Where to find your IP address in Windows
Your IP address is displayed in the Network settings panel, the Command Prompt, or the Settings app — all built into Windows. The fastest route is the Settings app, which shows your address in about three clicks. If Settings doesn't work or you need more detail, Command Prompt gives you the information in one line of text.
Windows stores your IP address in the same place whether you're connected by ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. The address itself doesn't change unless you restart your router or your internet provider assigns you a new one, which is rare for home users.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type, and scroll down to see your IP address listed under "IP address".
- In Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter to see all your network details, including IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
- Your IP address shown in Settings is your local address on your home network, not the address the internet sees when you browse.
- If you see an address starting with 169, your device is not connected to the network properly and needs troubleshooting.
Using Settings to find your IP address
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Network & Internet in the left sidebar.
On the right side, you'll see your connection type — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how you're connected. Click whichever one you're using. Scroll down on the next screen and look for the section labeled IP settings. Your IPv4 address appears there as a series of four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.105.
This is the fastest method if you just need the number quickly. Settings shows only the essential information and hides the technical details you don't need.
Using Command Prompt for detailed network information
Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing "cmd", and pressing Enter. Type the word ipconfig and press Enter.
You'll see a list of all your network connections. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — Ethernet adapter if you're plugged in, or Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi if you're on Wi-Fi. Under that section, the line labeled IPv4 Address shows your local IP address.
Command Prompt also shows your subnet mask, default gateway, and other technical details. You don't need these for most tasks, but they're useful if you're troubleshooting network problems or setting up devices on your home network.
Understanding what the numbers mean
An IP address is four numbers from 0 to 255, separated by periods. Most home networks use addresses starting with 192.168 or 10.0. These are private IP addresses — they only work on your home network, not on the internet.
The last one or two numbers usually change between devices. Your phone might be 192.168.1.100, your computer 192.168.1.105, and your printer 192.168.1.110. Your router assigns these numbers automatically when devices connect.
If you see an address starting with 169.254, your device is not properly connected to the network. Restart your device or reconnect to Wi-Fi. If you see 127.0.0.1, that's your computer talking to itself — it means your network connection is not working.
What to do if you can't find your IP address
If Settings shows no IP address or displays "Not connected", your device is not on the network. Check that your ethernet cable is plugged in, or that you're connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Then wait 10 to 15 seconds for Windows to assign an address.
If you're on Wi-Fi and the network name appears in your list but you're still not getting an address, forget the network and reconnect. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar, select Network and Internet settings, click Manage known networks, find your network, and click Forget. Then reconnect by clicking the Wi-Fi icon again and selecting your network name.
If Command Prompt shows an address starting with 169.254, your router is not assigning addresses properly. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then check your IP address again.
The difference between local and public IP addresses
The address you see in Settings is your local IP address — it only works on your home network. Websites and online services see a different address, your public IP address, which your internet provider assigns to your router.
You don't need your public address for most tasks. It's useful only if you're setting up remote access to your computer or troubleshooting with your internet provider. Your local address is what you need when connecting devices on your home network, like a printer or smart home device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to know my IP address?
You need it to connect devices on your home network, like printers or security cameras. You also need it if you're troubleshooting network problems or setting up port forwarding on your router. Most of the time you don't need it at all.
Does my IP address change?
Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your device hasn't connected in a long time. Your internet provider can change your public IP address, but this is rare for home users and usually only happens if you restart your modem.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Your local IP address is safe to share — it only works on your home network. Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, so it's not secret, but sharing it with someone doesn't give them access to your computer or files.
What if I see two different IP addresses?
You might see both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. IPv4 is the older standard and looks like 192.168.1.105. IPv6 is newer and looks like a long string of letters and numbers. Both are normal — your device uses whichever one the network supports.
Can I change my IP address?
You can ask your router to assign you a different local IP address by releasing and renewing your connection, but most people don't need to. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew to request a new address from your router.