Your IP address is an important part of your computer’s network configuration. Windows 11 uses IP addresses to identify your device on a local network and communicate with your router, other devices, and internet services.
You may need to find your IP address when troubleshooting an internet connection, setting up a network device, configuring remote access, or following instructions from a network administrator. Windows 11 provides several ways to find this information.
There are two main types of IP addresses you may encounter. Your private IP address identifies your computer on your local network, while your public IP address is assigned to your internet connection and is visible to websites and online services.
The methods below explain how to find both types of addresses using Windows 11.
Method 1: Find Your IP Address From Settings
The Settings app provides an easy way to find your local IP address.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi if you are connected wirelessly.
- Click the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
- Scroll down to the network properties.
- Find IPv4 address.
The number shown next to IPv4 address is your computer’s local IPv4 address.
If you use an Ethernet connection instead:
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Click Ethernet.
- Open the connected network.
- Look for IPv4 address.
You may also see an IPv6 address and other networking information on this page.
The Settings method is useful when you only need to quickly check the IP address without opening a command-line tool.
Method 2: Find Your IP Address Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt can display detailed network information for all network adapters installed on your computer.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Open it.
- Type:
ipconfig- Press Enter.
Windows will display information for your network adapters.
Find the adapter you are currently using, such as Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter Ethernet.
Look for:
IPv4 AddressThe number next to IPv4 Address is your local IP address.
You may also see:
- Subnet Mask
- Default Gateway
- IPv6 Address
- DNS information
For basic troubleshooting, the IPv4 address and Default Gateway are often particularly useful.
Method 3: Use ipconfig /all for Detailed Information
If you need more detailed information about your network configuration, use the /all option.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type:
ipconfig /all- Press Enter.
Windows will display detailed information about every network adapter.
Depending on your configuration, you may see:
- Host Name
- Physical Address
- DHCP status
- IPv4 Address
- IPv6 Address
- Subnet Mask
- Default Gateway
- DNS Servers
- DHCP Server
- Lease information
Find the adapter that corresponds to your active connection.
For example, if you are connected through Wi-Fi, look under the wireless adapter rather than an inactive Ethernet adapter.
This method is especially useful when troubleshooting networking problems because it provides much more information than the standard ipconfig command.
Method 4: Find Your IP Address Using Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal provides another convenient way to run the ipconfig command.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Terminal.
- Enter:
ipconfig- Press Enter.
Find the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and look for IPv4 Address.
For complete information, use:
ipconfig /allThis method works similarly to Command Prompt because Windows Terminal can run the same networking commands.
It is particularly convenient if you already use Windows Terminal for other Windows administration tasks.
Method 5: Find Your Public IP Address
The IP address shown by ipconfig is normally your private/local IP address. It identifies your computer inside your local network.
Your public IP address is different. It is associated with your internet connection and is generally provided by your internet service provider.
You can find your public IP address by opening a web browser and searching for:
what is my IP addressA search engine may display your public IP address directly.
You can also use a reputable IP information website to check it.
Keep in mind that your public IP address can change, especially when your internet provider uses dynamic addressing.
If you are using a VPN, the public IP address shown online may belong to the VPN service rather than your normal internet connection.
Method 6: Find Your IP Address Through Network Connections
Windows also provides a traditional Network Connections interface that can show information about your active adapter.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
ncpa.cpl- Press Enter.
- Find the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
- Double-click the connection.
- Click Details.
Look for the IPv4 Address entry.
You may also see other information such as:
- IPv4 Subnet Mask
- IPv4 Default Gateway
- DNS Servers
- DHCP Server
This method can be useful if you prefer the classic Windows networking interface.
Method 7: Check Which IP Address Your Computer Is Using
A computer can have multiple network adapters, and each adapter can have its own IP address.
For example, your PC might have:
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth networking
- Virtual network adapters
- VPN adapters
Because of this, you should identify the active connection before using an IP address for troubleshooting or configuration.
Run:
ipconfigThen find the adapter currently connected to your network.
If you are using Wi-Fi, look under Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi.
If you are using a wired connection, look under Ethernet adapter Ethernet.
An adapter that is disconnected may show no useful IPv4 address or may have a different configuration.
Also check the Default Gateway. On a typical home network, this is usually the local address of your router.
Conclusion
Windows 11 provides several simple ways to find your IP address. The quickest graphical option is to open Settings > Network & internet and view the properties of your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
For more detailed information, Command Prompt and Windows Terminal can display your network configuration with the ipconfig and ipconfig /all commands. The traditional Network Connections interface is another useful option.
Remember that your local IPv4 address and public IP address are not the same thing. Your local address identifies your computer within the network, while your public IP address is associated with your internet connection.
When troubleshooting, make sure you are checking the IP address belonging to the active network adapter rather than an unused or virtual adapter.
FAQs
1. How do I find my IP address in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Network & internet, select your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, and look for the IPv4 address. You can also run ipconfig in Command Prompt.
2. What command shows my IP address?
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfigYour local address appears next to IPv4 Address under the active network adapter.
3. Is my IPv4 address the same as my public IP address?
No. The IPv4 address shown in Windows is generally your private IP address on the local network. Your public IP address is associated with your internet connection and can be checked through a web-based IP lookup.
4. Why do I see multiple IP addresses in Windows 11?
Windows can have several network adapters, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, Bluetooth, and virtual adapters. Each adapter can have its own network configuration and IP address.
Quick Summary
- Use Settings > Network & internet to quickly find your local IP address.
- Run
ipconfigin Command Prompt or Windows Terminal to view your IPv4 address. - Use
ipconfig /allwhen you need detailed network configuration. - Your local IP address is different from your public IP address.