Where to find your IP address on your PC

Your IP address is a set of numbers that identifies your computer on your network and the internet — something like 192.168.1.5 for your home network or a different number when you connect elsewhere. Windows stores this information in a few places, and the fastest way to see it depends on whether you want your local network address (the one your router assigns) or your public internet address (the one websites see).

The quickest method is to open the Command Prompt and type a single command. If you prefer a visual interface, you can find it in your network settings. Both take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address (usually starting with 192.168 or 10.) appears in Settings under Network & Internet, or by typing ipconfig in Command Prompt.
  • Your public IP address (the one the internet sees) is different from your local one and appears on websites like whatismyipaddress.com or in your router's admin panel.
  • Command Prompt is the fastest method: press Windows key + R, type cmd, then type ipconfig and press Enter.
  • If you need your IP address for troubleshooting, gaming, or remote access, knowing which type you need (local or public) saves time.

Finding your local IP address in Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to 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 (for Wi-Fi) or the word "Ethernet" (for wired). Scroll down to the IP settings section. Your local IP address appears next to IPv4 address. This is the address your router assigned to your computer.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps are the same on both versions.

Using Command Prompt to see your IP address

Press the Windows key and the letter R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type cmd and press Enter. The Command Prompt window opens.

Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information appears. Look for the section labeled with your network name or "Ethernet adapter" if you are wired. Your local IP address is next to IPv4 Address. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.

If you want more detail, type ipconfig /all instead. This shows your MAC address (your computer's hardware identifier), your DNS servers, and other network details. The Command Prompt method is faster than Settings if you need this information often.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is what websites and internet services see when you connect to them. It is different from your local IP address. Your router assigns the local one; your internet service provider assigns the public one.

The easiest way to see your public IP is to open a web browser and visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com or ipchicken.com. These sites display your public IP when ready. You can also search "what is my IP" in any search engine and the answer appears at the top of the results.

If you want to see your public IP without leaving your computer, you can log into your router's admin panel. Open a browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar, and log in with your router's username and password (usually printed on the router itself or in your setup paperwork). The public IP address is listed somewhere in the status or dashboard section, though the exact location varies by router brand.

Understanding the difference between local and public IP addresses

Your local IP address is used only inside your home or office network. It lets your computer talk to your printer, your phone, your router, and other devices on the same Wi-Fi or wired network. These addresses always start with 192.168, 10, or 172.16 and are never used on the open internet.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is visible to every website you visit, every online game you play, and every service you connect to remotely. It is the address that identifies your household or office to the outside world. When you restart your modem, your public IP may change; your local IP usually stays the same until you manually change it or your router restarts.

Most people need their local IP address for home troubleshooting, setting up devices, or accessing a computer remotely from inside the house. You need your public IP if you are setting up remote access from outside your home, troubleshooting internet issues with your service provider, or checking whether a website has blocked your address.

When you might need your IP address

You may need to know your local IP address if you are setting up a printer on your network, accessing your computer from another device on the same Wi-Fi, troubleshooting a connection problem, or assigning a static IP so a device always has the same address. Knowing your local IP also helps if you need to log into your router to change Wi-Fi settings or check which devices are connected.

You may need your public IP if you are setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home, troubleshooting an internet problem with your service provider, or checking whether your address has been blocked by a website or online service. Some online games and applications also ask for your public IP during setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I turn on my computer?

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless your router restarts or you manually change it. Your public IP address can change when you restart your modem or after a few days of being offline, depending on your internet service provider. If you need an address that never changes, you can set a static IP in your router settings or contact your service provider about a static public IP.

Can I change my IP address?

You can change your local IP address through your router settings, though most people do not need to. You cannot directly change your public IP, but you can restart your modem to request a new one from your service provider — it may or may not be different. Some service providers offer static public IP addresses for a monthly fee if you need one that does not change.

Why do I have multiple IP addresses listed in ipconfig?

If you see several addresses, you likely have multiple network adapters — for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, or a virtual network adapter. Each one gets its own local IP address. Use the one that matches the network you are actually connected to (the one with an IPv4 address that is not 169.254, which means it failed to connect).

Is it safe to share my IP address?

Sharing your public IP address is generally safe — websites already see it every time you visit. Sharing your local IP address is safe within your home network. However, do not share either address with strangers online, as someone could use it to attempt unauthorized access or target your network with attacks.