The quickest way to find your PC's IP address

Your PC has two IP addresses: a local IP address that identifies it on your home or office network, and a public IP address that identifies your entire network to the internet. The local address is what you need most often — to connect a printer, stream to a device, or troubleshoot network problems. You can find it in under a minute using the Command Prompt.

Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under your active network connection — that is your local IP address, usually starting with 192.168 or 10.0. If you need your public IP address instead, search "what is my IP" in any browser and the result appears at the top of the page.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Command Prompt when you type ipconfig and look for the IPv4 Address line.
  • The local address usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and identifies your PC only on your home or office network.
  • Your public IP address is what websites see and can be found by searching "what is my IP" in any browser.
  • Settings and Network Status also show your local IP address if you prefer not to use Command Prompt.

Finding your IP address through Windows Settings

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, Windows Settings shows your local IP address in a few clicks. Press the Windows key and type Settings, then open the Settings app. Click Network & Internet on the left side.

Click Wi-Fi if you are connected wirelessly, or Ethernet if you are plugged in with a cable. Then click the name of your network connection — it appears as a blue link. Scroll down to find IPv4 address in the list. That is your local IP address. This method takes longer than Command Prompt but shows the same information in a more visual layout.

Using Network Status to view your IP address

Another built-in route is the Network Status window. Press the Windows key and type Network Status, then open the app. Click Advanced network options at the bottom of the window.

Scroll down to the section labeled with your connection type — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Click on your active connection name. The IPv4 address appears on the next screen. This method is slower than Command Prompt but faster than navigating Settings, and it groups all network information in one place.

What to do if ipconfig shows multiple IP addresses

If you run ipconfig and see several network adapters listed, look for the one labeled Ethernet adapter or Wireless LAN adapter that is actually connected. Adapters that are disconnected will show "Media State: Media disconnected" — skip those. The IPv4 address under your active connection is the one you need.

Virtual network adapters (used by virtual machines or VPN software) also appear in the list. If you are not running a virtual machine or VPN, ignore those entries. The address you want is under the adapter that matches how you are actually connected to your network — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and only works on your home or office network. It identifies your PC to your printer, smart TV, security camera, and other devices on the same network. This address never changes unless you manually set it or your router reassigns it after a restart.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. It changes periodically (usually every few months) and identifies your entire home network, not just your PC. If you need to access your PC remotely from outside your network, you use the public IP address plus port forwarding on your router — but that is a separate process.

When you need your IP address and what to do with it

You need your local IP address when you are setting up a network printer, connecting a smart home device, accessing your PC from another device on the same network, or troubleshooting network problems. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it handy. If your router restarts, the address may change, so do not rely on it being permanent.

You need your public IP address if you are reporting a problem to your internet service provider, checking if your IP is blocked by a website, or setting up remote access to your PC. Unlike your local address, your public address changes without warning, so do not write it down expecting it to stay the same. Check it fresh each time you need it by searching "what is my IP" in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my IP address start with 192.168 instead of 10.0?

Both are valid private IP ranges used on home and office networks. Your router chooses which range to use, and both work the same way. The specific number does not matter as long as it stays consistent on your network.

Will my local IP address change if I restart my PC?

Usually not, but it may change if your router restarts or if you go offline for a long time. If you need a permanent local address for a printer or device, you can set a static IP address in your router settings, but that requires logging into your router.

Is it safe to share my public IP address?

Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, so it is not secret. However, do not post it publicly or share it with people you do not trust, because someone with your public IP and knowledge of an open port on your router could attempt to access your network.

What if ipconfig does not show an IPv4 address?

If you see "Media State: Media disconnected" or no IPv4 address listed, your PC is not connected to the network. Check that your Ethernet cable is plugged in or that you are connected to Wi-Fi. Restart your network adapter by going to Settings > Network & Internet and toggling your connection off and on.