The correct answer is to use ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew. This two-step sequence forces the Windows command line to drop the current DHCP lease and then request a fresh IP address from the DHCP server, which directly resolves incorrect IP configuration issues. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this is a classic troubleshooting scenario where a single device cannot connect while others work fine—a clear sign of a stale or misassigned IP lease. A common trap is confusing ipconfig /flushdns (which clears the DNS cache) with the release and renew process, but only the /release and /renew commands address the DHCP lease itself. To remember the order, think “let go before you grab”—you must release the old lease before you can renew a new one.
220-1202 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A customer complains that their Windows 11 laptop cannot connect to the internet, but other devices on the same network work fine. You suspect the IP configuration is incorrect. Which command will release and renew the IP address from the DHCP server?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew
The ipconfig /release command releases the current DHCP lease, and ipconfig /renew requests a new IP address from the DHCP server. This is the standard troubleshooting sequence for IP configuration issues. Other commands either display information or flush DNS, which does not address the IP lease issue.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
ipconfig /flushdns
Why it's wrong here
This clears the DNS resolver cache, not the IP address lease.
✓
ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew
Why this is correct
This sequence releases the current IP and obtains a new one from DHCP, directly addressing the connectivity issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
ipconfig /all
Why it's wrong here
This displays all IP configuration details but does not change anything.
✗
ping 127.0.0.1
Why it's wrong here
This tests the local loopback, not the DHCP lease renewal process.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew — The ipconfig /release command releases the current DHCP lease, and ipconfig /renew requests a new IP address from the DHCP server. This is the standard troubleshooting sequence for IP configuration issues. Other commands either display information or flush DNS, which does not address the IP lease issue.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A customer complains that their Windows 10 laptop frequently loses network connectivity. You suspect the IP address configuration is incorrect. Which command should you use to release the current IP address and request a new one from the DHCP server?
easy
A.ping 8.8.8.8
✓ B.ipconfig /release
C.nslookup google.com
D.netstat -a
Why B: The ipconfig /release command releases the current DHCP lease, and ipconfig /renew requests a new IP address from the DHCP server. This is the standard method to refresh IP configuration. Other commands like ping test connectivity, nslookup queries DNS, and netstat shows network connections.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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