How to Check IP Address in Windows 11 (Complete Guide 2026)
Your IP address is one of the most important pieces of information when troubleshooting a network connection in Windows 11.
You may need to find your IP address when configuring a router, troubleshooting Wi-Fi, checking network connectivity, setting up a local server, connecting to another computer, or diagnosing an internet problem.
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| Learn how to find your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses in Windows 11 using Settings, Command Prompt, ipconfig, PowerShell, and other built-in networking tools. |
Windows 11 provides several built-in ways to find your IP address. You can use the Settings app for a graphical method, Command Prompt with ipconfig for a quick technical method, or PowerShell when working from the command line.
In this guide, you'll learn how to find your IPv4 address, IPv6 address, subnet mask, default gateway, private IP address, and understand the difference between your local IP and public IP.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address is a numerical address used to identify a device or network interface on an IP network.
When your Windows 11 PC connects to a router, the router typically assigns the computer a local or private IP address.
For example, a local network may use an address such as:
192.168.1.25
The exact address assigned to your computer can be different depending on your router and network configuration.
IP addresses are essential because devices need addressing information to communicate with each other across a network.
IPv4 vs IPv6
Windows 11 can use both IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses and is commonly displayed in four decimal numbers separated by periods.
Example:
192.168.1.25
IPv6
IPv6 uses a much larger address space and is represented using hexadecimal characters separated by colons.
Example:
2001:db8:1234::25
Your actual IPv6 address will be different.
Some networks use IPv4, some use IPv6, and many modern networks support both.
Method 1: Check IP Address Using Windows 11 Settings
The easiest graphical method is through the Windows 11 Settings app.
Microsoft currently documents the following general process for finding the IP address of a connected network.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- If you are connected through Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi.
- Select the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
- Look for the network properties.
- Find IPv4 address.
If your computer uses Ethernet:
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Select Ethernet.
- Open the connected network properties.
- Look for the IPv4 address.
The exact appearance of the Settings interface can vary between Windows 11 versions and configurations, but the Network & internet section remains the primary location for network information.
Method 2: Check IP Address Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt is one of the fastest ways to find your IP address.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Command Prompt.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type:
ipconfig
Press Enter.
Windows will display the current TCP/IP configuration for your network adapters.
Microsoft documents that ipconfig without parameters displays IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet mask, and default gateway for network adapters.
Look for the adapter that is currently being used.
For example:
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi: IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.25 Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
Your values will be different.
How to Identify the Correct IP Address
The ipconfig command may display multiple network adapters.
You could see entries for:
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth Network Connection
- VPN adapters
- Virtual Ethernet adapters
- Virtual machine adapters
If you are connected through Wi-Fi, look for:
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi
If you are using a network cable, look for:
Ethernet adapter Ethernet
Then locate:
IPv4 Address
The value next to it is the IPv4 address assigned to that network adapter.
Method 3: Use ipconfig /all for Detailed Network Information
If you need more information than the basic IP address, use:
ipconfig /all
Microsoft documents ipconfig /all as displaying the full TCP/IP configuration for all adapters.
The output can include information such as:
- Host Name
- DNS suffix
- DHCP status
- IPv4 address
- IPv6 address
- Subnet mask
- Default gateway
- DHCP server
- DNS servers
- Physical address
This command is especially useful when troubleshooting network configuration problems.
Method 4: Check IP Address Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides another built-in way to inspect network configuration.
Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell and run:
Get-NetIPAddress
This displays IP address information associated with network interfaces.
You may see entries for both IPv4 and IPv6.
For a more focused result, you can use:
Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4
This limits the displayed results to IPv4 addresses.
For IPv6:
Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv6
This can be useful when you have several network interfaces and want to inspect their IP configuration from PowerShell.
Method 5: Check IP Address with Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal can host Command Prompt and PowerShell sessions.
Microsoft notes that Windows 11 uses Windows Terminal as the default console host for command-line applications in supported configurations.
