To find your PC’s IP address in Windows 11, go to Start → Settings → Network & internet, select Wi-Fi (then your network) or Ethernet, and open Properties. Your address is next to IPv4 address.
That’s your private address on your home network. To see the public IP that websites see, open our free What is my IP tool.
Need to find IP address on Windows 11 for a printer, a game server or a support technician? There are two different addresses, and people often send the wrong one. This guide shows how to find each, and which one to use. More PC help lives in our Windows guides.
Public vs. private IP address: which one do you need?
Your PC has a private IP address that your router gives it. It only works inside your home or office network, and it usually starts with numbers such as 192.168 or 10. Every device on your Wi-Fi gets its own.
Your network also has a public IP address, assigned by your internet provider (or by your VPN if one is on). That’s the address websites and online services see. All the devices in your home usually share it.
| You need it for… | Which address | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Setting up a network printer or file sharing | Private | Windows Settings or ipconfig |
| Router settings such as port forwarding | Private | Windows Settings or ipconfig |
| A game server or remote access from outside your home | Public | Our What is my IP tool |
| Checking whether your VPN is working | Public | Our What is my IP tool |
How to find IP address on Windows 11 in Settings
This is the easiest way and works whether you use Wi-Fi or a cable.
If you are on Wi-Fi
- Select Start → Settings → Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi, then select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
- Under Properties, look for your address next to IPv4 address.
If you use an Ethernet cable
- Select Start → Settings → Network & internet.
- Select Ethernet.
- Under Properties, find the address next to IPv4 address.
Shortcut: on the Network & internet page, select Properties next to your connected network to jump straight to its details. You can also open the Wi-Fi menu from the taskbar and select the properties of your current network.
You may also see an IPv6 address. It’s longer and uses colons. Most home tasks, such as adding a printer, ask for the IPv4 address.
Use the ipconfig command
If you are comfortable with a command line, ipconfig shows every network adapter at once. Microsoft’s documentation says that, without any options, it displays the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet mask and default gateway for all adapters.
- Right-click Start and open Terminal, or search for Command Prompt in the Start menu.
- Type
ipconfigand press Enter. - Find the section for the adapter you use, such as Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Read the IPv4 Address line. The Default Gateway line is usually your router’s address.
Want more detail? ipconfig /all shows the full configuration for every adapter, including the physical (MAC) address and DNS servers.
Seeing several adapters is normal. Virtual adapters from VPNs, virtual machines or Bluetooth can appear in the list. Look for the one that shows a default gateway.
Find your router’s IP address
To open your router’s settings page, you need its address, not your PC’s. Run ipconfig and look at the Default Gateway line under your active adapter. Type that number into your browser’s address bar to reach the router’s sign-in page. The sign-in details are usually printed on a label on the router itself.
Can you set a fixed IP address in Windows 11?
Yes. In the same network Properties page, Microsoft lets you change IP assignment from automatic to Manual and type in an IPv4 or IPv6 address, subnet and gateway. Only do this if you know which addresses your router allows. For most homes, reserving an address in the router is simpler and less likely to cause conflicts.
Find your public IP address
Windows doesn’t show your public IP, because your router holds it, not your PC. The quickest way to see it is our What is my IP page. It shows the address in large type and tells you whether it’s IPv4 or IPv6.
Our server reads your IP address only to show it to you; it isn't stored.
Your public IP address and browser details appear here.
Example Documentation address
| Public IP | 203.0.113.24 |
|---|---|
| Browser | Chrome on Windows |
If the public IP changes when you turn your VPN on and off, the VPN is working.
If it doesn’t work
- No IPv4 address is shown. Your PC may not be connected. Check the network icon in the taskbar and reconnect.
- The address starts with 169.254. Your PC didn’t get an address from the router. Restart the router and PC. Microsoft notes that
ipconfig /renewasks for a fresh address on adapters set to get one automatically. - Your address keeps changing. That’s normal. Routers hand out addresses automatically. For a printer or game console, set a reserved address in your router’s settings.
- Websites load slowly or won’t resolve.
ipconfig /flushdnsclears the DNS cache, which can help with name lookups.
Be careful who you give your public IP address to. A real support agent may need it, but an unexpected caller or pop-up asking for it is a common scam opener. See our security guides.
Setting up a new PC? Our list of Windows 11 settings to change is a good next stop.
Add as a preferred source on Google (opens in new tab)
Related guide: How to Spot a Phishing Link Before You Tap It.
FAQ
Where is my IP address in Windows 11 Settings?
Go to Start → Settings → Network & internet, select Wi-Fi (then your network) or Ethernet, and look under Properties next to IPv4 address.
What is the command to find an IP address in Windows 11?
Type ipconfig in Command Prompt or Terminal and press Enter. Look for the IPv4 Address line under your active adapter.
Why is my IP address different on websites?
Websites see your public IP, which belongs to your router or VPN. Windows Settings shows your private address on your home network.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Your private IP is only useful inside your network. Share your public IP only with services or people you trust, such as a support agent you contacted yourself.
Should I use the IPv4 or IPv6 address?
For most home tasks, such as adding a printer or setting up port forwarding, use the IPv4 address unless the instructions say otherwise.
