Particularly while troubleshooting a networking issue, one might come across a plethora of potential problems. One such extremely unlikely occurrence is the presence of incorrect data within the ARP cache. This issue primarily occurs when the user has tampered with the file or created their own ARP cache for some reason. Either way, the issue must be fixed. That is why we have curated this article on how to clear ARP Cache on your Windows 10 and 11 devices.
Also Read: 4 Ways to Fix ‘Bad System Config Info’ Error in Windows 10
What is ARP Cache?
The abbreviation ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol. Its sole purpose is exclusively set for communication via a local network where it resolves the IP to MAC addresses. The ARP Cache is responsible for storing all the routing information of the local IP, and a default route for the gateway for external resources.
Bear in mind, the only instance where ARP cache can be modified is using a device on eth local network. The idea is pretty simple, while the ARP messages are broadcasted via a local network, devices that can read ARP messages adjusts their cache based on the latest information. So it is completely possible to make changes to the ARP cache, be it by a human or a virus. Only users within the local network can make such changes.
It is imperative to understand that making changes to the ARP Cache shouldn’t be taken lightly. For the most part, ARP cache needs to be cleared, when someone has already tried to hardcode the same with a value that isn’t supported and ends up making it worse.
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How to Clear ARP Cache in Windows 10 and 11
Clearing ARP Cache requires the execution of a single command. But prior to that, you need to stop the ‘Routing and Remote Access’ services. Follow the steps down below to properly clear ARP Cache.
Step 1: First press the ‘Windows + R’ key to bring forth the ‘Run’ dialogue box. Type in, ‘services.msc’ and hit enter.
Step 2: Within the services window, look for the ‘Routing and Remote Access’ service and right-click on it. Now select ‘Properties.’
Step 3: Make sure that the ‘Service Status’ is set to ‘Stopped.’ If not, click on ‘Stop’ and hit ‘Apply.’
Now that you have stopped the service, you can flush out the ARP cache. Simply head over to the start menu, and search for ‘Command Prompt’, and right-click to ‘Run as administrator.’ With administrator privileges, you can make networking changes to your PC.
Step 4: Once you are in the command prompt, type in ‘arp –d’ and hit enter. This will clear out all the ARP cache.
The ‘netsh’ is yet another effective tool to clear out ARP Cache. Execute the command ‘netsh interface IP delete arpcache’ and hit enter. You can also read our article on best CMD commands you should know.
Now clear the command prompt and reboot your system. Based on your LAN connection, Windows will create a new ARP Cache. You don’t have to do anything manually anymore. Chances are, it would fix your network issue with ARP Cache.
