Use Traceroute on Windows or Mac

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Traceroute is a software tool used to display the path and some basic information about the network path between two addresses. This article will show you how to use Traceroute on Windows and Mac computers.

Use Traceroute on Windows

Important Notes

  • In order to run this software, you will need access to the Command Prompt program.

  • Availability will depend on your Operating System.

  • Windows users will use the command "tracert."

  • You can also use the pathping command, if available.

  1. Type "cmd" into the Taskbar Search Box Windows Taskbar search box with cmd typed into the search field.

  2. Click the Command Prompt app in the results list when the search completes Command Prompt search result in the search results list.

  3. Type "tracert "The traceroute path command and placeholder production domain typed into the Command Prompt program.

    Note: For instructions on how to find your site's production domain, view our Determine Your Site’s Production Domain article.

  4. Hit the Enter key on your keyboard and wait for the completion

  5. Copy the results and paste them into a text file

  6. Submit the text file for analysis

Use Traceroute on Mac

Important Notes

  • In order to run this software, you will need access to the Terminal app.

  • Availability will depend on your Operating System.

  • Mac users will use the command "traceroute."

  1. Navigate to Finder, hover over the Go tab, then select the Applications option in the drop-down listMac Menu bar Finder option with the Go drop-down and Applications option highlighted.

  2. Scroll down and open the Utilities folder The Utilities folder option within the Applications folder.

  3. Scroll down and open the Terminal app Terminal app option within the Utilities folder.

  4. Type "traceroute "The traceroute command and placeholder production domain typed in the Terminal app.

    Note: For instructions on how to find your site's production domain, view our Determine Your Site’s Production Domain article.

  5. Hit the Enter key on your keyboard and wait for the completion

  6. Copy the results and paste them into a text file

  7. Submit the text file for analysis

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