How to Find Your Computer's IP Address in Windows, Mac, and Linux

The fastest way depends on your operating system

Your computer's IP address is a number your router assigns to it so other devices on your network can find it. You may need it to troubleshoot a connection problem, set up a printer, or access your computer remotely. The steps to find it take less than a minute and differ slightly between Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The method you use depends on whether you want your computer's local IP address (the one your router gave it) or your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigned to your home). Most of the time, you need the local address — that is the number that matters inside your home network.

Key Takeaways

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and appears in your network settings; Windows, Mac, and Linux each have a different menu to find it.
On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Status to see your IPv4 address listed under "Default gateway".
On Mac, open System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and look for "IP Address" in the details pane.
On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname -I to see your local IP address when ready.
Your public IP address (the one your internet provider sees) is different from your local one and appears on websites like whatismyipaddress.com.

Finding your IP address on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side. Select Status from the menu. Scroll down to the section labeled "IP settings" and you will see your IPv4 address listed there — it will look like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.5.

If you prefer using the command line, you can also open Command Prompt (press Windows key, type "cmd", and press Enter) and type ipconfig, then press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" under your active network connection. Both methods show the same address; use whichever feels more comfortable to you.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Network in the sidebar. Select the network connection you are using — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how your Mac connects to the internet. On the right side of the window, you will see a button labeled Details; click it. Your IP address appears in the window that opens, labeled as "IP Address".

If you use the Terminal app instead, you can type ifconfig | grep "inet " and press Enter. The Terminal will show several lines; look for the one that starts with "inet" and is not followed by "127.0.0.1" (that is your computer talking to itself). The address you want is the one that starts with 192.168 or 10.

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a Terminal window. Type hostname -I and press Enter. Your local IP address will appear on the next line. This is the fastest method across all operating systems — Linux shows your address in a single command with no menus to navigate.

If you want more detailed information about your network connection, you can type ip addr show instead. This displays all network interfaces on your computer and their addresses. Look for the section labeled "inet" under your active connection (usually called "eth0" for wired or "wlan0" for wireless) to find your IP address.

The difference between local and public IP addresses

The address you find in your network settings is your local IP address — the number your router uses to identify your computer on your home network. This is the address you need when you are setting up a printer, accessing your computer from another device in your house, or troubleshooting a connection problem.

Your public IP address is different. It is assigned to your home by your internet provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find your public IP, visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com or search "what is my IP" in any search engine. Your public address changes periodically (usually every few months) unless you pay your provider for a static IP, while your local address can change each time your computer restarts unless you set it to stay the same.

Why you might need your IP address

The most common reason to find your IP address is to set up a network printer or scanner. Many printers require you to enter your computer's IP address or visit the printer's own IP address in a web browser to complete the setup. Without it, your computer and printer cannot find each other on the network.

You may also need it to troubleshoot a connection problem. If your computer is not connecting to the internet or to other devices on your network, your internet provider or a tech support person may ask for your IP address to diagnose the issue. Some people also need it to access their computer remotely from another location, using software like Remote Desktop (Windows) or Screen Sharing (Mac).

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Your router assigns a new local IP address to your computer each time it connects, which can be annoying if you need the address to stay the same for a printer or remote access. You can fix this by setting a static IP address — telling your router to always give your computer the same number.

The easiest way is to log into your router's settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser) and look for a section called "DHCP" or "Reserved IP" or "Static IP". You can also set a static address directly on your computer through its network settings, though this method is more complex. If you are not comfortable changing router settings, ask your internet provider — many can set a static address for you, though some charge a small monthly fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on the network (like a mailing address). Your MAC address is a code built into your network card that identifies the physical device itself (like a serial number). They serve different purposes and look completely different.

Can someone find my computer using my IP address?

Someone on your home network can find your computer using your local IP address, but that is normal — that is how devices talk to each other. Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it only tells them your general location and internet provider, not your physical address or personal information.

What if I see multiple IP addresses on my computer?

Computers can have more than one network connection (for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet plugged in at the same time), and each gets its own IP address. Use the address for whichever connection you are actually using. If you are on Wi-Fi, use the Wi-Fi address; if you are plugged in with a cable, use the Ethernet address.

Why does my IP address start with 192.168 or 10?

These ranges are reserved for private networks — they are never used on the public internet. Your router uses them to keep your home network separate from the rest of the internet. Any address starting with 192.168, 10, or 172.16 is a local address that only works inside your home network.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.