Find your IP address using the Command Prompt

The fastest way to see your IP address on Windows is to open Command Prompt and type a single 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 adapters. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address — the number next to it is your IP address. It usually looks like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.50. This is the address your PC uses on your local network.

If you need your public IP address instead — the one your internet service provider assigns to your whole home network — scroll down in the same window or use a different method described below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Command Prompt when you type ipconfig and look for the IPv4 Address line.
  • Windows Settings shows the same local IP address under Network & Internet, and works if you prefer not to use Command Prompt.
  • Your public IP address (assigned by your internet provider) is different from your local one and shows on websites like whatismyipaddress.com.
  • The IPv4 address is what you need to share with others on your home network or to set up port forwarding on your router.

Check your IP address in Windows Settings

If you do not want to use Command Prompt, Windows Settings shows your IP address in a graphical menu. Press the Windows key, type Settings, and press Enter.

Click Network & Internet on the left side. Then click Wi-Fi if you are connected wirelessly, or Ethernet if you are plugged in with a cable. Click the name of your network connection — it will show as "Connected".

Scroll down to the section labeled IP settings. Your IPv4 address appears there. This is the same number you would see in Command Prompt.

Find your public IP address online

Your local IP address (192.168.x.x or 10.0.0.x) is only visible to devices on your home network. Your public IP address is what websites see when you visit them, and it is assigned by your internet service provider to your router.

To find your public IP, open any web browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com or myip.com. The page will display your public IP address when ready. You do not need to enter any information — the website reads it from your connection.

Your public IP address changes periodically, usually when your router restarts or after a set number of days. Your local IP address on your PC usually stays the same unless you manually change it or your router reassigns it.

Understand the difference between local and public IP addresses

A local IP address is used only within your home network. It lets your PC talk to your router, printer, and other devices in your house. These addresses always start with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. They are not routable on the internet — a website cannot send data to 192.168.1.100 because that address only means something inside your home.

A public IP address is assigned to your router by your internet service provider. It is the address the rest of the internet uses to find your home network. When you visit a website, that site logs your public IP, not your local one. Your public IP is unique across the entire internet (though it may be shared with other customers if your ISP uses carrier-grade NAT).

Most people need their local IP address when setting up devices at home — for example, to connect a printer or to log into their router. You need your public IP only if you are troubleshooting internet connectivity or if a service asks for it.

Use the Network panel to see all your network details

Windows also shows IP information in the Network panel. Right-click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar (the Wi-Fi or Ethernet symbol) and click Open Network & Internet settings.

From there, click Advanced network options at the bottom of the page. You will see a list of all your network connections. Click the one you are using (usually labeled Wi-Fi or Ethernet with "Connected" next to it). Scroll down to IP settings to see your IPv4 address, subnet mask, and gateway address.

This method shows the same information as Command Prompt and Settings, but some people find the network panel easier to navigate.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If Command Prompt shows no IPv4 address, or if the address field is blank, your PC is not connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or that your ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish, then run ipconfig again.

If you see an address that starts with 169.254, your PC is not receiving an address from your router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your PC as well. After both devices have restarted, run ipconfig again.

If you still see no valid address, restart your router and PC one more time. If the problem continues, your network adapter may need a driver update or your router may need to be reset to factory settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses use four numbers separated by dots, like 192.168.1.100. IPv6 addresses use hexadecimal characters and colons, like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334. IPv6 is the newer standard and provides many more possible addresses, but most home networks still use IPv4. Both appear in the ipconfig output.

Can I change my IP address?

You can change your local IP address by logging into your router and assigning a static IP to your PC, or by changing the settings on your PC itself. Your public IP address is controlled by your internet service provider and cannot be changed directly, though it will change on its own over time. Most people do not need to change either one.

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a network address that changes and is used for routing data. Your MAC address is a hardware address that stays the same and is used only on your local network. Both appear in the ipconfig output — MAC address is labeled as "Physical Address".

Why do I need to know my IP address?

You need your local IP address to set up devices on your home network, to log into your router, or to troubleshoot network problems. You need your public IP address only rarely — usually when a service asks for it or when troubleshooting internet connectivity with your provider.

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address is generally safe — websites already know it when you visit them. Sharing your local IP address is safe within your home network. Do not share either address with strangers online, as it can be used to target you with attacks, though the risk is low for most home users.