Finding Your IP Address in Windows Settings

The fastest way to find your IP address on a Windows PC is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then select Network & internet from the left menu. Click Wi-Fi if you're connected wirelessly, or Ethernet if you're using a cable. Under "Properties," scroll down and you'll see your IPv4 address listed — this is the number you're looking for, usually formatted like 192.168.1.100.

If you're using Ethernet, the process is identical: go to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet, and the IPv4 address appears in the same location. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IPv4 address appears in Windows Settings under Network & internet, in either the Wi-Fi or Ethernet section.
  • The Command Prompt method using ipconfig shows your IP address in seconds and works on any Windows version.
  • On Mac, System Settings > Network displays your IP address next to "Status: Connected."
  • Your IP address changes when you restart your router or move to a different network, so write it down only if you need it right away.
  • The address you see in Settings is your local IP (used inside your home network), not your public IP (used on the internet).

Using Command Prompt for a Faster Result

If you prefer a quicker method, open Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your IPv4 address will appear on the line labeled "IPv4 Address:" — it's usually the first address listed under your active connection.

This method works on every version of Windows and displays your address in under a second. The information shown includes your local IP address (the one your devices use to talk to each other at home) and your default gateway (usually your router).

Finding Your IP Address on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select your active connection — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and you'll see "Status: Connected" with your IP address displayed directly below it. The address format is the same as Windows: four numbers separated by periods.

If you're using an older Mac with macOS Big Sur or earlier, the process is slightly different. Open System Preferences instead of System Settings, click Network, select your connection, and the IP address appears in the window.

Understanding Local vs. Public IP Addresses

The address you find in Settings or Command Prompt is your local IP address — it's used only within your home network to identify your PC among your other devices. This address typically starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and changes each time you restart your router or reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Your public IP address is different. It's assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. If you need your public IP, you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser. Your local IP and public IP serve different purposes, and you'll usually need the local one for home network tasks like connecting to a printer or accessing files on another device.

Why You Might Need Your IP Address

You may need your IP address to connect to a printer on your home network, access files from another computer, troubleshoot a network problem, or set up remote access to your PC. Some games and applications also ask for your local IP when you're playing with others on the same network.

If you're troubleshooting a connection issue, your IT support person or router manufacturer may ask for your IP address to help diagnose the problem. Writing it down is useful only if you need it when ready — it will change the next time your router restarts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't confuse your local IP address with your public one. If a website or service asks for your IP, they almost always mean your public IP, not the 192.168 address you see in Settings. Sharing your local IP with someone outside your home won't help them reach you.

Another common mistake is assuming your IP address stays the same. Most home routers reassign local IP addresses regularly, so if you're setting up a device that needs a fixed address, you may need to configure your router to give that device a "static" IP instead of a changing one. Check your router's manual or support page for instructions on how to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number like 192.168.1.100 that identifies your device on a network. Your MAC address is a different code that identifies your device's network card itself. You won't need your MAC address to find your IP — they're completely separate.

Will my IP address change if I restart my computer?

Not usually. Your IP address changes when you restart your router or disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi. straightforward restarting your PC keeps the same IP address. However, if your router reassigns addresses (which happens on a schedule), your IP may change within hours or days.

Can I use Command Prompt on Mac?

Mac has a similar tool called Terminal, but the command is different. Open Terminal and type ifconfig instead of ipconfig. Your IP address will appear next to "inet" in the output. However, using System Settings is simpler for most users.

What if Command Prompt shows multiple IP addresses?

You may see several addresses if your PC is connected to multiple networks or has multiple network adapters. Look for the address under the connection you're actually using — usually labeled "Ethernet" or "Wireless LAN." If you're unsure which one is active, check Settings to confirm.

Do I need to remember my IP address?

Not usually. You can look it up whenever you need it using the methods above. The only time you might write it down is if you're setting up a device that needs to connect to your PC directly, and even then, you can look it up again if you forget it.