Finding Your IP Address Through Settings

The fastest way to find your IP address on Windows is through the Settings app. Open Settings, select Network & Internet, then click Wi-Fi (if you're connected wirelessly) or Ethernet (if you're plugged in with a cable). Under the name of your network, you'll see a line that says IPv4 address — that's your IP address, a string of four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.105.

If you're using Ethernet, the process is identical: go to Settings, Network & Internet, then Ethernet, and your IPv4 address appears in the same spot. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IPv4 address appears in Settings under Network & Internet, in the Wi-Fi or Ethernet section, labeled as "IPv4 address."
  • The Command Prompt method using ipconfig shows your IP address when ready and works on any Windows version.
  • Your local IP address (starting with 192.168 or 10.) is different from your public IP address, which your internet provider assigns.
  • You can find your public IP address by visiting a website like whatismyipaddress.com in any web browser.

Using Command Prompt to Check Your IP

Command Prompt is a text-based tool that gives you your IP address in seconds. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type cmd, and press Enter. A black window will open.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. You'll see a list of information. Look for the line that says IPv4 Address — this is your local IP address. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10. and is followed by three more sets of numbers. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for later.

This same command works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, making it the most reliable method across older and newer machines.

Understanding Local vs. Public IP Addresses

The IP address you find in Settings or Command Prompt is your local IP address — it's assigned by your home router and only works on your home network. It's the address other devices on your Wi-Fi use to talk to your computer.

Your public IP address is different. It's assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. To find your public IP, open any web browser and go to whatismyipaddress.com or myip.com. The page will display your public IP when ready — no login or read needed.

Most people need their local IP address when connecting to a printer, setting up a home server, or troubleshooting network problems. You need your public IP only if you're doing advanced networking or if a website asks for it.

Finding Your IP Address on the Network Status Page

Another built-in method uses the Network Status window. Right-click the network icon in your system tray (bottom right corner of your screen) and select Open Network & Internet settings. This takes you directly to the Network & Internet page in Settings, where you can see your IPv4 address under your active connection.

This route is slightly longer than the Settings shortcut but works if you prefer using the system tray icon. The information displayed is identical — your local IPv4 address in the same format.

What to Do If Your IP Address Keeps Changing

Your local IP address can change if your router restarts or if your computer reconnects to the network. If you need the same IP address every time (for example, to access a home server or network printer), you can set a static IP address in your router's settings.

To do this, log into your router's admin panel — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser. Look for a section called DHCP, Reserved IPs, or Static IP Assignment, and follow your router's instructions to assign a fixed address to your computer. The exact steps vary by router brand, so check your router's manual if you get stuck.

Your public IP address, assigned by your internet provider, changes less often — usually only when your modem restarts or after weeks of being offline. You cannot change it yourself without contacting your provider.

Common Reasons You Might Need Your IP Address

You may need your local IP address to connect a printer to your network, access a security camera system, set up a home media server, or troubleshoot why a device isn't connecting. Tech support may also ask for it when helping you solve network problems.

Your public IP address is useful if you're setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home, reporting abuse to a website, or checking your location online. Most of the time, you won't need either one — they're only necessary for specific technical tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same on Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

No. If you connect to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time, your computer gets a separate local IP address for each connection. Most people use only one at a time, so this isn't usually an issue. Check Settings under each connection type to see both addresses if you're connected to both.

Can someone use my IP address to hack me?

Your local IP address is only visible to devices on your home network, so it's not a security risk. Your public IP address is visible to websites you visit, but it alone doesn't let someone access your computer — your firewall and router protect you. Avoid sharing your public IP with strangers online.

Why does my IP address start with 192.168?

That's a private IP range reserved for home and office networks. Your router automatically assigns addresses in this range to devices on your network. It's normal and expected — every home router does this.

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

Make sure you're looking at the correct connection type — Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how you're connected. If you see "Not connected" or no IPv4 address listed, your computer isn't connected to the network. Reconnect to your Wi-Fi or plug in your Ethernet cable, wait a few seconds, and check again.