use it for a DNS name-resolution problem, not as a general internet-speed booster.
2. Use sfc /scannow to check protected Windows files
System File Checker scans protected Windows system files and attempts to repair problems when possible. For suspected corrupted system files, Microsoft Support’s recovery sequence is to run DISM first and then SFC. Open an administrator Command Prompt and run these commands separately, in this order:
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DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthsfc /scannowDISM can provide files used to repair corrupted files, and its operation may take several minutes. After starting SFC, wait for verification to finish. Microsoft Support advises: “Do not close this Command Prompt window until the verification is 100% complete.”
3. Use chkdsk to inspect a drive’s file system
To check a local drive’s status without requesting repairs, enter:
chkdskWithout parameters, CHKDSK reports the volume’s status; it does not fix errors. It applies to local disks, not redirected network drives. Administrator-group membership is the minimum requirement.
Understand the repair switch before using it
The /f switch tells CHKDSK to fix logical disk errors:
chkdsk C: /fReplace C: with the drive letter you intend to check. Fixing errors changes the volume. If the drive is in use, Windows may need to lock it or ask to schedule the check for the next restart. Do not treat CHKDSK repair options as routine performance tweaks; use them when you are troubleshooting a file-system problem and understand which volume you selected.
Which command fits the problem?
| Command | What it checks or shows | Administrator prompt? | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
ipconfig |
Network adapter addresses and gateway | No | Displays information; optional switches provide more detail or clear the DNS cache. |
sfc /scannow |
Protected Windows system files | Yes | Scans and attempts repairs when possible. |
chkdsk |
A local volume’s file system | Yes | Without repair parameters, reports status; /f requests logical-error fixes. |
Use ipconfig when you need network details, SFC when you suspect protected Windows files are damaged, and CHKDSK when investigating a local drive’s file system. They address different problems rather than serving as interchangeable maintenance commands.
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