Your IP address is in Settings, Command Prompt, or your router — here's where to look

Windows 10 stores your IP address in multiple places, and which one you use depends on what you're trying to do. If you need it to troubleshoot a connection problem or give it to someone else on your network, the fastest route is Settings. If you're diagnosing a network issue or writing it down for technical support, Command Prompt gives you more detail in one view. Your router's admin page shows every device on your network and their addresses at once.

You do not need special software or administrator permission to find your own IP address. Windows shows it to you by default.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > Network & Internet > Status shows your IP address in plain language and takes 30 seconds.
  • Command Prompt (type ipconfig) displays your IP address alongside your gateway and DNS server in one screen.
  • Your router's admin page lists every connected device and its IP address, useful if you're looking for someone else's device.
  • A private IP address (starting with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16) is normal for home networks and does not expose you to the internet.

Finding your IP address through Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet, then click Status on the left side. Scroll down to the "IP settings" section. Your IPv4 address is the four-number sequence you see there — something like 192.168.1.105.

This method works on any Windows 10 computer and does not require you to open a command window. If you need to share your IP address with someone else or write it down, this is the clearest place to find it.

Using Command Prompt to see all network details at once

Press the Windows key, type "cmd", and select Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your screen will show a list of all network connections on your computer. Look for the section labeled Ethernet (if you're plugged in with a cable) or Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi (if you're on Wi-Fi).

In that section, the line labeled IPv4 Address is your IP address. You will also see your Default Gateway (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and your DNS Servers on the same screen. This is the fastest way to gather all three pieces of information if you're troubleshooting a network problem or talking to technical support.

Checking your router's admin page to see all connected devices

If you need to find the IP address of another device on your home network — a printer, a phone, a security camera — your router's admin page shows them all in one list. Open a web browser and type your router's address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router.

You will be asked to log in. The username is often "admin" and the password is either "admin" or printed on the router itself. Once you are logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Clients, or Device List — the exact name varies by router brand. This page shows every device connected to your network and the IP address assigned to each one.

Understanding what your IP address tells you

An IP address that starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 is a private address. This is normal for home networks. It means your computer is connected to your local network but is not directly visible to the internet. Your router translates between your private address and a public address when you browse the web.

If you see an address that does not start with those numbers, or if you see "No Internet" next to your connection, your computer is not properly connected to your network. In that case, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully restart.

Why you might need your IP address

You need your IP address when you are setting up a printer or security camera on your home network, because you often have to type your computer's address into a setup page. You also need it if you are troubleshooting a connection problem and talking to technical support — they will ask for it to understand which device is having the problem.

You do not need to hide your private IP address. It is only visible to other devices on your home network, not to websites or people on the internet. Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is assigned by your internet provider and is different from the address you see in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my public IP address?

No. Your private IP address (192.168.x.x) is only visible on your home network. Your public IP address is what websites see, and it comes from your internet provider. To find your public IP address, search "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Will my IP address change?

Your private IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your computer or your router assigns addresses differently. Your public IP address can change when your internet provider reassigns it, which happens occasionally but not constantly.

Can I change my IP address?

You can request a new public IP address by restarting your modem and router. Your private IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed in the router's settings, but there is no reason to do this unless you are setting up a specific network configuration.

What if Command Prompt shows multiple IP addresses?

If you have multiple network adapters (for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet), you will see multiple addresses. Use the one under the connection you are actually using — Ethernet if you are plugged in, Wi-Fi if you are wireless.