Finding Your IP Address Through Settings

The fastest way to find your IP address on Windows is through the Settings app. Open Settings, select Network & Internet, then click Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how your computer connects. At the bottom of that screen, you'll see Properties — click it, and your IP address appears next to IPv4 address. The address looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.5.

If you're connected by ethernet cable, the process is identical — just select Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. Windows shows both your local IP address (the one your home network uses) and your public IP address (the one the internet sees) in the same Properties window, though you may need to scroll down to see both.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IP address appears in Settings under Network & Internet, in the Properties section for your active connection.
  • A local IP address starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and is used only within your home network; your public IP is different and visible to websites.
  • The Command Prompt method using ipconfig shows the same information in text form and works on any Windows version.
  • If you see "169.254" at the start of your IP address, your computer is not properly connected to the network.

Using Command Prompt for a Quick Look

Command Prompt is a text-based tool that shows your IP address in seconds. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window opens. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your computer displays a list of network information. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address — the number next to it is your local IP address.

This method works the same way on every version of Windows and doesn't require clicking through menus. If you have multiple network connections (Wi-Fi and ethernet, for example), you'll see an IPv4 address for each one. The one you're currently using is the one that matters.

Finding Your Public IP Address

Your local IP address (the 192.168 number) is only used inside your home network. Websites and online services see a different number called your public IP address. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" — the first result will show your public address in large text.

You can also visit websites like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which display your public IP when ready. This is the address that identifies your internet connection to the outside world. It changes periodically depending on your internet provider, usually when you restart your modem or after several days of being connected.

Understanding the Difference Between Local and Public IP

A local IP address is assigned by your home router and is used only within your network — it lets your computer talk to your printer, phone, or other devices at home. A public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is how websites know where to send information back to you. You need the local address if you're setting up a device on your home network; you need the public address if you're troubleshooting internet connectivity or checking your location online.

Local addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. Public addresses can be any combination of numbers. If your local IP starts with 169.254, your computer is not connected to the network properly — restart your router and try again.

Checking Your Connection Status First

Before looking for your IP address, confirm that your computer is actually connected to the network. Look at the bottom right of your screen in the system tray — you should see a Wi-Fi icon (if wireless) or an ethernet icon (if wired). If the icon shows a warning symbol or an X, your connection is not active. Click the icon and select your network, then enter your password if needed.

Once you're connected, the icon will show a filled signal or a connected cable. Then follow the Settings or Command Prompt steps above. If you're connected but still can't find an IP address, or if the address starts with 169.254, unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to restart before trying again.

What to Do If You Can't Find Your IP Address

If Settings doesn't show an IP address, or if Command Prompt returns an error, your network connection is likely broken. First, check that you're connected — look for the Wi-Fi or ethernet icon in the system tray and make sure it's active. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart.

If you're still not seeing an IP address after reconnecting, restart your computer. Shut it down completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Once Windows loads, try the Settings or Command Prompt method again. If the problem continues, contact your internet service provider — they can check whether your account is active and whether your modem is receiving a signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your local IP address usually stays the same because your router assigns it to your computer. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet provider. You can request a static IP from your provider if you need it to stay constant.

Why do I see two different IP addresses?

One is your local address (used inside your home network) and one is your public address (used on the internet). Settings and Command Prompt show your local address. To see your public address, search "what is my IP" in a web browser.

Can someone use my IP address to find where I live?

Your public IP address can be traced to your city and internet provider, but not to your exact home address. Your local IP address (192.168 number) is private and only visible to devices on your home network, not to the internet.

What does it mean if my IP address starts with 169.254?

This means your computer is not properly connected to your network. Restart your router and reconnect. If the problem continues, your router may not be assigning addresses correctly — restart both the router and your computer.