View network connection status in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 7

You can use this procedure to view the current status of your network connection. Information available includes the type of connectivity (local or Internet) provided by both IPv4 and IPv6.

Any user account can be used to complete this procedure. Review the details in "Additional considerations" in this topic.

You can use the following methods to view the status of a network connection:

  • To view network connection status by using Network and Sharing Center

  • To view network connection status by using the Network Connections folder

  • To view details of the connection by using the command prompt

To view network connection status by using Network and Sharing Center

  1. Click the Network icon in the task bar notification area, and then click Open Network and Sharing Center. Network and Sharing Center opens.

  2. In Network and Sharing Center, in View your active networks, review the list of networks to locate a network. To the right of the network name, in Connections, click the name of the network connection. For example, if the connection is named Local Area Connection, click Local Area Connection.

  3. The Network Connection Status dialog box opens, and you can review the network status. For additional information, click Details.

To view network connection status by using the Network Connections folder

  1. Open the Network Connections folder and view available connections.

  2. Right-click the connection that you want to view, and then click Status.

  3. The Network Connection Status dialog box opens, and you can review the network status. For additional information, click Details.

To view details of the connection by using the command prompt

  • At a command prompt, type the following, and then press ENTER:

    ipconfig /all

    Value Description

    /all

    Specifies that the command should return detailed information about the connection

Additional considerations

  • Standard users can view the status of the network connection. To make any changes you might need to be a member of the Administrators group or the Network Configuration Operators group, depending on the change.

See Also

Concepts

Configure Network Connections
Manage Network Connections