how to change router ip address windows 10

How to change the IP address in Windows 10 and Windows 11 (4 ways)

Have you ever wondered how to change the IP address in Windows 10 or Windows 11? Do you want to learn how to do that from the Settings app or the Control Panel ? Maybe you’re a command-line fan and want to learn how to change the IP address from Command Prompt or PowerShell ? Read on and find out how all of these are done in both Windows 11 and Windows 10:

Skip to chapter

1. how to change the ip address in windows 10 using the settings app, 2. how to change the ip address in windows 11 using the settings app, 3. how to change the ip address in windows using the control panel, 4. how to change the ip address in windows 10 and windows 11 using commands, how do you change the ip address in windows 10 or windows 11.

NOTE: To be able to change your IP address in either Windows 10 or Windows 11, you must log in using an administrator account. Also, you should already know what IP addresses and subnet masks are , how to find what your local IP is , and how to find the IP address of your router .

Because it relies on the visual interface of the operating system, this is probably the easiest method for changing the IP address of your Windows 10 computer or device. First, open the Settings app : a quick way to do that is to push the Settings button from the Start Menu or to press Windows + I on your keyboard simultaneously. In the Settings app, open the Network & Internet category.

The Network & Internet settings in Windows 10

On the left sidebar, select your network type. If you’re using a wireless card, click or tap on Wi-Fi . If you’re using a wired connection, go to Ethernet . On the right side of the window, click or tap on the name of your network connection.

The currently connected network

Scroll down on your network connection details page until you find the section called IP settings . Then, click or tap on Edit , under IP assignment .

The Edit button from the IP assignment area

The Settings app now shows the “Edit IP settings” dialog. This is where you can change the IP address of your computer or device. If you want the IP address of your Windows 10 PC to be assigned automatically by your router, select Automatic (DHCP) . This is also called a dynamic IP address.

Edit IP settings to get an IP address automatically via DHCP

If you want to set your own static IP address , select Manual and then enable the IPv4 and/or IPv6 switches, depending on what internet protocols you want to use. Note that each of them has its own distinct IP address, so you must enter the required details for both IPv4 and IPv6 if you choose to enable both.

Edit IP settings to change the IPv4 address in Windows 10

To change your IP address to a static one, regardless of whether you set it for your IPv4 or IPv6 protocols, you have to enter the following details:

• IP address : Type the static IP address that you want to use. For example, I want to change the IP address (IPv4) of my Windows 10 PC to 192.168.50.10.
• Subnet prefix length : Type the prefix length that determines the size of the subnet. For example, I configured my router to use a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, which means that I have to enter a “Subnet prefix length” of 24 (the number of 1 bits in the netmask). If I had a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0, the prefix length would have been 16, and so on.
• Gateway : Type the IP address of your router. In my case, that’s 192.168.50.1.

Setting a static IP address in Windows 10

The Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS settings are not mandatory - if you leave them blank, they are automatically assigned by your router. However, if you want to change them too, you can do so. TIP: Here are more ways to change DNS settings in Windows .

Once you’ve entered all the details, click or tap on Save , and Windows 10 changes your IP address.

Start using the new IP address in Windows 10

IMPORTANT: If you choose to use a static IP address, ensure all the details you enter are correct; otherwise, your Windows 10 PC loses internet connectivity. If that happens, change your IP address back to Automatic (DHCP) so that your router can change it to something that works.

As it involves mainly clicks or taps and anyone can follow its steps, this is likely the easiest way of changing the IP address of your Windows 11 PC. Here’s how it goes:

Open the Settings app : a quick way to do that is to use its Pinned shortcut from the Start Menu or press Windows + I on your keyboard. Once you’ve opened it, select Network & internet on the left sidebar.

The Network & internet settings in Windows 11

On the right, click or tap on the type of network you’re currently using. If you connect to the internet (or local area network) using a wireless card, select Wi-Fi . If you’re accessing the internet (or LAN) using a wired connection, click or tap on Ethernet .

Wi-Fi or Ethernet network connection

Next, click or tap on the properties entry of your network connection.

The network's properties

This opens a page filled with details about the selected network connection. On it, scroll down and click or tap the Edit button next to IP assignment .

The Edit button next to IP assignment

As a result, the Settings app loads a dialog called “Edit network IP settings,” where you can set the IP address of your Windows 11 PC. If you want to use a dynamic IP address assigned automatically by the router, choose Automatic (DHCP) .

Let Windows 11 get an IP address automatically via DHCP

If you want to set a static IP address for your Windows 11 computer, select Manual. Then, turn on the IPv4 and/or IPv6 switches, depending on the internet protocols you intend to use. Keep in mind that each one needs a distinct IP address, so you’ll have to specify details for both IPv4 and IPv6 if you decide to enable both.

Edit IP settings to change the IPv4 address in Windows 11

In order to set a static IP address for either IPv4 or IPv6 , you have to provide the next details:

• IP address : Enter the static IP address you want to use. For instance, I’m changing the IP address (IPv4) of my Windows 11 computer to 192.168.50.10.
• Subnet mask : Type the subnet mask used by your network. For example, I’ve configured my mesh Wi-Fi to use a 255.255.255.0 subnet mask, which means that this is the number sequence I need to enter.
• Gateway : Specify the IP address of your router or mesh Wi-Fi. In my case, that’s 192.168.50.1.

