The ARP or Address Resolution Protocol cache is an essential component of the Windows Operating System. It links the IP address to MAC address so that your computer can effectively communicate with other computers. An ARP cache is basically a collection of dynamic entries created when the hostname is resolved into an IP address and the IP address is resolved into a MAC address. All the mapped addresses are stored in the computer in the ARP cache until it is cleared.
The ARP cache does not cause any issues in Windows OS; however, an unwanted ARP entry will cause loading problems and connectivity errors. Hence, it is essential to clear the ARP cache periodically. So, if you, too, are looking to do so, you are at the right place. We bring to you a perfect guide that will help you clear the ARP cache in Windows 10.
How to Clear ARP Cache in Windows 10
Let us now discuss steps to flush the ARP cache in Windows 10 PC.
Step 1: Clear ARP Cache Using Command Prompt
1. Type command prompt or cmd in Windows search bar. Then, click on Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command in Command Prompt window and hit Enter after each command:
arp –a to display the ARP cache arp –d to clear ARP cache
Note: The –a flag displays all the ARP cache, and the –d flag clears the ARP cache from the Windows system.
netsh interface IP delete arpcache
Step 2: Verify the Flush using Control Panel
After following the above procedure to clear the ARP cache in Windows 10 system, ensure they are completely flushed from the system. In some cases, if the Routing and Remote Services is enabled in the system, it does not allow you to clear the ARP cache from the computer completely. Here is how to fix that:
1. On the left of the Windows 10 taskbar, click on the search icon.
2. Type Control Panel as your search input to launch it.
3. Type Administrative Tools in the Search Control Panel box provided at the top right corner of the screen.
4. Now, click on Administrative Tools and open Computer Management by double-clicking it, as shown.
5. Here, double-click on Services and Applications as shown.
6. Now, double click on Services and navigate to Routing and Remote Services as shown highlighted.
7. Here, double click on Routing and Remote Services and change the Startup Type to Disabled from the drop-down menu.
8. Ensure that the Service status displays Stopped. If not, then click on the Stop button.
9. Clear the ARP cache again, as discussed earlier.
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We hope that this guide was helpful and you were able to clear the ARP cache on Windows 10 PC. If you have any queries/comments regarding this article, feel free to drop them in the comments section.