To use it:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Terminal.
- Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell tab.
- Run:
ipconfig
Or:
Get-NetIPAddress
What Is a Private IP Address?
A private IP address is used inside a local network.
Common private IPv4 ranges include:
| Range | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255 | Private networks |
| 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255 | Private networks |
| 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 | Private networks |
For example, a home router might assign your Windows 11 PC:
192.168.1.100
Another computer on the same local network might receive:
192.168.1.101
These addresses are used for communication within the local network.
What Is a Public IP Address?
A public IP address is the internet-facing address associated with your network connection.
Your ISP typically provides the public IP address to your router or another network device.
It is different from the private IP address assigned to your Windows 11 PC by the local network.
For example, your PC might have:
192.168.1.25
while your router's internet connection has a separate public IP address.
This distinction is important when troubleshooting network problems.
How to Check Your Public IP Address
Your public IP address is generally not displayed as the same local IPv4 address shown by ipconfig.
You can check it using a reputable online IP information service through your web browser.
Search for:
what is my IP address
The result can show the public IP address visible to websites and internet services.
Keep in mind that the public IP shown by an online service belongs to your internet-facing connection and may not be permanently assigned to you.
Private IP vs Public IP
| Feature | Private IP | Public IP |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Local network communication | Internet-facing communication |
| Usually assigned by | Router or local DHCP server | ISP or upstream network |
| Example | 192.168.1.25 | Internet-routable address |
| Visible to local devices | Yes | Not necessarily |
What Is a Default Gateway?
The default gateway is the network device that your computer uses to reach destinations outside its local network.
On many home networks, the default gateway is the local IP address of the router.
For example:
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
If your PC cannot communicate with the gateway, internet connectivity may not work correctly.
The ipconfig command can display the default gateway for your network adapter.
What Is a Subnet Mask?
The subnet mask helps determine which IP addresses belong to the local network and which addresses are outside it.
A common private network configuration is:
255.255.255.0
For example:
IPv4 Address : 192.168.1.25 Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0 Gateway : 192.168.1.1
The exact configuration depends on your network.
How to Check Which IP Address Your Wi-Fi Uses
If your computer has several network adapters, you can identify the active Wi-Fi address by using:
ipconfig
Find:
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi
Then look for:
IPv4 Address
That value is the IPv4 address currently assigned to the Wi-Fi interface.
You can also use Windows Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Select the connected Wi-Fi network.
- Locate IPv4 address.
How to Check Which IP Address Your Ethernet Uses
For a wired connection:
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run:
ipconfig
Find:
Ethernet adapter Ethernet
Then look for:
IPv4 Address
Alternatively:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet.
- Select Ethernet.
- Open the connected network properties.
- Find the IPv4 address.
Microsoft's current Windows networking guidance also directs users to the Network & internet settings to find the IP address of a connected Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
Why Does My IP Address Change?
Your local IP address can change when your router assigns a different address through DHCP.
For example, your computer may receive:
192.168.1.25
at one point and later receive:
192.168.1.31
This does not necessarily indicate a problem.
DHCP is designed to automatically assign network configuration to devices.
Microsoft's ipconfig /renew command can request a refreshed DHCP configuration when the adapter is configured to obtain an address automatically.
How to Release and Renew Your IP Address
If you are troubleshooting a network configuration problem, you can release and renew a DHCP-assigned IP address.
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig /release
Then:
ipconfig /renew
The first command releases the current DHCP configuration, while the second requests a new DHCP configuration.
Microsoft documents both commands as part of ipconfig.
Do not use these commands unnecessarily on a stable connection. They are mainly useful during network troubleshooting.
How to Check If Windows Has an APIPA Address
If Windows cannot obtain an IPv4 address from the expected DHCP server, it may assign itself an Automatic Private IP Addressing address.
These addresses commonly begin with:
169.254.
For example:
169.254.20.15
If you see a 169.254.x.x address when you expected a normal home or office network address, it can indicate a DHCP or network connectivity problem.
