Introduction

Bypassing the network configuration graphical user interface (GUI), NETSH is a command-line scripting utility that you can use, locally or remotely, to display or modify the network configuration of a computer. NETSH interacts with other operating system components using helpers (dynamic link library [DLL] files), each providing an extensive set of features called a context, which is a group of commands specific to a networking component. You can direct the context commands you enter to the appropriate helper, and the helper will then carry out the commands. These contexts extend the functionality of NETSH by providing configuration and monitoring support for one or more services, or protocols. In addition, NETSH provides a scripting feature that allows you to run a group of commands in batch mode against a specified computer, and save those configuration scripts in a text file for future configuration of other computers.

Overview of the NETSH Commands

The NETSH commands run within the NETSH command interpreter. To use NETSH you need to start the NETSH command interpreter from within the command prompt window, as follows:

Start  Run  Cmd

Type NETSH at the prompt and press Enter. This will change the prompt to the netsh> context prompt. As with most Microsoft command-line utilities, typing a ? at the prompt will provide you with a list of available commands.