To check your IP address on Windows, open Settings > Network & internet, click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and select your connection’s properties; your address is listed as IPv4 address. Or press Win + R, type cmd, and run ipconfig. That’s your local (private) IP address on your home network. Your public IP address, the one websites see, belongs to your router and is easiest to find with a web search for “what is my IP.”
Quick Answer
Command Prompt > type ipconfig > read the IPv4 Address line. For your public IP, search “what is my IP” in a browser.
Method 1: Use Command Prompt
- Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
- Type ipconfig and press Enter.
- Find your active adapter (Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter) and read the IPv4 Address, such as 192.168.1.42.
Run ipconfig /all for more detail, including the MAC address, DHCP status, and DNS servers.
Method 2: Use Settings
- Windows 11: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > [network] properties (or Ethernet). Scroll to IPv4 address.
- Windows 10: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) > click the network > scroll to Properties.
Method 3: Use Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open the Performance tab, and select Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The IPv4 address appears at the bottom right.
Local vs. Public IP Address
| Type | Looks like | Where to find it | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (private) IPv4 | 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 172.16–31.x.x | ipconfig or Settings | Devices on your home network, printers, file sharing |
| Public IP | Any other number | Search “what is my IP,” or your router’s status page | How websites and online services see you |
| IPv6 | Long address with colons | ipconfig | Newer internet addressing |
You can also change your DNS servers in Windows 11 from the same settings page.
Need the hardware address instead? See how to find your MAC address on Windows 11.
The same command shows your DNS servers. See how to check DNS settings.
Related: how to disable IPv6 in Windows 11.
Related: finding your IP address in Windows 10 Settings.
Troubleshooting
- The address starts with 169.254: Your PC didn’t get an address from the router. Restart the router and see how to enable DHCP.
- Several adapters are listed: Look for the one with a Default Gateway; that’s the active connection. VPN and virtual adapters show their own addresses.
- You need a fixed address: See how to change your IP address in Windows 10.
- You also need the PC’s name: See how to find the hostname on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my IP address change?
Your local address can change when the router assigns a new one, and most home public IPs change occasionally too.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Your local IP is harmless to share for troubleshooting. Your public IP reveals your approximate area and internet provider, so share it only when needed.
How do I find my IP address with PowerShell?
Run Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 and look for the address on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet interface.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run ipconfig.
- Read the IPv4 Address for your local IP.
- Search “what is my IP” for your public IP.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.