Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig

The fastest way to find your IP address on Windows is to open Command Prompt and type a single command. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open — this is Command Prompt, the text-based tool where you send instructions directly to Windows.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. Windows will display a list of all network connections on your computer, including your IP address. Look for the section labeled with your network name (usually "Ethernet" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are on Wi-Fi). Next to "IPv4 Address" you will see a number like 192.168.1.5 — that is your IP address on your home network.

This command shows your local IP address, the one your router assigns to your computer. It is different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you visit them. For most home network troubleshooting, you need the local IP address.

Key Takeaways

  • Type ipconfig in Command Prompt to see all your network settings, including your local IP address next to "IPv4 Address".
  • Your local IP address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and is assigned by your router, not the internet.
  • The command works the same way on Windows 10, Windows 11, and earlier versions.
  • If you see multiple network adapters listed, find the one marked "Connected" or the one matching your current connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

Understanding what ipconfig shows you

When you run ipconfig, Windows displays information for every network adapter on your computer — even ones you are not currently using. You may see Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and virtual adapters all listed. The one you need is the one that shows a real IP address and is marked as connected.

Each adapter section shows several pieces of information. IPv4 Address is what you are looking for — the four numbers separated by periods (like 192.168.1.100). Below that you will see Subnet Mask (usually 255.255.255.0), which tells your computer which other devices are on the same local network. Default Gateway is your router's IP address, the device that connects your home network to the internet.

If you see "Media State: Media disconnected" next to an adapter, that connection is not active right now. Ignore those sections and focus on the adapter showing an actual IPv4 address.

Finding your IP address if you are on Wi-Fi

If you are connected to Wi-Fi instead of a wired Ethernet connection, the process is identical — run ipconfig and look for the section labeled "Wireless LAN adapter" or "Wi-Fi". Your IPv4 address will be listed there the same way. The command does not care whether you are wired or wireless; it shows you both.

One difference: if you recently switched from Ethernet to Wi-Fi (or vice versa), you may see both adapters listed with different IP addresses. Your router assigns a separate address to each connection type. The address next to the adapter you are actually using right now is the one that matters for your current network.

Getting more detailed network information with ipconfig /all

If you need more than just your IP address — for example, your MAC address (a unique identifier for your network card) or your DNS servers — type ipconfig /all instead. This shows every network setting Windows knows about, including details most people never need.

The extra information includes your Physical Address (your MAC address), your DHCP Server (the device on your network handing out IP addresses, usually your router), and your DNS Servers (the computers that translate website names into IP addresses). You will also see when your IP address lease expires — routers typically reassign addresses every 24 hours, and this shows you when yours is due for renewal.

For basic troubleshooting, ipconfig alone is enough. Use ipconfig /all only if someone helping you fix a network problem specifically asks for one of these details.

Why your IP address might change

Every time you restart your computer or reconnect to your Wi-Fi, your router may assign you a different IP address. This is normal and expected. Your router uses DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to hand out addresses automatically, and it does not may provide you get the same one twice.

If you are setting up a device that needs a fixed address — like a printer or a network camera — you may want to assign it a static IP address instead of letting DHCP change it. That is a router setting, not something you change in Command Prompt. But knowing your current IP address with ipconfig is the first step: you need to know what address range your router uses before you can pick a static one that will not conflict.

Troubleshooting when ipconfig shows no IP address

If you run ipconfig and see "Media disconnected" for all adapters, or if you see an IP address starting with 169.254, your computer is not connected to your network properly. An address starting with 169.254 means Windows could not reach your router to ask for an address, so it assigned itself a placeholder.

First, check the physical connection: if you are using Ethernet, make sure the cable is plugged into both your computer and your router. If you are on Wi-Fi, make sure you are connected to your network (check your Wi-Fi icon in the system tray). Then restart your computer and run ipconfig again. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot.

If you still see no valid IP address after restarting both devices, your router may not be handing out addresses correctly, or your network adapter may have a driver problem. At that point, contact your internet provider or the router manufacturer for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The address ipconfig shows (like 192.168.1.5) is your local IP address, used only within your home network. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is what websites see. To find your public IP, search "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Can I use Command Prompt on older versions of Windows?

Yes. The ipconfig command works on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. The output looks slightly different on very old versions, but the information is the same and the command name is identical.

What if I see multiple IPv4 addresses listed for one adapter?

Some adapters can have more than one IP address assigned. This is uncommon on home networks but happens on computers running servers or virtual machines. Use the first IPv4 address listed unless you have a specific reason to use a different one.

Do I need administrator rights to run ipconfig?

No. The basic ipconfig command works for any user. The ipconfig /all command also works without administrator rights, though some advanced ipconfig options (like ipconfig /release) do require them.