How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 10

Two ways to change your IP address on Windows 10

You can change your IP address on Windows 10 in two ways: by letting your router assign you a new one automatically, or by setting a static IP address manually. The automatic method takes seconds and works for most home users. The manual method gives you control over the exact address and is useful if you need your computer to always have the same IP.

Both methods start in the same place: the Network Settings panel. You do not need administrator permission, though you will need to know your router's address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) if you choose the manual route.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to get a new IP address is to unplug your router for 30 seconds, which forces it to reassign addresses to all connected devices.
You can also release and renew your IP address through Windows Settings without touching your router, which takes about two minutes.
To set a static IP address that never changes, you enter the address manually in Network Settings and need your router's gateway address and a DNS server address.
Common mistakes include forgetting to write down your old settings before changing them, or setting a static IP that conflicts with another device on your network.
If you cannot connect to the internet after changing your IP, restart your router and computer, or use the automatic method to let Windows assign an address again.

The fastest method: restart your router

Unplugging your router for 30 seconds forces it to release all IP addresses and reassign new ones when devices reconnect. This is the quickest way to change your IP if you do not need a specific address.

Unplug the power cable from the back of your router. Wait 30 seconds — count them out loud or use a timer. Plug it back in and wait two to three minutes for all the lights to stop blinking. Your computer will automatically receive a new IP address from the router.

This method works because your router uses DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to hand out addresses. When the router restarts, it forgets which address it gave to which device and assigns them fresh ones from its pool.

Release and renew your IP without restarting the router

If you want to change your IP without unplugging anything, you can tell Windows to release its current address and ask the router for a new one. This takes about two minutes and works from your desk.

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin). If you see "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" instead, click that. A dark window will open. Type this command exactly:

ipconfig /release

Press Enter and wait for the command to finish. You will see several lines of text. Then type:

ipconfig /renew

Press Enter again. Windows will contact your router and request a new IP address. The process takes 10 to 20 seconds. When it finishes, close the terminal window. Your new IP address is now active.

To check that your address changed, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you use a cable). Scroll down and click View your network properties. Look for "IPv4 address" — this is your new IP.

Setting a static IP address manually

A static IP address stays the same every time you restart your computer. This is useful if you run a home server, need consistent remote access, or want to set up port forwarding on your router. The trade-off is that you have to manage the address yourself and make sure it does not conflict with other devices.

Before you start, write down three pieces of information. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and click View your network properties. Write down your current IPv4 address, the "Default gateway" (usually 192.168.1.1), and the "DNS servers" (often 8.8.8.8 or your router's address).

Now go back to Network & Internet and click Advanced network options. Scroll down to "IP settings" and click Edit. A window will open showing your current settings.

Click the dropdown that says Automatic (DHCP) and change it to Manual. Toggle on the switch for IPv4. You will now see four fields to fill in:

IP address: Enter the address you want to use. Change only the last number of your current address — for example, if your current address is 192.168.1.50, use 192.168.1.100 or 192.168.1.200. Do not use .1 (that is usually your router).
Subnet mask: Leave this as 255.255.255.0 unless you have a reason to change it.
Default gateway: Enter the address you wrote down earlier (usually 192.168.1.1).
Preferred DNS: Enter 8.8.8.8 (Google's public DNS) or the address you wrote down.

Click Save. Windows will explore the new settings when ready. Your computer now has a static IP address that will not change when you restart.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The most common error is setting a static IP address that conflicts with another device. If your printer, phone, or another computer is already using the address you chose, both devices will have connection problems. Always change only the last number of your current address and pick a number above 100 to stay away from devices your router assigns automatically.

Another mistake is forgetting to write down your gateway and DNS addresses before switching to manual. If you do this and lose internet connection, go back to Advanced network options, click Edit again, and change the dropdown back to Automatic (DHCP). Windows will restore automatic settings and reconnect you.

If you set a static IP and cannot reach the internet, restart your router first — unplug it for 30 seconds. If that does not work, switch back to automatic DHCP in the same settings panel. Then contact your router manufacturer or internet provider to confirm your gateway and DNS addresses are correct.

When to use each method

Use the router restart method if you just want a different IP address and do not care which one you get. This is the right choice for privacy, troubleshooting connection problems, or testing how your network behaves with a fresh address.

Use the release and renew method if you want to change your IP without unplugging anything, or if you are at work or in a shared space where you cannot access the router. It is faster than restarting and works just as well for most purposes.

Use the static IP method only if you need the same address every time — for example, if you are setting up a home server, configuring port forwarding, or need a device to always be reachable at the same address. Static IPs require more attention and can cause problems if you set them incorrectly, so use automatic DHCP unless you have a specific reason not to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address disconnect me from the internet?

No. When you release and renew your IP or restart your router, Windows automatically reconnects to the internet with the new address. The process takes a few seconds to a few minutes. If you set a static IP incorrectly, you may lose connection temporarily, but switching back to automatic DHCP will restore it.

Can I choose any IP address I want?

Not completely. Your address must be in the same range as your router — usually 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X, where X is a number between 1 and 254. You should avoid numbers below 100 because your router may assign those automatically to other devices. If you pick an address already in use, both devices will have problems.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.50 and are what most home networks use. IPv6 addresses are much longer and look like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334. Windows 10 supports both, but most home routers and devices still use IPv4. Unless your internet provider specifically uses IPv6, you only need to change your IPv4 address.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my IP address?

No. Changes take effect when ready whether you use the automatic method or set a static address. You do not need to restart unless you are troubleshooting a connection problem, in which case restarting both your computer and router can help.

What if my router does not have a default gateway of 192.168.1.1?

Some routers use 192.168.0.1 or other addresses. Check the label on the back of your router — it usually lists the default gateway address. You can also open Settings, go to Network & Internet, click View your network properties, and look at the "Default gateway" field to see what your router actually uses.

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.