How to Find Your IP Address on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

What Is an IP Address and Why You Might Need It

Ever had to set up a new router or troubleshoot a network issue and wondered, “Where the heck is my IP address?” You’re not alone. Knowing how to lookup IP address on Windows is one of those underrated skills every user ends up needing sooner or later. It’s what helps devices communicate on a network and lets you manage or troubleshoot internet connections more effectively.

So, what exactly is an IP address? Think of it like a street address for your computer on a network. Just like your home needs an address for packages to arrive, your PC needs an IP address so other devices and servers know where to send data. Windows machines typically have two types of IP addresses: a private one used inside your local network, and a public one that’s visible to the outside world.

You might need to know your IP for all sorts of things — setting up port forwarding for games, accessing your computer remotely, fixing DNS issues, or checking if a VPN is actually working. The tricky part? There isn’t just one place in Windows where this info lives. That’s why learning how to know IP address in Windows can save you from a lot of guesswork.

Before we dive into the different ways to find your IP, it helps to know that Windows often shows both IPv4 and IPv6. Most networks today still rely on IPv4, but IPv6 is slowly becoming the norm. So don’t be surprised if you see two addresses instead of one.

Now here’s where it gets interesting: not all IP addresses are created equal, and not every app or website needs the same one. When you look up your IP in Windows, you’ll likely see both your local (private) IP and, depending on the method, sometimes your public IP too. The private IP is what your router assigns your device, while the public IP is what your ISP uses to communicate with the internet.

Understanding this difference is key when you’re troubleshooting or setting something up. For instance, if you’re trying to connect two PCs over a home network, the private IP is what matters. But if you’re hosting a game server or need remote desktop access, it’s the public IP you’ll be after. That’s why learning how to lookup IP address on Windows in the right place can save you a ton of confusion.

Windows doesn’t exactly make this info front and center, either. Between all the menus and options, it can feel like hunting for buried treasure. But once you know where to look, it becomes second nature. And whether you’re figuring out how to know IP address in Windows for basic setup or a more advanced network tweak, it all starts with understanding which type of address you’re after — and why.

In the next part, we’ll walk through three simple ways to find your IP address in Windows 11, from beginner-friendly menus to more advanced command-line tricks.

Table of Contents

• What Is an IP Address and Why You Might Need It
• How to Find IP Address on Windows 11 (Using Settings)
• How to Change Your IP Address in Windows 11 (Quick Methods)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • How do I find my IP address on Windows 11?
  • How to find IP address on Windows command line?
  • Can I change my IP address in Windows 11?
  • What’s the difference between public and private IP addresses?
  • How to know if my IP address is static or dynamic?

How to Find IP Address on Windows 11 (Using Settings)

If you’re wondering how to find IP address on Windows, the easiest place to start is the Settings menu. This method is simple, beginner-friendly, and takes less than a minute. You don’t need any tech skills or special commands — just a few clicks and you’re done.

Here’s what to do: open the Start menu and go to Settings. From there, click on Network & Internet. If you’re using Wi-Fi, choose your connected Wi-Fi network; if you’re on Ethernet, select that instead. Once you’re in the right panel, scroll down until you see “Properties.” Under this section, you’ll find your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses listed clearly.

This method shows your private IP address — the one used by your device inside your local network. If you’re just trying to set up a printer, share files, or troubleshoot a local issue, this is the IP you need. And if you’re helping someone else remotely and they ask you to check your address, this is the go-to method.

While this won’t show your public IP (used for internet-facing tasks), it’s still one of the best ways to learn how to find IP address on Windows 11 without diving into more technical tools. But if you’re curious about deeper network info, the command line is where we’re heading next.

If you’re more comfortable with a keyboard than clicking through menus, knowing how to find IP address on Windows command line can save you time. This method gives you a quick look at your network settings without digging through multiple windows.

