Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig to see your IP address

The fastest way to find your IP address is to open Command Prompt on Windows and type a single command. Command Prompt is a text-based tool built into Windows that lets you run system commands directly. The command ipconfig displays all the network information your computer currently has, including your IP address, in seconds.

You do not need administrator access or special software. Any user account on the computer can run this command. The information appears on screen when ready — there is nothing to read or install.

Key Takeaways

  • Type ipconfig in Command Prompt to see your local IP address (the one your router assigned to your computer).
  • Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network connection — this is the address you need to know for most home network purposes.
  • Type ipconfig /all to see additional details like your MAC address and DNS servers if you need to troubleshoot network problems.
  • Your local IP address (like 192.168.1.x) is different from your public IP address (what websites see), and ipconfig shows only the local one.

Step-by-step: Finding your IP address in Command Prompt

Press the Windows key on your keyboard, then type cmd and press Enter. Command Prompt opens as a black window with a blinking cursor. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

The screen fills with network information. Look for the section labeled with your network name — usually "Ethernet adapter" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are on WiFi. Under that section, find the line that says IPv4 Address. The number next to it (something like 192.168.1.50) is your local IP address — the one your router uses to identify your computer on your home network.

Write this number down or take a screenshot if you need it later. You can close Command Prompt by typing exit and pressing Enter, or just clicking the X button.

What ipconfig /all shows you, and when you need it

If you type ipconfig /all instead of just ipconfig, you get a longer list that includes extra details. This fuller view shows your MAC address (a hardware identifier for your network card), your DNS servers (the computers that translate website names into IP addresses), and whether your IP address was assigned automatically or manually.

Most of the time, you only need the IPv4 address from the basic ipconfig command. Use ipconfig /all if you are troubleshooting a network problem with your internet provider or your router, or if someone has asked you for your MAC address. The extra information helps technical support understand what your computer is connected to and how.

The difference between your local IP and your public IP

The address that ipconfig shows you is your local IP address — the one your router assigned to your computer for use inside your home network. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0. This is the address other devices in your house use to talk to your computer.

Your public IP address is different. It is the address that websites and services on the internet see when you connect to them. Your router handles the translation between the two. You cannot see your public IP address in Command Prompt — you would need to visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com to find it. For most home network tasks (connecting a printer, setting up a smart home device, or accessing your computer from another room), you need the local IP address that ipconfig shows.

Why you might need your IP address at home

Knowing your computer's IP address is useful for several common home network tasks. If you are setting up a printer on your WiFi, you may need to type your computer's IP address into the printer's setup screen. If you want to access files on your computer from another device in your house, you type the IP address into a file browser. If your router is acting up and you need to restart it, you might need your IP address to reconfigure your network afterward.

You also need it if you are troubleshooting why something is not connecting. When a device cannot find your computer or a service is not working, knowing your IP address lets you test whether the problem is with the address itself or with something else on your network.

What to do if ipconfig shows multiple network adapters

If you have multiple network adapters (for example, both Ethernet and WiFi), ipconfig shows information for all of them. Look for the one you are actually using. If you are connected by cable, find the Ethernet adapter section. If you are on WiFi, find the Wireless LAN adapter section. The active connection will have an IPv4 Address listed. If an adapter shows "Media disconnected" or no IPv4 Address, that connection is not currently in use.

If you are not sure which one is active, the easiest check is to look at your taskbar. If you see a WiFi icon, you are on wireless. If you see a network cable icon or nothing at all, you are probably on Ethernet. Then match that to the correct section in the ipconfig output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my IP address using ipconfig?

No. The ipconfig command only shows you your current IP address — it does not change it. Your router assigns your IP address automatically in most home networks. If you need a different address, you would change the setting in your router's admin panel, not in Command Prompt.

What if ipconfig does not show an IPv4 address?

If you see "Media disconnected" or no IPv4 Address listed, your computer is not connected to the network. Check that your WiFi is turned on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish, then run ipconfig again. If it still does not appear, restart your router and try once more.

Is my IP address private information I should hide?

Your local IP address (the one ipconfig shows) is only visible inside your home network, so there is no privacy risk from sharing it. Your public IP address is visible to websites, but it identifies your internet connection, not you personally — websites see it for every visitor. Neither one is sensitive in the way a password or credit card number is.

Do I need to run Command Prompt as administrator?

No. Any user account can run ipconfig without administrator rights. You do not need to right-click and select "Run as administrator" — just open Command Prompt normally and type the command.