Networking
Windows Networking
Practical Windows networking guides — static IPs, sharing files and drives, DNS, and fixing the most common connection problems.
Clear, current networking guides for Windows, from our editor's 26 years in Windows Server and networking: set a static IP, share files and map drives between PCs, work with the DNS cache, and fix the errors that stop a machine getting online. For the server side, see the Windows Server guides.
Fix: DNS Server Not Responding (Windows)
Fix the DNS server not responding error in Windows: quick router and device checks, flush DNS, switch to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8, restart the DNS Client service, and reset TCP/IP and Winsock.
Read the guide →How to Flush the DNS Cache in Windows
Flush the Windows DNS resolver cache with ipconfig /flushdns, view it with /displaydns, clear it in PowerShell using Clear-DnsClientCache, and clear browser DNS caches too.
Read the guide →How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11
Map a network drive in Windows 11 with File Explorer or the net use command, reconnect it at sign-in, store credentials, disconnect it, and fix the common mapping errors. Plus a note on GPO-deployed drives.
Read the guide →Network Connections Folder Is Empty: How to Get Your Adapters Back
ncpa.cpl opens an empty Network Connections window with no adapters. Work through the safe fixes first, then the two registry values that genuinely cause it, with the scope checks that tell you whether each one applies to you.
Read the guide →How to Set a Static IP Address in Windows 11
Set a static IP address in Windows 11 three ways: the Settings app, Control Panel (ncpa.cpl), and PowerShell with New-NetIPAddress and Set-DnsClientServerAddress. Plus DHCP reservations and reverting to automatic.
Read the guide →How to Share Files Between Windows PCs (SMB)
Share files between Windows 11 PCs over SMB: turn on network discovery and file sharing, share a folder, set share and NTFS permissions, access it from another PC, understand password-protected sharing, and why you should not use SMB1.
Read the guide →