What changing your IP address means and when you might do it

Your IP address is a number that identifies your computer on your network — it's how your router knows where to send data back to you. On Windows 10, you can change this number in two ways: you can ask your router to assign you a different one (called renewing your DHCP lease), or you can manually set a static IP address that stays the same every time you restart.

Most home users never need to change their IP. Your router handles this automatically. But if you're setting up a printer or security camera that needs a fixed address, or if you're troubleshooting a network conflict, or if you want your computer to always have the same address on your home network, you'll need to do this yourself.

The process is straightforward and takes about five minutes. You don't need to restart Windows, and you won't lose your internet connection during the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Renewing your DHCP lease (asking your router for a new IP) is the fastest method and works when you just want a different address temporarily.
  • Setting a static IP address means manually entering a number that your computer will keep using every time it starts up, which is necessary for devices like printers that need to find your computer at the same address.
  • You access IP settings through Settings > Network & Internet > Change Adapter Options, then right-click your connection and choose Properties.
  • If you set a static IP, you must use an address in the same range as your router (usually 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x) and avoid the addresses your router reserves for itself and other devices.
  • After making changes, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to confirm your new IP address took effect.

Renewing your IP address through your router

The simplest way to get a new IP address is to ask your router to give you one. This is called renewing your DHCP lease. Open Command Prompt (right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or search for "cmd" and run it as administrator).

Type this command and press Enter:

ipconfig /release

Wait a few seconds, then type:

ipconfig /renew

Your router will assign you a new IP address within seconds. You'll see the new address appear in the Command Prompt window. This method works best when you just want a different temporary address — it doesn't stick if you restart your computer, because your router will assign you whatever address it chooses next time.

Setting a static IP address manually

If you need your computer to keep the same IP address every time it starts, you'll set a static IP instead. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. On the left side, click Advanced Network Settings, then scroll down and click Change Adapter Options.

Right-click the network connection you use (usually called "Ethernet" if you're wired, or your Wi-Fi network name if you're wireless) and select Properties.

In the Properties window, find and click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click the Properties button below it. A new window opens with your current settings.

Click the radio button next to Use the following IP address. Now you can type in the fields. You need four pieces of information: an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway, and a DNS server.

Choosing the right static IP address

Your static IP must be in the same range as your router. Most home routers use addresses starting with 192.168.1 or 192.168.0. To find out which one yours uses, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for "Default Gateway" — that's your router's address, and your static IP should start the same way.

For example, if your gateway is 192.168.1.1, you could use 192.168.1.100 or 192.168.1.150 for your computer. Avoid the first few addresses (1 through 20) because your router often reserves those for itself and other devices.

For the subnet mask, use 255.255.255.0 — this is standard for home networks and matches what your router is already using.

For the default gateway, enter your router's address (the one you found in the ipconfig output).

For DNS servers, you can use your router's address again, or use public DNS servers like Google's: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. If you're not sure, stick with your router's address.

Completing the static IP setup

Once you've entered all four pieces of information, click OK to close the TCP/IPv4 Properties window, then click OK again to close the network adapter Properties window. The change takes effect when ready — you don't need to restart.

To confirm it worked, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig again. Find your connection in the list and verify that the IP address now shows the static address you just entered.

Your computer will keep this address every time it starts up, as long as you don't change these settings again. If you ever want to go back to letting your router assign an address automatically, return to the same TCP/IPv4 Properties window and click Obtain an IP address automatically.

Troubleshooting when the change doesn't work

If you set a static IP and when ready lose internet connection, the address you chose is probably already in use by another device. Go back to TCP/IPv4 Properties and try a different number — jump ahead by 10 or 20 (like 192.168.1.120 instead of 192.168.1.100).

If the ipconfig command still shows your old address after you've made changes, you may have made the change to the wrong network adapter. Some computers have multiple adapters listed. Make sure you're editing the one you actually use — if you're on Wi-Fi, it won't be the Ethernet adapter.

If you're on a work or school network, your IT department may have locked down static IP settings. In that case, you won't be able to change your address — contact your IT support to request a static IP if you need one.

When to call for help

If you're setting up a printer or camera and it asks for your computer's IP address, and you've followed these steps but the device still can't find your computer, the issue is usually with the device's network settings, not your Windows IP. Check the device's manual or support page for how to configure it to work on your network.

If you've set a static IP and you can see other computers and devices on your network, but they can't see you, your router may have a firewall rule blocking incoming connections. This is a router setting, not a Windows setting — you'd need to log into your router's admin page to change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

No. Your IP address is just an identifier — it doesn't control how fast data moves. Whether your router assigns it automatically or you set it manually, your speed stays the same.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my IP?

No. The change takes effect when ready. You only need to restart if you want to test whether the static IP sticks after a reboot, but that's optional.

What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.100 (four numbers separated by dots). IPv6 addresses are longer and use letters and numbers. Most home networks still use IPv4. Unless you specifically need IPv6, stick with IPv4 settings.

Can I use any number I want for a static IP?

No. It must be in the same range as your router and not already assigned to another device. Using a number outside your router's range will disconnect you from the network.

What if I forget what static IP I set?

Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig — it will show you. Or go back to TCP/IPv4 Properties and you'll see the address you entered in the IP address field.