Here’s how to do it: press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type cmd, and hit Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig and press Enter. You’ll see a list of network details. Look for the section that says “IPv4 Address” under your active network adapter. That’s your local IP address.

This method is especially useful when you’re helping someone over the phone or writing a script for network setup. It’s quick, doesn’t require admin access, and works on every version of Windows 11. If you’re learning how to find IP address on Windows for remote desktop or port forwarding, this is the method most power users stick with.

Want an alternative that’s still graphical but slightly old-school? Open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing Center, then click on your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). In the Status window, click “Details.” You’ll find your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses listed there. It’s slower than using the command line, but it gets the job done.

So whether you’re a command-line fan or just exploring older Windows features, you’ve got multiple ways to check your IP. In the next part, we’ll look at how to change your IP address when needed — both manually and dynamically.

How to Change Your IP Address in Windows 11 (Quick Methods)

Sometimes just finding your IP isn’t enough — you may actually want to change it. Maybe your current address is causing a conflict on the network. Or maybe you need a fresh IP for troubleshooting, security reasons, or testing. Whatever the case, here’s how to change IP address Windows 11 offers without diving too deep.

The easiest way is to let Windows assign you a new one automatically. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following two commands, one at a time:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

The first command tells Windows to release its current IP address from the DHCP server. The second asks for a new one. This won’t always change your public IP (especially if your router controls that), but it’s a reliable way to get a new private IP on your local network.

This method is great for quick network fixes. If you’ve been having trouble with DNS or connectivity, knowing how to change IP address Windows 11 allows is a useful skill — and one that can often solve the issue without rebooting your PC or router.

In the next part, we’ll walk through how to manually assign a static IP, and when it’s the better option compared to automatic settings.

While automatic IP assignment works for most people, there are times when setting a static IP just makes more sense. If you’re configuring port forwarding, running a home server, or want to avoid IP changes during reboots, here’s how to change IP address Windows 11 lets you lock down manually.

Start by opening Settings, then go to Network & Internet and select either your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Click on “Hardware properties” or “Edit IP assignment.” From there, choose Manual and toggle on IPv4. Enter your preferred IP address, subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), default gateway, and DNS server (Google DNS is 8.8.8.8).

This method is ideal for advanced users who want consistent IPs for specific tasks like smart home device access or file sharing. But don’t forget — if your IP conflicts with another device on the network, you’ll run into issues. So it’s smart to choose an address outside your router’s dynamic range.

If you’re concerned about privacy or need to mask your IP entirely, you might want to explore using a VPN. VPNs create a secure tunnel that assigns you a different public IP, no matter what your actual Windows settings are. It’s an excellent option for security-conscious users or people accessing content in other regions.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a connection or just tweaking your setup, learning how to change IP address in Windows 11 gives you far more control over your network experience. Now you’re equipped to handle it all — from quick fixes to long-term customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find my IP address on Windows 11?

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then click on your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Scroll down and you’ll find your IP under “Properties.” If you prefer using the command line, type ipconfig in Command Prompt to quickly find your private IP address.

How to find IP address on Windows command line?

Press Windows + R, type cmd, then press Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig and hit Enter again. Your IPv4 address will be listed under your active network adapter. This is a fast way to look up your IP without digging through settings.

Can I change my IP address in Windows 11?

Yes, and there are multiple ways to do it. You can use Command Prompt with ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew for a quick reset. For more control, head to Settings and set a static IP manually under your network properties. VPNs also provide public IP changes.

What’s the difference between public and private IP addresses?

Private IP addresses are used within your home or office network. Public IPs are what the internet sees when you browse or connect online. When you’re learning how to find IP address on Windows, most built-in tools show your private IP — not the public one assigned by your ISP.

How to know if my IP address is static or dynamic?

If your IP changes after a reboot or reconnecting to the network, it’s dynamic. Most home networks use dynamic IPs by default. You can check your network adapter settings in Windows 11 to see if your IP is manually assigned, which would indicate a static setup.