show running-config
Displays the current active configuration loaded in DRAM, showing every configured command that differs from the factory default.
show running-configWhen to Use This Command
- Verify configuration before saving to NVRAM
- Troubleshoot misconfigurations by reviewing live config
- Audit security settings across device
- Compare with startup-config to find unsaved changes
Command Examples
View full running config
R1# show running-configBuilding configuration... Current configuration : 2048 bytes ! version 15.4 service password-encryption ! hostname R1 ! enable secret 5 $1$abc$xyz ! interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 no shutdown ! router ospf 1 network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 area 0 ! end
Output shows device hostname, interface configs, routing protocols, and security settings. Each ! is a comment separator.
Understanding the Output
The running-config output shows the complete active device configuration in IOS format. It starts with the IOS version, then global settings, interfaces, routing protocols, and line configs. Settings at default values are omitted. The config ends with "end".
CCNA Exam Tips
show running-config shows config in RAM — not saved until you copy to startup-config
Use show running-config | include [pattern] to filter output
Passwords shown as type 7 (service password-encryption) or type 5 (enable secret)
Compare with show startup-config to see unsaved changes
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to save with copy run start — config lost on reload
Confusing running-config (RAM) with startup-config (NVRAM)
Not checking running-config after changes to verify they applied correctly
Related Commands
copy running-config startup-config
Saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration file in NVRAM, ensuring changes persist after a router reload.
show startup-config
Displays the saved configuration stored in NVRAM that loads on next device boot.
write memory
Saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration in NVRAM, ensuring changes persist after a reload.
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