How to Clear ARP Cache in Windows
The ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) cache in Windows stores mappings between IP addresses and MAC addresses of devices on the network. Over time, this cache can accumulate outdated or incorrect entries, potentially leading to connectivity issues. In this guide, we’ll show you how to quickly and safely clear the ARP cache in Windows.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To clear the ARP cache, you need to access Command Prompt with administrator privileges:
- Press Win + S to open the search box.
- Type cmd, then right-click on “Command Prompt” and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run the Command to Clear the ARP Cache
Once Command Prompt is open, enter the following command:
netsh interface ip delete arpcache
This command deletes all entries in the ARP cache. After running it, you’ll see a confirmation message indicating successful deletion.
Step 3: Restart Network Services (if needed)
In most cases, clearing the cache does not require a computer restart or network service reset. However, if connectivity issues persist, restarting network adapters may help:
- Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
- Find your network adapter, right-click on it, and select Disable, then Enable.