How to Change Your Internet Protocol Settings in Windows 10

What Internet Protocol means and why you might change it

Your computer uses an Internet Protocol (IP) address to communicate on a network — it's like a mailing address for your device. Windows 10 assigns this address in one of two ways: automatically from your router (called DHCP), or manually by you (called a static IP). Most home users never need to change this. You might want to if your router isn't assigning addresses properly, if you're troubleshooting a network problem, or if you're setting up a device that needs a fixed address so other devices can always find it.

There are two separate settings you can change: the IP address itself, and the DNS servers your computer uses to translate web addresses into numbers. Both live in the same Windows menu, but they do different jobs. This guide covers both.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 stores IP settings in Settings > Network & Internet > Change Adapter Options, then right-click your connection and choose Properties.
To use a static IP instead of automatic assignment, select Internet Protocol Version 4, click Properties, and enter your IP address, subnet mask, and gateway manually.
To change DNS servers without changing your IP address, enter the DNS server addresses in the same Properties window without touching the IP fields.
Most home networks work fine with automatic settings; change them only if you have a specific reason or if someone has told you to troubleshoot this way.
If you make a mistake and lose network access, you can undo it by switching back to "Obtain an IP address automatically" in the same menu.

Finding the IP settings menu in Windows 10

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings icon. Go to Network & Internet, then select Change Adapter Options on the left side. You'll see a list of your network connections — usually one called "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wi-Fi" if you're wireless.

Right-click the connection you want to change and select Properties. A window will open showing a list of protocols and services. Look for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) — this is the standard protocol most networks use. Click it once to highlight it, then click the Properties button below the list.

Switching from automatic to a static IP address

The Properties window for IPv4 has two radio buttons at the top. The first, Obtain an IP address automatically, is usually selected — this means your router assigns your address each time you connect. To use a static IP instead, click the second button: Use the following IP address.

Three fields will become active. In the first, enter the IP address you want — for a home network, this is usually something like 192.168.1.100 (the exact range depends on your router; check your router's manual or settings to see what range it uses). In the Subnet Mask field, enter 255.255.255.0 unless your network uses something different. In the Default Gateway field, enter your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Do not use an IP address that ends in .1 (that's usually your router), .0 (that's the network itself), or .255 (that's the broadcast address). Pick something in the middle of the range, like .100 or .150. If you're unsure about any of these numbers, ask the person who set up your network or check your router's documentation before proceeding.

Changing DNS servers without changing your IP address

DNS servers translate web addresses like "google.com" into the numbers your computer actually uses. By default, Windows uses the DNS servers your router tells it to use. You can override this without touching your IP address settings.

In the same IPv4 Properties window, scroll down to the DNS section. You'll see two radio buttons: Obtain DNS server address automatically and Use the following DNS server addresses. Click the second one. Two fields will appear — one for a preferred DNS server and one for an alternate.

Common public DNS servers include Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Enter one in the first field and one in the second, then click OK. Your computer will now use those servers instead of your router's default ones. This change takes effect when ready; you don't need to restart.

Returning to automatic settings if something goes wrong

If you change your IP address and lose network access, or if you're not sure what you changed, you can undo it quickly. Go back to the same IPv4 Properties window and click Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click OK. Your computer will reconnect to the network using your router's default settings.

If you can't reach the Settings menu because you have no network access at all, restart your computer — Windows will often revert to automatic settings on startup if it detects a problem. If that doesn't work, you can also reset network settings entirely by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Reset This PC, though this is a more drastic step and will affect all your network connections.

When to call a professional or your internet provider

If you're changing these settings because your internet isn't working, stop and contact your internet provider first. They can tell you whether your router is assigning addresses correctly and whether your DNS settings are the problem. Changing IP settings yourself when the real issue is upstream (at your provider's equipment) won't fix anything.

If you're setting up a network device that needs a static IP — like a printer or security camera — check that device's manual first. Many devices have their own built-in way to set a static address, and doing it there instead of in Windows is often simpler. If you're not sure whether you should be changing these settings at all, ask the person who manages your network before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 is the older standard and uses addresses like 192.168.1.100. IPv6 is newer and uses longer addresses like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Most home networks still use IPv4. If you see both in your Properties window, you usually only need to change IPv4 unless your network specifically requires IPv6.

Will changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

No. Your IP address is just a label your router uses to send data to your device. Changing it doesn't change how fast data travels. If your internet is slow, the problem is elsewhere — your router, your provider, or your device's wireless signal.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing these settings?

Not usually. DNS changes take effect when ready. IP address changes usually take effect right away too, though some programs may need a restart to reconnect properly. If something doesn't work after you change settings, restarting is a safe first step.

What if I don't know my router's IP address?

Open Command Prompt (press Windows key, type "cmd", and click Command Prompt). Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "Default Gateway" — that's your router's IP address. Write it down before you go back to the IPv4 Properties window.

Can I change my IP address on my phone or tablet?

Yes, but the menu is different. On Android, go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, long-press your network, and look for an option to edit or modify the network. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to your network, and scroll to IPv4 Settings. The fields are the same as Windows, just in a different layout.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.