Finding your IP address on Windows 10 isn’t as complicated as it sounds, but yeah, Windows has its quirks—hidden menus, vague settings, sometimes just plain annoying to locate the right info. Whether it’s for troubleshooting a network hiccup, setting up remote access, or just curiosity, knowing how to get your IP can save some time. Plus, there are multiple ways to do it, some more straightforward than others. Sometimes the Settings menu works fine, but if your network’s acting weird, using Command Prompt or PowerShell can give a more direct view. Anyway, by the time you’re done, you should have a good grip on your current IP, whether it’s IPv4 or IPv6, local or public. And yes, Windows seems to like to make it a little harder than necessary—because of course, why make it easy? Anyway, here’s a couple of methods from someone who has struggled through this myself (on multiple machines, so yeah, it’s not just you).
How to Find Your IP Address in Windows 10
Method 1: Check it in Network & Internet Settings
This is the most common way. It’s pretty simple if your network is showing up normally. It helps if your system’s recognizing your connection properly—no weird VPNs or firewalls blocking the info. When you’re troubleshooting or configuring something, this might be enough. Expect to see your IPv4 address listed under network Properties. The downside? If your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is acting flaky, or you’re on a VPN, this info might not reflect your real IP. Also, on some setups, this info isn’t super obvious if you don’t expand the properties correctly.
- Open Settings by clicking the Start menu and then the gear icon.
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Select your network type: Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Click on your connection name, then scroll down to Properties. Here, you’ll see your IPv4 address listed.
Pro tip: If that doesn’t show what you want, or it seems to be outdated, try the good old Command Prompt trick.
Method 2: Use Command Prompt — ipconfig
This is the go-to for most tech folks because it’s quick, precise, and less likely to be confused by your network’s weirdness. You open Command Prompt (Win + R, then type cmd), then hit Enter and type ipconfig. It spits out everything—your IPv4, IPv6, router IP, the works. What’s great? It shows your current local IP, no matter what network shenanigans are happening.
- Press Win + R, type
cmd, and hit Enter. - Type
ipconfigand press Enter. - Look for your active network adapter—it might say “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” or something similar.
- Your IPv4 address shows up under IPv4 Address.
Note: For some setups, especially when connected to VPNs or virtual networks, the IP shown might not match what websites see. Also, if you’re troubleshooting, don’t forget to check your router’s admin page for your public IP if that’s what you’re after.
Method 3: Check your public IP via browser or online tools
Sometimes, your local IP doesn’t matter much—what you really want is your *public* IP address (the one assigned by your ISP).The easiest way is to Google “what’s my IP” or head to sites like whatismyip.com. This info is usually enough for most cases, especially when dealing with remote access or configuring services outside your LAN.
Extra tips for getting the right IP info
- Make sure your device is actually connected to the internet before hunting for your address.
- Firing up PowerShell and typing
Get-NetIPAddresscan also give you detailed info if Command Prompt isn’t your thing. - If your IP changes often (on a dynamic IP), the info you get today might be outdated tomorrow.
- If you’re behind a router or VPN, remember: your device’s IP in settings might not match what websites or services see externally.
FAQ
What’s the difference between local IP and public IP?
The local IP is what your device has in your home network—like 192.168.x.x—useful for local setup. Your public IP is what websites see when you go online, assigned by your ISP, and can change often unless you ask for a static IP.
Can I find my IP without opening Settings?
Yeah, using ipconfig in Command Prompt or PowerShell is generally quicker, especially if Settings are being stubborn or slow to load.
Is there a way to fix a changing IP?
If you hate that your IP keeps changing, you can ask your ISP for a static IP. That way, your external address stays put, but be aware it might cost extra or require setup.
Summary
- Check Settings under Network & Internet, find your network and view properties.
- Use
ipconfigin Command Prompt for quick, detailed info. - Visit online sites like whatismyip.com for your public IP.
Wrap-up
Getting your IP address on Windows 10 can be a little convoluted at times, especially with all the network weirdness and Windows hiding things behind layers of menus. But once you get the hang of checking via Command Prompt or Settings, it’s pretty straightforward. Just remember that local and public IPs serve different purposes, and depending on what you need, you might have to look in different places. Anyway, this should cover most scenarios—hope it helps someone cut through the clutter. Fingers crossed it saves a few hours of frustration.