Where to find your IP address in Windows

Your Windows computer has an IP address assigned to it right now — you just need to know where to look. The fastest way is to open the Command Prompt and type a single command that displays it when ready. If you prefer clicking through menus, you can also find it in your network settings. Both methods take less than a minute.

Your IP address is what your router uses to send data to your specific device instead of to every computer on your network. When you know it, you can troubleshoot connection problems, set up port forwarding, or check whether your device is getting an address from your router at all.

Key Takeaways

  • The Command Prompt method — typing ipconfig — shows your IP address in seconds and is the fastest route for most people.
  • Your IP address appears next to "IPv4 Address" in the results and looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.5.
  • If you see 169.254.x.x instead, your computer is not connected to your router properly and cannot reach the internet.
  • The Settings menu route takes longer but does not require typing commands and shows the same information in a visual format.
  • Your local IP address (the one your router assigns) is different from your public IP address (what websites see), and you only need the local one for home network tasks.

Using Command Prompt to find your IP address

Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd, then press Enter. A black window will open with a blinking cursor. Type ipconfig and press Enter. The window will fill with network information.

Look for the section labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — whichever one you use to connect to the internet. Under that section, find the line that says "IPv4 Address". The number next to it is your local IP address. It will look something like 192.168.1.5 or 10.0.0.42. Write it down if you need it for later.

If you see a number starting with 169.254 (called an APIPA address), your computer is not receiving an address from your router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot. Then run ipconfig again.

Finding your IP address through Windows Settings

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find the same information in the Settings menu. Press the Windows key and type Settings, then press Enter. Click on "Network & internet" on the left side.

If you are connected by Ethernet cable, click "Ethernet" and then click the name of your network connection. If you are using Wi-Fi, click "Wi-Fi" and then click "Manage known networks", find your network name, and click it. Scroll down to "Properties" and look for "IPv4 address". The number listed there is your local IP address.

This route is slower than Command Prompt but shows the information in a format some people find easier to read. Both methods show the exact same IP address — the route you choose is just personal preference.

Understanding what your IP address tells you

Your IP address is divided into four sections separated by dots. The first three sections identify your home network, and the last section identifies your specific device. If your address is 192.168.1.5, then 192.168.1 is your network, and 5 is your device number.

This matters because it tells you whether your computer is actually connected to your router. If two devices on your network have addresses like 192.168.1.5 and 192.168.1.10, they are on the same network and can talk to each other. If one device shows 169.254.x.x, it is not connected to the router at all, even if it appears to be.

Your local IP address is different from your public IP address — the one that websites see when you visit them. Your router has the public address, and it translates requests from your local address to the public one. For home network tasks like setting up a printer or accessing a security camera, you only need the local address.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Every time your computer connects to the network, your router assigns it an IP address from a pool of available numbers. Most routers assign the same address to the same device most of the time, but it can change if your computer has been offline for a while or if your router restarts.

If you are setting up a device that other computers need to find — like a printer or a network storage drive — a changing IP address will cause problems. You can fix this by assigning a static IP address, which tells your router to always give that device the same number. This is done in your router's settings, not in Windows, and the steps vary by router model. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on setting a static IP address.

Checking your connection status at the same time

When you run ipconfig, you can also check whether your connection is working properly by looking at a few other lines. The "Default Gateway" is your router's address — it should be a number like 192.168.1.1. If this line is blank, your computer is not connected to the router.

The "DHCP Enabled" line should say "Yes" — this means your router is automatically assigning your IP address. If it says "No", your computer has a manually set address, which is unusual on a home network and usually means something was misconfigured.

If you see an IP address but no Default Gateway, or if DHCP is disabled, restart your computer and your router. If the problem continues, your network adapter may need a driver update, which you can check in Device Manager by pressing the Windows key and typing Device Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my IP address start with 169.254?

That address means your computer is not receiving an IP address from your router. This usually happens when the network cable is unplugged, the Wi-Fi password is wrong, or the router is not working. Restart your router and reconnect to the network. If the problem continues, restart your computer as well.

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

No. Your local IP address is what your router assigns to your device for use inside your home network. Your public IP address is what your internet service provider assigns to your router, and it is what websites see. You only need your local address for home network tasks.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can assign a static IP address to your device through your router's settings, which prevents it from changing. You cannot change your public IP address without contacting your internet service provider. For most home uses, letting your router assign addresses automatically is simpler and works fine.

What if ipconfig shows multiple network adapters?

Your computer may have both Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters, or virtual adapters for other purposes. Look for the adapter you actually use to connect to the internet — usually labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" — and use the IP address from that section. Ignore adapters you do not use.

Do I need to write down my IP address?

Only if you are setting up a device that other computers need to find, like a printer or security camera. For most everyday use, you do not need to remember it. You can look it up again anytime by running ipconfig or checking Settings.