How to Change Your IP Address in Windows 10

The Two Ways to Change Your IP Address

You can change your IP address in Windows 10 in two ways: by asking your router for a new one (the easiest method), or by manually setting a static IP address on your computer (more control, but requires more steps). Most home users should start with the first method—it takes about two minutes and works for nearly every situation.

Your IP address is the number that identifies your computer on your network. Windows 10 normally gets this number automatically from your router when you connect. If you want a different one, you can either restart that automatic process or type in a new number yourself.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to change your IP is to release your current address and request a new one from your router—this takes about two minutes and requires no technical knowledge.
You can manually set a static IP address through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi (or Ethernet) > Change Adapter Options if you need a specific address that stays the same.
Restarting your router will also assign you a new IP address, though it takes longer and affects all devices on your network.
If you are trying to hide your location or access blocked content, changing your local IP address will not help—you need a VPN instead.

Release and Renew Your IP Address (Fastest Method)

This method tells your router to forget your current IP address and give you a new one. It works whether you are connected by WiFi or ethernet cable.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click "Command Prompt", and select "Run as Administrator". Click "Yes" when Windows asks for permission.

Step 2: Type the release command. In the black window, type this exactly and press Enter: ipconfig /release

Step 3: Type the renew command. Type this and press Enter: ipconfig /renew

Windows will display your new IP address on the screen. You can close Command Prompt. Your computer now has a different IP address, and the change takes effect when ready. Most routers assign a new address within seconds.

Set a Static IP Address Through Settings

Use this method if you need your computer to keep the same IP address every time it connects, or if you want to assign a specific number. This is common for home servers, printers, or devices you access from other computers.

Step 1: Open Network Settings. Press the Windows key, type "Settings", and open it. Click "Network & Internet".

Step 2: Find your connection type. On the left side, click either "WiFi" or "Ethernet" depending on how your computer connects. If you use WiFi, click your network name under "Known Networks". If you use Ethernet, skip to Step 3.

Step 3: Open Advanced Options. Scroll down and click "Advanced Options" (for WiFi) or go directly to "Change Adapter Options" (for Ethernet). For Ethernet, you will see this option on the main Network & Internet page on the right side.

Step 4: Access IP Settings. In the window that opens, find your connection, right-click it, and select "Properties". In the list, click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and then click "Properties".

Step 5: Enter your static IP. Select "Use the following IP address" and type in the fields. You need four pieces of information: the IP address itself, the subnet mask, the default gateway, and the DNS servers. Your router manual or the Settings app will show you what these should be. Most home routers use 192.168.1.x for the IP address (where x is a number between 2 and 254), 255.255.255.0 for the subnet mask, and your router's own IP (usually 192.168.1.1) for the gateway.

Step 6: Save and restart. Click "OK" twice to close both windows. Restart your computer or disconnect and reconnect to your network. Your new static IP is now active.

Restart Your Router to Get a New IP

If you do not want to use Command Prompt, you can unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This forces your router to reassign IP addresses to all connected devices. Your computer will receive a new IP address when it reconnects.

This method is slower than the release/renew command and affects every device on your network, so it is best used only if the command method does not work. Wait about two minutes after restarting the router before checking your new IP address.

Find Your Current IP Address

Before or after changing your IP, you may want to see what address you have. Open Command Prompt (press Windows key, type "cmd", press Enter) and type ipconfig, then press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address"—that is your current IP number.

You can also find it in Settings: go to Network & Internet, click your connection type, scroll down, and look for "IPv4 Address" under "Properties".

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

The most common mistake is typing the wrong static IP address. If you set an IP that conflicts with another device on your network, your computer may lose internet access. If this happens, go back to "Obtain an IP address automatically" in the TCP/IPv4 Properties window and click "OK". Your computer will return to automatic assignment within seconds.

Another mistake is forgetting to write down your old settings before changing them. If you are setting a static IP, take a screenshot of your current TCP/IPv4 Properties window first so you can restore it if needed.

If the release/renew command does not work, make sure you opened Command Prompt as Administrator. Right-click the Command Prompt icon and select "Run as Administrator"—this is required for the command to work.

When You Actually Need a VPN Instead

Changing your local IP address (the one on your home network) does not hide your location from websites or change what content you can access. If you are trying to appear to be in a different country, bypass a network restriction, or hide your activity from your internet provider, you need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) instead. A VPN is a separate service that routes your traffic through a different server. Changing your Windows IP address will not do this.

Similarly, if a website or service has blocked you, changing your IP address might temporarily get around the block, but it is not a permanent solution and may violate the service's terms of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address disconnect me from the internet?

No. Using the release/renew command or restarting your router will not disconnect you—your computer will get a new address and stay connected. If you manually set a static IP with the wrong settings, you may lose internet access, but you can fix it by switching back to automatic assignment.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my IP?

Not for the release/renew method—the new IP takes effect when ready. If you set a static IP through Settings, restart your computer or disconnect and reconnect to your network to make sure the change takes effect.

What is the difference between a static IP and a dynamic IP?

A dynamic IP is assigned by your router and can change each time you reconnect. A static IP is one you set manually and stays the same. Use dynamic for regular browsing; use static if you need other devices to always find your computer at the same address.

Can I change my IP address to any number I want?

Not any number. Your IP must be in the range your router uses (usually 192.168.1.x to 192.168.1.254 for home networks) and cannot be the same as another device on your network. Check your router manual to see what range is safe to use.

Will changing my IP address make websites load faster?

No. Your IP address does not affect your internet speed. If websites are loading slowly, the problem is your connection speed, not your IP address.

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.