Your IP address is in Settings or Command Prompt, depending on which method you prefer

Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on your network and the internet — it looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.5 (for your local network) or something like 203.0.113.42 (for the internet). Windows stores this information in a few places, and the fastest route depends on whether you want your local network address or your public internet address.

Most people need their local IP address when they're troubleshooting a printer, router, or another device on the same network. If you need to know what address the outside world sees when you connect to the internet, that's your public IP address, and it comes from your internet service provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Settings under Network & Internet, or you can type ipconfig in Command Prompt to see it when ready.
  • The address labeled "IPv4 Address" in either location is the one most devices on your home network use to find your computer.
  • Your public IP address (what the internet sees) is different from your local one and requires a different method to find.
  • Command Prompt is faster if you're comfortable opening it, but Settings is easier if you prefer clicking through menus.

Finding your local IP address in Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app when it appears. Select Network & Internet from the left menu.

On the right side, click Wi-Fi if you're connected wirelessly, or Ethernet if you're plugged in with a cable. Then click the name of your network (the Wi-Fi network you're connected to, or "Ethernet" for a wired connection). Scroll down until you see IPv4 address — that's your local IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for a device or troubleshooting step.

Finding your local IP address in Command Prompt

Press the Windows key and type "Command Prompt," then click the app. Type ipconfig and press Enter. A list of information appears on the screen.

Look for the section labeled with your connection type — either "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet adapter Ethernet." Under that section, find the line that says IPv4 Address. The number next to it is your local IP address. This method is faster than Settings once you're used to it, and it shows all your network adapters at once if your computer has more than one.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is what websites see when you visit them. It's different from your local IP address. To find it, open any web browser and search for "what is my IP address" or "my IP." The first result will show your public IP address prominently.

Alternatively, you can visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io, which display your public IP address as soon as the page loads. You don't need to type anything or click anything — the address appears automatically because the website can see it from your connection.

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

You'll need your local IP address most often when you're setting up a printer on your network, logging into your router to change Wi-Fi settings, or troubleshooting why a device can't find your computer. Write it down or take a photo so you have it handy — it usually stays the same unless your router restarts or you change your network settings.

Your public IP address changes less often but can shift if your internet service provider reassigns it or if your modem restarts. You might need it if you're setting up remote access to your computer from outside your home, or if a website or service asks for it for security reasons. Most of the time, you won't need either address — they're mainly useful for specific troubleshooting or setup tasks.

Troubleshooting if the address doesn't appear

If you open Settings and don't see an IPv4 address, your computer isn't connected to the network. Check that Wi-Fi is turned on or that your ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds and refresh the page — it sometimes takes a moment for Windows to detect the connection.

If Command Prompt shows "Media disconnected" under your adapter, the same issue applies: your computer isn't connected. Restart your router, wait 30 seconds, and try again. If you're still not seeing an address after reconnecting, restart your computer. If the problem continues, your network adapter may need a driver update or replacement — that's the point to contact your internet service provider or a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same as my MAC address?

No. Your IP address is a number that changes when you connect to different networks. Your MAC address is a permanent identifier built into your network card that stays the same. You need the IP address to connect to the internet; the MAC address is mainly used by your router to recognize your device on the local network.

Will finding my IP address change anything on my computer?

No. Looking at your IP address doesn't change any settings or affect how your computer works. You're only reading information that's already there.

Why do I have two different IP addresses?

Your local IP address is what devices on your home network use to find your computer. Your public IP address is what the internet sees. They're both real and both necessary — your router translates between them so your computer can talk to both your local devices and the wider internet.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address can be changed through your router settings, but most people don't need to. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and you can't change it directly — restarting your modem may assign you a new one, but you can't choose which one.

What if I need my IP address but I'm not at my computer?

You can log into your router from any device on your network — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser. Your router's manual or the sticker on the back will show the address. From there you can see all connected devices and their IP addresses.