Corrupt or unwanted ARP cache entries will cause connectivity errors. Here is how to flush or clear the ARP cache in Windows 10 & 11.
ARP, also known as Address Resolution Protocol, is an integral part of any network. In basic terms, ARP links a specific IP address to a specific MAC address in a LAN network. This procedure or protocol helps the OS remember and recognize the connected computers and makes communication easy. To make things faster, ARP automatically caches all the entries.
Without ARP, the communication between devices will be more challenging because it takes additional steps for the operating system to recognize and confirm the other device to relay the data correctly.
Generally, Windows users never need to worry about ARP or its inner workings. Mainly because Windows takes care of everything in the background. However, under particular circumstances, unwanted entries or errors can occur in the ARP list or cache. Issues with ARP caching can cause network connections problems. In those cases, you have to clear the ARP cache manually.
The good thing is, Windows make it easy to flush the ARP cache. So, let me show you the steps to clear the ARP cache in Windows without further ado.
Note: The steps given below will work both in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Clear ARP Cache in Windows
To flush the ARP cache, we just need to execute a single command. But before that, we have to make sure the “Routing and Remote Access” service is stopped. Otherwise, the ARP cache might not be cleared completely. Here is how to do it.
First, open the Services application. To do that, press the “Start key + R” shortcut, type “services.msc,” and click the “Ok” button.
In the services window, find the “Routing and Remote Access” service. Next, right-click on the service and select the “Properties” option.
In the properties window, make sure the “Service Status” says “Stopped.” If it doesn’t, click the “Stop” button and then the “Ok” button. You can now safely close the Services window.
Now we can flush the ARP cache via Command Prompt. To do that, search for Command Prompt in the Start menu, right-click on the result and select the “Run as administrator” option. This action will open the elevated Command Prompt window.
In the cmd window, execute the “arp –d” command. As soon as you do that, Windows will clear the ARP cache.
As an alternative, you can also use the “netsh” tool to flush the ARP cache. Here’s the command.
netsh interface IP delete arpcache
Next, close the Command Prompt window and reboot Windows.
After rebooting, Windows will automatically create the ARP cache as required based on the LAN connections. You don’t have to do anything manually.
That is all. It is that simple to clear the ARP cache in Windows 10 and 11.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
Related: Clear DNS cache in Windows
