How to Find Your PC's IP Address in Windows and on a Network

The fastest way to find your PC's IP address

Your PC has two IP addresses you might need: a local IP address (the one your home or office network assigns to it) and a public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns to your router, visible to websites you visit). The quickest way to find your local IP is to open Command Prompt and type a single command. The quickest way to find your public IP is to visit a website that displays it.

For your local IP on Windows, press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — that is your local IP, usually starting with 192.168 or 10.0. For your public IP, open any web browser and search "what is my ip" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com. The number displayed is what the outside internet sees.

Key Takeaways

Your local IP address (used on your home network) appears in Command Prompt when you type ipconfig and look for the IPv4 Address line.
Your public IP address (seen by websites and internet services) shows up when ready when you search "what is my ip" in any web browser.
Windows Settings also displays your local IP under Network & Internet if you prefer not to use Command Prompt.
Your local IP may change if your router restarts or your PC reconnects to the network, but your public IP usually stays the same for weeks or months.

Finding your local IP through Windows Settings

If you prefer not to open Command Prompt, Windows Settings shows your local IP in a few clicks. Press the Windows key, type Settings, and press Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side.

On Windows 11, click Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how your PC connects to the network, then click the network name you are connected to. Scroll down to find "IPv4 address" — that is your local IP. On Windows 10, the path is the same, but the layout may differ slightly; look for the network you are connected to and click it to see the details.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and is used only within your home or office network. It lets your PC talk to your printer, your phone, and other devices on the same Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. This address usually starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. It can change if your router restarts or if your PC disconnects and reconnects to the network.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider to your router. Websites, online services, and other people on the internet see this address when you connect to them. It is the same for all devices on your network — your PC, phone, and tablet all appear to come from the same public IP. This address usually stays the same for weeks or months unless your router loses power or your service is interrupted.

You need your local IP if you are setting up a printer, accessing your PC remotely from another device on the same network, or troubleshooting network problems. You need your public IP if you are checking whether a website has blocked you, setting up port forwarding, or reporting your location to a service.

Finding your IP address using the Network Connections window

Another way to see your local IP is through the Network Connections window. Press the Windows key, type View network connections, and press Enter. You will see a list of your network adapters — usually Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

Right-click the adapter you are using (the one with a green checkmark or "Connected" label) and select Status. Click Details in the window that opens. Look for the line labeled "IPv4 Address" — that is your local IP. This method shows the same information as Command Prompt or Settings, just through a different route.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

If you notice your local IP address changes every time your PC restarts or reconnects to the network, your router is using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which automatically assigns a new address each time. This is normal and usually not a problem for everyday use.

If you need your PC to keep the same local IP address — for example, if you are setting up remote access or port forwarding — you can assign a static IP. This is done in your router's settings, not on your PC. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser), find the DHCP or Local Network settings, and look for an option to reserve an IP address for your PC's device name or MAC address. The exact steps vary by router brand, so check your router's manual or manufacturer website for instructions.

Checking your IP address on a network you do not own

If you are on a public Wi-Fi network — at a coffee shop, library, or hotel — you can still find your local IP using the same Command Prompt or Settings method. However, your local IP on that network is assigned by their router and is only valid while you are connected to it. Once you leave, that address is released and may be given to another device.

Your public IP will be the same whether you are on your home network or a public one, because it comes from your internet service provider's connection. If you are using a VPN (a service that encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic), your public IP will appear to come from the VPN provider's server instead of your actual location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You might need it to set up a printer or other device on your network, troubleshoot connection problems, configure remote access to your PC, or check whether a website has blocked your connection. Some online services also ask for your IP address for security or account recovery purposes.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Your public IP address is already visible to every website you visit, so sharing it with a trusted service is usually safe. Your local IP address should not be shared outside your home or office network, since it could let someone on the same network access your PC directly.

Can someone find my location from my IP address?

Your public IP can be traced to your internet service provider and roughly to your city or region, but not to your exact address or home. A website or service would need additional information to pinpoint you. Your local IP address is only visible on your own network and cannot be traced by anyone outside it.

What if ipconfig does not show an IP address?

If the IPv4 Address line is blank or shows 169.254.x.x, your PC is not connected to the network properly. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or your ethernet cable is plugged in. Restart your router and your PC, then run ipconfig again. If the problem continues, your network adapter may need a driver update.

Does my IP address change when I restart my PC?

Your local IP may change if your router uses DHCP, though it often stays the same if your PC reconnects quickly. Your public IP usually does not change unless your router loses power or your internet connection drops for an extended time. If you need a stable local IP, you can set a static address in your router's settings.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.