Your IP address is shown in Settings or Command Prompt

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your computer on your network and the internet — something like 192.168.1.5 on your home network, or a different number when you connect elsewhere. Windows stores this information in two places you can reach in under a minute: the Settings app (the easiest route) or Command Prompt (the fastest if you know what you're doing).

You have two IP addresses at any moment: a local IP address that identifies your PC within your home or office network, and a public IP address that identifies your whole network to the internet. Most of the time you need the local one — for connecting a printer, sharing files, or troubleshooting a device that won't talk to your PC. You'll need the public one less often, usually only when someone outside your network needs to reach you.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, select Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi or Ethernet to see your local IP address in seconds.
  • Type ipconfig in Command Prompt to see both your local IP address and your gateway address on one screen.
  • Your local IP address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and changes only when you restart your router or move to a different network.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is different from your local one and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • Write down your local IP address if you plan to use it for printer setup, remote access, or network troubleshooting.

Finding your local IP address in Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing settings, then press Enter. Select Network & Internet from the left menu.

If you're connected by Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi in the left menu, then click the name of the network you're currently connected to. Scroll down to the Properties section — your local IP address appears next to "IPv4 address". It will look something like 192.168.1.42.

If you're connected by ethernet cable, click Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, then click the connection name. Scroll to Properties and find "IPv4 address" the same way.

Finding your IP address in Command Prompt

Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

A list of information appears. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — either "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet adapter Ethernet". Under that heading, find the line that says "IPv4 Address". The number next to it is your local IP address. You'll also see "Default Gateway" on the next line — that's your router's address, which you may need for some troubleshooting steps.

Command Prompt shows all your network adapters at once, so if your PC has both Wi-Fi and ethernet, you'll see both. Use the one that matches how you're actually connected right now.

Understanding what your IP address tells you

Your local IP address starts with 192.168 or 10.0 in most home networks. The last number (the part after the final dot) usually ranges from 1 to 254 and is different for each device on your network. Your router is almost always 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1.

This address stays the same as long as your PC stays connected to the same router. If you restart your router or move to a different network (like a coffee shop's Wi-Fi), your PC gets a new local IP address. This is normal and automatic — you don't have to do anything.

Your public IP address — the one the internet sees when you visit a website — is completely different and is assigned by your internet service provider. To see it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP". The first result will show you a number like 203.45.67.89. This is the address websites see, and it's the one you'd give someone if they needed to connect to your PC from outside your home network.

When you need your IP address and why

You need your local IP address when you're setting up a device on your home network — a printer, a security camera, a smart speaker, or a second computer. Many of these devices ask you to enter your PC's IP address so they can find it and communicate with it.

You also need it for remote access. If you want to control your PC from another computer or phone on the same network, that other device needs your PC's local IP address. Some remote access software (like Windows Remote Desktop) can find your PC by name, but typing the IP address directly is faster and more reliable.

You need your public IP address much less often. You'd use it if someone outside your network needs to reach a service running on your PC, or if you're troubleshooting a connection problem with your internet service provider. Most of the time, you don't need it.

What to do if your IP address keeps changing

If you find a different local IP address each time you restart your PC, your router is using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which automatically assigns addresses. This is the default on most home networks and is fine for everyday use.

If you need your PC to have the same local IP address every time — for example, if you're setting up a printer and want to make sure it can always find your PC — you can assign a static IP address. This is done in your router's settings, not in Windows. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 in a browser), find the DHCP or IP address reservation section, and reserve an address for your PC's network adapter. The exact steps vary by router model, so check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support page.

Your public IP address may also change if your internet service provider reassigns it, which can happen weeks or months apart. If you need a public IP address that never changes, contact your internet service provider — they can set up a static public IP, though this usually costs extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address private or can anyone see it?

Your local IP address is private — only devices on your home network can see it. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit and every server you connect to, but it doesn't reveal your name or address. Websites see your public IP, not your local one.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I run ipconfig?

Your PC may have multiple network adapters — Wi-Fi, ethernet, and sometimes virtual adapters for VPN or other software. Each one gets its own IP address. Use the one that matches how you're actually connected right now. If you're on Wi-Fi, ignore the ethernet address.

Can I change my IP address myself?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router automatically. You can reserve a static one in your router's settings so it doesn't change, but you can't pick any number you want — it has to be within your router's range. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and you can't change it without their help.

What if I can't find the IPv4 address in Settings?

Make sure you're looking at the right connection — click the network you're actually connected to, not a different one. If you still don't see it, try Command Prompt instead and look for "IPv4 Address" under your connection type. If neither method shows an address, your PC may not be connected to the network.

Do I need my IP address to use the internet normally?

No. Your PC gets an IP address automatically and uses it behind the scenes. You only need to know your IP address if you're setting up a device, troubleshooting a connection, or sharing access with someone else.