Find Your IP Address in Windows Settings

The fastest way to find your PC's IP address is through Windows Settings. Open Settings, select Network & internet, then choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how your PC connects. Click the network you are currently using, and scroll down to find IPv4 address — that is your local IP address, the one your home or office network uses to identify your computer.

If you use Ethernet (a cable plugged directly into your router), go to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet instead. The IPv4 address appears in the same location. Write down the full number — it usually looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50.

This local IP address is what you need if you are trying to connect to your PC from another device on the same network, set up a printer, or troubleshoot a connection problem within your home or office.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address (the one your home network uses) appears in Windows Settings under Network & internet, in the details for your active connection.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is different from your local IP and can be found by visiting a website like whatismyipaddress.com in any browser.
  • Command Prompt can show your IP address in seconds using the command ipconfig, which displays both local and network details.
  • Most home PCs have a local IP that starts with 192.168 or 10.0, while public IPs are assigned by your internet provider and change periodically.

Use Command Prompt for a Quick Look

Command Prompt is faster if you know where to look. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window opens. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your PC displays a list of network details.

Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under the connection type you are using (Ethernet or Wireless LAN). That is your local IP. You will also see Default Gateway (usually your router) and Subnet Mask (which defines your network range).

If you want to see only IP information without the extra details, type ipconfig | findstr IPv4 instead. This filters the output to show just the IPv4 addresses on your PC.

Find Your Public IP Address Online

Your local IP is what devices on your network see. Your public IP address is what the internet sees — the address assigned to you by your internet provider. These are different numbers.

To find your public IP, open any web browser and visit whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com. The page displays your public IP when ready, usually near the top. You can also search "what is my IP" in Google and the answer appears right in the search results.

Your public IP changes periodically (sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly) depending on your internet provider's settings. If you need a stable public IP for remote access or hosting, you would need to contact your provider about a static IP option, which usually costs extra.

Check Your Router's Admin Page

Your router knows every device on your network and can show you your PC's IP address from the router's perspective. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Most home routers use one of these addresses.

You will be asked to log in. The default username is often admin and the password is admin or password, though this varies by manufacturer. Check the sticker on the back of your router if the defaults do not work.

Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Clients, or Device List. Your PC appears there with its IP address. This method is useful if you want to see all devices on your network at once or if you need to change your PC's IP settings.

Understand the Difference Between Local and Public IP

A local IP address is assigned by your router to devices on your home or office network. It is private — only devices on your network can see it. Local IPs usually start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. They do not change unless you manually set them or your router reassigns them (which happens rarely).

A public IP address is assigned by your internet provider and is visible to websites and services on the internet. When you visit a website, the website sees your public IP, not your local one. Public IPs change over time and are unique across the entire internet.

If you are setting up a local printer, connecting to a PC from another room, or troubleshooting a home network problem, you need the local IP. If you are checking what address the internet sees you from, or if you are trying to understand why a website blocked you, you need the public IP.

Use Network Settings for More Details

Windows also stores IP information in the Network Connections panel, which shows more detail than Settings. Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. A window opens showing all your network connections.

Right-click the connection you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Status. Click Details in the window that appears. A full list opens showing your IPv4 address, IPv6 address, gateway, DNS servers, and other network information.

This view is useful if you need to know your DNS servers (the addresses that translate website names into IP addresses) or if you want to see both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses at once. Most home networks use IPv4; IPv6 is the newer standard that is slowly replacing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have two different IP addresses?

One is your local IP (what your home network calls your PC) and one is your public IP (what the internet sees). They serve different purposes. Your local IP stays mostly the same; your public IP changes periodically based on your internet provider's settings.

Can I change my PC's IP address?

Yes, but most people should not. Your router assigns local IPs automatically using DHCP. If you need a fixed local IP for a specific reason (like setting up a printer or remote access), you can set a static IP in Windows Settings under Network > Advanced > IP settings, but this requires knowing your router's gateway and subnet mask first.

What if ipconfig shows no IPv4 address?

Your PC is not connected to the network properly. Check that your Ethernet cable is plugged in or that you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Restart your PC and your router. If the problem continues, your network adapter may need a driver update or your router may need to be reset.

Is my public IP address permanent?

No. Most internet providers assign public IPs dynamically, meaning they change periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly. If you need a permanent public IP for hosting or remote access, contact your internet provider about a static IP plan, which usually costs extra per month.

Do I need to know my IP address for everyday use?

Not usually. You only need it if you are troubleshooting a network problem, setting up a device like a printer, connecting to your PC remotely, or checking what address a website sees. For normal browsing and email, your IP works in the background without you thinking about it.