The quickest way to find your IP address

Your PC has two IP addresses you might need: a local IP address (the one your home or office network assigns to it) and a public IP address (the one the internet sees). The fastest way to find your local IP is to open Command Prompt and type a single command. For your public IP, you can check it in a web browser in seconds.

Most of the time, you need the local IP address — that is the number you use to connect to your printer, security camera, or other devices on your home network. Your public IP is what websites see when you visit them, and it changes based on your internet provider and connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address is found by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig, then looking for the line labeled "IPv4 Address" under your network adapter.
  • Your public IP address can be found by visiting any IP-checking website like whatismyipaddress.com or by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • Local IP addresses on home networks usually start with 192.168 or 10.0, while public IPs are the full address your internet provider assigns.
  • If you need to use your IP address to connect to another device, write it down or take a screenshot, because it may change if you restart your router.

Finding your local IP address in Windows

Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt into the search box. Click on "Command Prompt" when it appears. A black window will open with a blinking cursor.

Type the following and press Enter:

ipconfig

A list of information will appear. Look for the section that shows your network adapter — it will be labeled something like "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" depending on whether you are plugged in with a cable or using Wi-Fi. Under that section, find the line that says IPv4 Address. The number next to it (something like 192.168.1.105) is your local IP address.

If you have multiple network adapters listed, look for the one that is actually connected — it will have an IPv4 Address listed. If a section shows "Media State: Media disconnected," skip it.

Finding your public IP address

Open any web browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com or search "what is my IP" in Google. Your public IP address will appear at the top of the page in large text.

This is the address that websites and online services see when you connect to them. It is assigned by your internet service provider and changes periodically — sometimes when you restart your router, sometimes on its own schedule depending on your provider's settings.

You do not need to remember this number for most tasks. It is useful mainly if you are troubleshooting a connection issue with a website or service, or if you need to report it to technical support.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP

Your local IP address is used only within your home or office network. It lets your PC talk to your printer, router, smart TV, and other devices on the same Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. These addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16 — they are reserved for private networks and never appear on the public internet.

Your public IP address is what the outside world sees. When you visit a website, that website logs your public IP. Your internet service provider controls this address, and it is unique to your connection at that moment. If you restart your router or your provider reassigns it, your public IP will change.

When you need to connect to a device on your home network — like setting up a printer or accessing a security camera — you use the local IP. When you are troubleshooting why a website is blocking you or why a service says your location is wrong, you check the public IP.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

Local IP addresses can change if you restart your router or if your router's settings are set to assign addresses dynamically. If you need a device to stay at the same local IP address (for example, to always reach your printer at the same number), you can set a static IP address or a DHCP reservation in your router settings.

To do this, log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, then entering your router's username and password). Look for a section called "DHCP Reservation," "Static IP," or "Connected Devices." Select your PC and choose the option to reserve its IP address. The exact steps vary by router brand, so check your router's manual or manufacturer website if you get stuck.

Your public IP address will also change over time — this is normal and expected. Most internet providers use dynamic public IPs, meaning they change periodically. If you need a permanent public IP for a specific reason (like hosting a server), contact your internet provider to ask about a static public IP option, though this usually costs extra.

Finding your IP address on a network you do not own

If you are on a work network, school network, or public Wi-Fi, the same Command Prompt method works. Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and find your IPv4 Address. This is the local address assigned to you on that network.

Do not assume this address will be the same the next time you connect — networks often reassign local IPs each time you log in. If you need to use this address for something specific (like connecting to a shared printer), ask your network administrator for help, because they may have set up the network in a way that requires special steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You usually need it to connect to a device on your home network (like a printer or camera), to troubleshoot a connection problem, or to set up port forwarding on your router. Most of the time you do not need it at all — it is only useful for specific technical tasks.

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number that changes and is used to route data across networks. Your MAC address is a permanent identifier for your network card that does not change. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Can someone harm me if they know my public IP address?

Knowing your public IP alone does not let someone access your PC or personal files — your router and firewall block incoming connections by default. However, it is still good practice not to share it publicly, because it can be used to gather other information about your location or internet provider.

What if ipconfig does not show an IPv4 Address?

This usually means your network adapter is not connected. Check that your ethernet cable is plugged in or that you are connected to Wi-Fi. If you are connected but still see no IPv4 Address, your network adapter may not be working — try restarting your PC or updating your network drivers.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can change your local IP address by setting a static IP in your router settings, but this requires access to your router's admin panel. Your public IP address is controlled by your internet provider — you cannot change it directly, though restarting your router may cause it to change to a different one.