Find Your IP Address Using the Command Prompt

The fastest way to find your IP address is to open Command Prompt and type one command. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You will see a list of network information. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address — the number next to it (something like 192.168.1.5) is your IP address. This is your local IP address, the one your computer uses on your home or office network.

If you need your public IP address instead — the one the internet sees when you browse — that command will not show it. Public IP addresses come from your internet service provider and change periodically. You can find your public IP by opening any web browser and searching "what is my IP address" or visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Command Prompt when you type ipconfig and look for the IPv4 Address line.
  • Your public IP address (what websites see) is different from your local IP address and requires a web search or website visit to find.
  • Windows Settings also shows your local IP address under Network settings if you prefer not to use Command Prompt.
  • Your IP address can change if your router restarts or your device reconnects to the network.

Find Your IP Address in Windows Settings

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, Windows Settings shows your IP address in a few clicks. Press the Windows key, type Settings, and open the Settings app.

Click Network & internet on the left side. Then click Wi-Fi if you are connected by Wi-Fi, or Ethernet if you are plugged in with a cable. Click the name of your network connection (it will say something like "Ethernet" or your Wi-Fi network name).

Scroll down to the IP settings section. Your IPv4 address is listed there. This is the same number you would see in Command Prompt, just displayed in a different place.

Understand the Difference Between Local and Public IP Addresses

Your computer actually has two IP addresses, and they do different jobs. Your local IP address is used only on your home or office network — it lets your router, printer, and other devices find each other. This is the number you see in Command Prompt or Settings. Local IP addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. It changes periodically (sometimes daily, sometimes monthly, depending on your provider). You cannot find your public IP in Windows settings because it lives on your router, not on your computer. The only way to see it is to search the web or visit an IP-checking website.

Most people need their local IP address when they are troubleshooting network problems, setting up a printer, or connecting devices at home. You need your public IP address only if you are setting up remote access or running a server.

What to Do If ipconfig Does Not Show Your IP Address

If you type ipconfig and see "Media disconnected" or no IPv4 address listed, your computer is not connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or your ethernet cable is plugged in firmly.

If you are connected but still do not see an IPv4 address, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to restart. Then open Command Prompt again and type ipconfig. Your IP address should appear this time.

If the problem continues, your network may not be assigning IP addresses correctly. This is rare on home networks but can happen if your router settings have been changed. Restarting your computer often fixes this issue.

Find the IP Address of Other Devices on Your Network

You can also see the IP addresses of other devices connected to your network. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all to see more detailed information, including your router's IP address (listed as "Default Gateway").

To find the IP address of a specific device like a printer or another computer, you can type arp -a in Command Prompt. This shows all devices currently connected to your network and their IP addresses. Look for the device name or MAC address if you recognize it.

Most home routers also have a web interface where you can see all connected devices. Open a web browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and log in. You will see a list of every device on your network and its IP address.

Why You Might Need Your IP Address

Knowing your IP address is useful for several reasons. If you are setting up a printer or network storage device, you may need to type your computer's IP address into the device's settings. If you are troubleshooting a slow network, your IT support person might ask for your IP address to diagnose the problem.

Some people also need their IP address to set up remote access, allowing them to connect to their computer from another location. Others use it to run a home server or to block certain devices from accessing the network.

For most everyday computer use, you will not need your IP address. But knowing where to find it takes only a few seconds, and it saves time if a problem comes up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can change if your computer disconnects and reconnects. You can force a new one by unplugging your router for 30 seconds. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and changes on its own schedule — you cannot change it directly, but restarting your router sometimes triggers a new one.

Is my IP address private or can anyone see it?

Your local IP address is private and visible only to devices on your home network. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, but it does not reveal your home address or personal information — it only shows your general location and internet service provider.

Why does my IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns local IP addresses dynamically, meaning they can change when your computer restarts or reconnects to the network. This is normal. Your public IP address changes on a schedule set by your internet service provider, usually every few days to a few months.

What if I see multiple IP addresses in ipconfig?

If you have multiple network adapters (Wi-Fi, ethernet, virtual networks), you will see multiple IP addresses. Use the one that matches how you are currently connected — if you are on Wi-Fi, use the IPv4 address under the Wi-Fi adapter section.