Finding 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 the IP address field. The number shown there — typically four groups of digits separated by periods, like 192.168.1.100 — is your local IP address.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The address you see is your private IP address, which identifies your PC on your home or office network. It is different from your public IP address, which is how the internet sees your connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PC has two IP addresses: a private one (used on your local network) and a public one (used on the internet), and you find each in different places.
  • Windows Settings shows your private IP address in seconds, and the Command Prompt method using ipconfig shows both private and public details.
  • Your router's admin page displays all devices connected to your network and their private IP addresses.
  • Private IP addresses stay the same most of the time, but your public IP address can change when your internet service provider reassigns it.

Using Command Prompt to View IP Details

Command Prompt gives you more detailed information than Settings. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — Ethernet adapter or Wireless LAN adapter. The IPv4 Address field shows your private IP address on the network.

If you want to see your public IP address (the one the internet sees), type ipconfig /all instead. This displays more fields, though your public IP will not appear here — Command Prompt only shows local network information. For your public IP, you need a different method.

Finding Your Public IP Address

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is how websites identify your connection. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP" or "my IP address." The first result will show a number that looks like your private IP but is different. This is your public IP.

Alternatively, visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io. These sites display your public IP when ready without requiring you to read anything. Your public IP changes less often than you might think — it usually stays the same for weeks or months unless your service provider reassigns it or you restart your modem.

Checking Your Router's Connected Devices

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to your network, including their private IP addresses. To view this list, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most home routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will be asked to log in — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router for the default username and password.

Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. This page shows your PC's name, its private IP address, and how long it has been connected. This method is useful if you need to identify which IP address belongs to which device on your network.

Understanding Private vs. Public IP Addresses

Your private IP address works only on your local network — your home Wi-Fi, office network, or wired connection. It identifies your PC to your router and other devices nearby. Private addresses always start with 10, 172, or 192, and they never change unless you manually reassign them or your router runs out of addresses and recycles old ones.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to every website you visit. It changes occasionally when your provider reassigns addresses, usually after you restart your modem or after a set period of time. Websites use your public IP to send data back to you, but they cannot see your private IP or the devices behind it.

Why You Might Need Your IP Address

You need your private IP address when setting up devices on your home network, configuring port forwarding on your router, or troubleshooting connection problems. If a printer or smart device is not connecting, knowing your PC's IP helps you diagnose whether it is on the same network.

Your public IP is useful for checking your location (as seen by websites), troubleshooting internet problems with your service provider, or setting up remote access to your PC from outside your home. Some online services also block or allow traffic based on public IP address, so knowing yours helps you understand why a site might not work as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my IP address change?

Your private IP address usually stays the same, but it can change if your router reassigns addresses or if you manually set a static IP. Your public IP address changes when your internet service provider reassigns it, which happens unpredictably — sometimes after weeks, sometimes after months. Restarting your modem can trigger a change.

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number that identifies your PC on a network and can change. Your MAC address is a permanent hardware identifier that does not change. Both are used for network communication, but they serve different purposes. You find your MAC address in Command Prompt using ipconfig /all — it appears as the Physical Address.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses in ipconfig?

If you have multiple network adapters — for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet — each one gets its own IP address. Only the one you are actively using to connect to the internet matters for most purposes. If you are connected to both at once, your router assigns each a different private address.

What if I cannot access my router's admin page?

Try the other default IP addresses: 192.168.100.1 or 10.0.0.1. If none work, restart your router and try again. If you still cannot log in, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct address and default login. You can also reset the router to factory settings using the small reset button on the back, though this erases your Wi-Fi settings.