Finding your IP address in Windows Settings

The fastest way to find your IP address on Windows 10 or 11 is through Settings. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network & internet, then click Wi-Fi (if you're on wireless) or Ethernet (if you're plugged in with a cable).

Once you're in that section, click the name of your network connection. A panel will open showing your connection details. Scroll down until you see IPv4 address — that's your local IP address, the one your router assigned to your computer. It usually looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50, depending on your router's setup.

This is the address you'll use when you're setting up your home network security, accessing devices on your local network, or troubleshooting connection problems. It's different from your public IP address, which is what websites see when you visit them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Settings under Network & internet, in the details for your active connection.
  • Local IP addresses start with 192.168 or 10.0 and are only visible to devices on your home network, not to the internet.
  • You can also find your IP address by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for "IPv4 Address".
  • If you're setting up network security, write down your IP address so you can access your router's admin panel or configure device permissions.

Using Command Prompt for a quick lookup

If you prefer the command line, Command Prompt shows your IP address in seconds. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", and open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

A list of network information will appear. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address under your active connection — that's your local IP. You'll also see your Default Gateway (usually your router's address) and Subnet Mask (which defines your local network range). Write these down if you're planning to access your router's settings or configure network devices.

Finding your public IP address

Your local IP address only works within your home network. If you need to know what address the outside internet sees when you connect — your public IP address — you'll need to check a different way.

Open any web browser and go to a site like whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com. These sites display your public IP when ready. Your public IP is assigned by your internet service provider and changes periodically unless you pay for a static IP. You don't usually need your public IP for home network setup, but it's useful if you're troubleshooting remote access or checking whether your ISP has changed your address.

What to do with your IP address once you have it

Once you know your local IP address, you can use it to access your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type your IP address into the address bar — but use your router's address instead, which usually ends in .1 (like 192.168.1.1). This takes you to your router's login page, where you can change your Wi-Fi password, set up port forwarding, or adjust security settings.

You can also use your computer's IP address to set up static assignments on your router, which means your computer will always get the same IP address. This is helpful if you're running a home server or need consistent access to a device. Some routers let you reserve an IP address for a specific device based on its MAC address, which prevents your computer's IP from changing when you restart.

Why your IP address might change

By default, your router assigns IP addresses automatically using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This means your computer's local IP address can change when you restart your computer or reconnect to the network. If you're setting up network security rules or port forwarding, a changing IP address can break your setup.

To prevent this, you can assign a static IP address to your computer. In Windows Settings, go to Network & internet, select your connection, then scroll down and click Edit next to "IP settings". Change the setting from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual, then enter a fixed IP address in the same range as your router (like 192.168.1.100). Alternatively, you can use your router's DHCP reservation feature, which is simpler and doesn't require manual setup on your computer.

Checking your IP address on older Windows versions

If you're using Windows 7 or an older system, the Settings app doesn't exist. Instead, open Command Prompt the same way — press Windows key, type "cmd" — and run ipconfig. The output is identical to newer Windows versions, and you'll find your IPv4 address in the same place.

You can also right-click the network icon in your system tray (bottom right corner) and select Open Network and Sharing Center. Click your active connection, then click Details to see your IP address and other network information. Both methods work equally well.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your local IP (like 192.168.1.100) only works on your home network. Your public IP is what the internet sees and is assigned by your ISP. You need your local IP for home network setup; your public IP is mainly useful for remote access or checking your ISP connection.

Can I change my IP address manually?

Yes. You can set a static IP in Windows Settings by switching from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual and entering a fixed address. It's easier to use your router's DHCP reservation feature instead, which keeps your IP stable without manual configuration on your computer.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns addresses automatically by default. If you're setting up network security or port forwarding, assign a static IP or use DHCP reservation to keep your address from changing when you restart.

Do I need to know my IP address to set up home network security?

You need your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) to access its admin panel and change security settings. Your computer's IP is useful if you're setting up device-specific rules or port forwarding, but not required for basic security setup.