How to Perform a Traceroute Test on macOS and Windows
This guide explains how to run a traceroute test on macOS and Windows, and how to send the results to DreamIT Host support.
A traceroute test shows the path your connection takes to reach a website or server. It can help identify where a connection issue, delay, or routing problem may be occurring.
When to Use This Test
You may be asked to perform a traceroute test if you are experiencing:
- Slow website loading
- Intermittent connection issues
- Timeouts when accessing a website or server
- Network routing or latency problems
Before You Begin
Before running the test, please make sure:
- You are connected to the same network where the issue is happening
- You have the domain name or IP address you want to test
- You use the affected service address where possible
- You are comfortable using the terminal/cmd of your operating system.
In the examples below, we use the IP address `8.8.8.8`.
If DreamIT Host support has provided a specific hostname or IP address, use that instead of "8.8.8.8".
Run a Traceroute Test on macOS
Step 1: Open Terminal
1. Open **Finder**
2. Go to **Applications**
3. Open **Utilities**
4. Click **Terminal**
5. Alternatively, you can press Cmd + Space and type "terminal"
Step 2: Run the traceroute command
- In Terminal, type the following command: traceroute 8.8.8.8
- Press Return on your keyboard
- Wait for the test to complete
The traceroute may take a few minutes to finish.
Step 3: Copy the results
- Click and drag your mouse over the traceroute results to highlight them
- Right-click the highlighted text and select Copy
- Alternatively, press
Command + C
Step 4: Send the results to DreamIT Host
- Open your existing support ticket with DreamIT Host
- Paste the traceroute results into your reply
- Send the reply to our support team
Run a Traceroute Test on Windows
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
- Click the Start button
- Type
cmd - Click Command Prompt
Step 2: Run the tracert command
- In Command Prompt, type the following command: tracert 8.8.8.8
- Press Enter on your keyboard
- Wait for the test to complete
The test may take a few minutes to finish.
Step 3: Copy the results
- Right-click inside the Command Prompt window
- Choose Mark
- Click and drag to highlight the traceroute results
- Press Enter to copy the highlighted text
On some newer versions of Windows, you may also be able to select the text directly and press Ctrl + C.
Step 4: Send the results to DreamIT Host
- Open your existing support ticket with DreamIT Host
- Paste the traceroute results into your reply
- Send the reply to our support team
Important Notes
- Some hops may show
*or appear to time out. This does not always indicate a fault. - Please run the test from the same internet connection where you are experiencing the problem.
- If you are using a mobile service, VPN, or third-party network, this may affect the results.
Expected Outcome
Once the test is complete, you will have a list of network hops showing the route between your device and the destination. This helps DreamIT Host investigate connection and routing issues more effectively.