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

What Your IP Address Is and Why You Might Need It

Your PC has two IP addresses: one that identifies it on your home or office network (called a local IP address), and one that identifies your entire network to the internet (called a public IP address). You might need your local IP to connect a printer, set up a game server, troubleshoot a network problem, or give tech support someone a way to reach your machine. Your public IP is what websites see when you visit them.

Finding either one takes less than a minute. Windows gives you several ways to look them up, and the method you choose depends on which address you need and how comfortable you are opening system menus.

Key Takeaways

Your local IP address appears in Settings under Network or through the Command Prompt using the ipconfig command.
Your public IP address is what the outside internet sees and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
The Command Prompt method works the same way on every Windows version and is the fastest once you know the steps.
If you need your IP for a specific task like printer setup, the Settings menu is usually the clearest place to look.

Finding Your Local IP Address Through Windows Settings

Open the Start menu and type Settings, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click Network & Internet on the left side. You should see your current network listed — if you are on Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi; if you are plugged in with a cable, click Ethernet.

Click the name of your network (the one you are currently connected to). A panel will open showing your connection details. Scroll down until you see IPv4 address. The number next to it — something like 192.168.1.105 — is your local IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for later.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps are the same, though the layout may look slightly different depending on your version.

Finding Your Local IP Address Using Command Prompt

Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. The Command Prompt window will open. Type the word ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information will appear on the screen.

Look for the section labeled Ethernet adapter (if you are using a cable) or Wireless LAN adapter (if you are using Wi-Fi). 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 192.168.1.105 or 10.0.0.50, depending on your network setup.

If you see multiple adapters listed, use the one for the network you are currently connected to. The Command Prompt method is faster once you memorize the steps, and it works the same way on every Windows computer.

Finding Your Public IP Address

Your public IP address is what websites and online services see when you connect to the internet. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address". The search results will show your public IP at the top of the page — usually a four-part number like 203.45.67.89.

You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io directly. They display your public IP when ready when the page loads, along with other information like your approximate location and internet provider. This address changes periodically depending on your internet service provider, so do not be surprised if it is different the next time you check.

Understanding the Difference Between Local and Public IP Addresses

Your local IP address only works on your home or office network. It is the address other devices on your Wi-Fi or wired network use to find your PC. If you want to print to a networked printer, share files with another computer, or set up a game server for people on your network, you need your local IP.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is how the outside internet identifies your entire network. Websites, online games, and cloud services see this address. You cannot use your public IP to connect to devices inside your home — it only works for outbound connections to the internet.

Most home networks use addresses that start with 192.168 or 10.0 for local IPs. If your local IP starts with these numbers, you are looking at the right thing. Public IPs are usually different numbers entirely.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your IP Address

If the Command Prompt shows no adapters or only shows disconnected ones, your PC is not currently connected to a network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or that your ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish, then run ipconfig again.

If you are using a VPN (a virtual private network), your public IP will show the VPN provider's address instead of your real one. Disconnect the VPN temporarily if you need to see your actual public IP. Some corporate networks also block access to the Command Prompt or restrict what information it shows — if you work on a company network, contact your IT department for your IP address instead of trying to find it yourself.

Common Reasons You Might Need Your IP Address

You need your local IP when setting up a networked printer, accessing your PC remotely from another device on the same network, troubleshooting network problems with your internet provider, or hosting a local game server. Tech support may also ask for it to help diagnose connection issues.

You need your public IP less often, but it comes up when you are setting up port forwarding for online gaming, running a web server from home, or troubleshooting why a website is blocking you. Some services also ask for your public IP to whitelist your connection for security reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I turn on my computer?

Your local IP usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your network settings change. Your public IP can change every time your internet service provider refreshes your connection, which might happen weekly or monthly. If you need a permanent address, ask your internet provider about a static IP, though this usually costs extra.

Can someone harm my computer if they know my IP address?

Knowing your public IP alone does not let someone access your PC — your router and firewall block incoming connections by default. Your local IP is only visible to devices already on your network. However, do not share your IP with strangers online, as it can be used to target you with certain types of attacks.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I run ipconfig?

Most PCs have more than one network adapter — you might have both Wi-Fi and ethernet, or virtual adapters for VPNs and other software. Use the IP address for the adapter you are actually using to connect to the internet. If you are on Wi-Fi, look under the wireless adapter section; if you are plugged in, look under ethernet.

What if my local IP starts with 169.169?

An IP starting with 169.169 means your PC is not properly connected to your network. Check that you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network or that your ethernet cable is plugged in firmly. Restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart.

Can I change my IP address?

You can request a new public IP by restarting your modem and router. Your local IP can be changed through your router's settings, but most people should leave it alone — changing it can break network connections to printers and other devices. If you need a permanent local IP for a specific device, your router usually has a setting to reserve an address for it.

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.