Check the connection to your router and investigate DHCP or adapter problems.
How to Check IP Configuration for All Network Adapters
Use:
ipconfig /all
This is useful if your PC has multiple interfaces.
You may see:
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- VPN
- Bluetooth
- Virtual machine adapters
- Other virtual network interfaces
Look at each adapter's IPv4 address, IPv6 address, subnet mask, gateway, DHCP, and DNS information.
How to Check IP Address for Troubleshooting
Your IP address can help diagnose several types of network problems.
Problem: No IPv4 Address
If the active adapter does not have a normal IPv4 address, check the connection to the router and DHCP configuration.
Problem: 169.254.x.x Address
This can indicate that Windows did not obtain the expected IPv4 configuration from DHCP.
Problem: Gateway Is Missing
If the default gateway is missing, your computer may have difficulty reaching destinations outside the local network.
Problem: Multiple Adapters
VPNs and virtual networking software can create additional adapters. Make sure you are checking the interface that is actually carrying your network traffic.
Can Two Computers Have the Same IP Address?
Two devices should not normally use the same private IPv4 address on the same local network.
An IP address conflict can cause connectivity problems.
Symptoms can include:
- Intermittent network access
- Unable to reach local devices
- Internet connection problems
- Network warning messages
DHCP normally helps prevent duplicate addresses by managing address assignments.
Is It Safe to Share Your IP Address?
Your local private IP address, such as 192.168.x.x, is generally only meaningful within your local network.
However, you should be more careful when sharing your public IP address online.
A public IP can provide information about the internet connection you are using and can be relevant to security and privacy.
Avoid posting network information publicly when it is not necessary.
Quickest Way to Check IP Address in Windows 11
If you only need your local IP address, use this method:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
cmd
ipconfig
That is your current local IPv4 address for that adapter.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Settings | Easy | Quick graphical check |
| ipconfig | Easy | Quick IP and gateway information |
| ipconfig /all | Intermediate | Detailed network configuration |
| PowerShell | Intermediate | Advanced network information |
| Online IP service | Easy | Checking public IP |
Related Articles
- How to Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength in Windows 11
- How to Check Internet Speed in Windows 11
- How to Check Windows 11 Version
- How to Check Windows 11 Build Number
- How to Find Your PC Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my IP address in Windows 11?
Open Settings and go to Network & internet, or open Command Prompt and run ipconfig. Both methods can show your local IP configuration.
How do I find my IPv4 address?
Run ipconfig in Command Prompt and find the IPv4 Address entry under the network adapter you are using.
What command shows the IP address in Windows 11?
The ipconfig command displays IP configuration information, including IPv4, IPv6, subnet mask, and default gateway.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, while IPv6 uses a much larger address space. Windows 11 can support both protocols.
What is the difference between private and public IP addresses?
A private IP identifies your device within a local network, while a public IP identifies your internet-facing connection.
Why does my IP address keep changing?
Your local IP address may change because your router uses DHCP to automatically assign network configuration to devices.
What does a 169.254 IP address mean?
A 169.254.x.x address can indicate that Windows assigned an automatic private address because it could not obtain the expected IPv4 configuration from DHCP.
Can I check my IP address without installing software?
Yes. Windows 11 includes Settings, Command Prompt, Windows Terminal, and PowerShell tools for viewing IP configuration.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to check your IP address in Windows 11 is useful for both everyday network management and troubleshooting.
For a quick graphical check, use Settings → Network & internet. For a faster technical method, open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig
When you need complete network information, use:
ipconfig /all
PowerShell provides another useful option with:
Get-NetIPAddress
Remember that your Windows 11 PC can have several network interfaces and multiple IP addresses. Always identify the adapter that is actually being used before troubleshooting.
Understanding the difference between your private IP, public IP, default gateway, subnet mask, IPv4, and IPv6 will also make it much easier to diagnose networking problems.