Setting a static IP address in Windows 11

These are all the settings you need to configure in order to change your IP address in Windows 11. However, there are two more options in the “Edit network IP settings” dialog: Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS . While not necessarily required (if they’re blank, your router automatically assigns them), you can change them, too, if you want. Here are more details about DNS: What is DNS? How is it useful? .

Once you’ve finished editing your network IP settings, click or tap the Save button, and your IP address is immediately changed in Windows 11.

How to set a static IP address in Windows 11

IMPORTANT: If you’ve changed your IP address and your Windows 11 PC lost internet connectivity, you’ve probably entered an incorrect IP address. In that case, switch back to using Automatic (DHCP) to let your router assign a new one for your computer, one that works.

In both Windows 11 and Windows 10, you can also change your IP address from the Control Panel . Open the Control Panel and click or tap on “View network status and tasks” under “Network and Internet.”

View network status and tasks in Control Panel

In the Network and Sharing Center , click or tap on your internet connection from the “View your active networks” area.

The network connection in use

In your network’s Status window, click or tap on Properties . Then, in the Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) , depending on the IP address that you want to change, and press the Properties button. Note that if you want to change both types of IP addresses, you’ll have to repeat the next steps for each of them.

Opening the Properties of Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

The previous action opens a window called Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) Properties , depending on what you chose earlier. This is where you can change your IP address:

If you want to use a dynamic IP address that’s automatically assigned to your Windows PC by your router, select “Obtain an IP address automatically.” Then, click or tap on OK and close all the windows you’ve opened previously.

Obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP

If you want to set a static IP address for your network adapter, select “Use the following IP address.” Then, enter the required details manually: IP address, Subnet mask , and Default gateway , just like we’ve shown you in the previous chapters of this guide.

Use Control Panel to set a static IP address in Windows

Save your new IP address settings by clicking or tapping on OK , then close all the windows opened during the process.

You can also change the IP address using any of the command-line tools in Windows. Launch PowerShell , run Command Prompt , or open a tab for any of them in Windows Terminal . Then, regardless of what your favorite console is, run this command:

In the displayed results, identify the network adapter for which you want to change the IP address. For example, the name of my network interface is Wi-Fi , as shown in the screenshot below.

Find the name of your network adapter in CMD or PowerShell

If you want to change the IP address to a dynamic one that’s automatically assigned by your router via DHCP, run the following command:

Replace Network Interface Name with the name of your network connection. For example, I need to run:

Use this command to set a dynamic IP address

If you want to set a static IP address, run this command:

Replace [IP address] [Subnet Mask] [Gateway] with the ones that match your network configuration. In my case, as I want to change my IP address to 192.168.50.10, I have to run:

Use this command to set a static IP address in CMD or PowerShell

Now you know not just one, but four different methods to change your IP address and set it to dynamic or static. What’s your favorite way of doing this? Do you know other methods? If you do, or if you have something to add to this guide, don’t hesitate to comment.

• Subscribe to newsletter.

Receive our daily newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time. For details read the Privacy policy.

Check this box if you agree to receive our emails.

You are subscribed to www.digitalcitizen.life .

Receive our weekly newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. For details, read our Privacy policy.

Related articles

Command Prompt (CMD): 10 network-related commands you should know

7 ways to find your MAC address in Windows

How to change the Subnet Mask in Windows (5 ways)

How to change or spoof the mac address in windows (7 ways).

• All about AI
• Google Gemini AI
• Inflection AI Pi Chatbot
• Anthropic Claude
• Multimodal AI
• Generative AI
• AI Image Generation
• AI VIdeo Generation
• AI Coding Assistants
• AI Regulation
• AI Research
• Large Language Models (LLM)
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Surface Pro
• Surface Laptop
• Surface Book
• Surface Duo
• Surface Neo
• Surface Studio
• Surface Hub
• Surface Pen
• Surface Headphones
• Surface Earbuds
• About WinBuzzer
• Follow Us: PUSH, Feeds, Social
• Join our Team
• Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 10 (3 Methods)

We show you how to change your IP address in Windows 10 using the Settings app, Control Panel, and Command Prompt.

Table of Contents:

IP addresses are one of the primary ways services identify a user. Though your IP address may change automatically from time to time, if you've been assigned the wrong IP by your router or want something more static, you need to know how to change your IP address on Windows 10 manually.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a series of numbers that identifies your device and therefore allows information to be sent between devices. Without IP addresses, computers on the internet and your local network would not be able to differentiate between different devices, routers, websites, etc.

However, IP addresses also come with some downsides. For starters, somebody may be able to use your IP address to get a general idea of your location. Services may also utilize your IP address to track you across the web.

Unfortunately, changing your IP address will with the methods outlined below will not disguise your location. As the IP address will still be connected to your ISP, it can still be traced to their nearest networking hub. It will also not help if you have been banned by a service – you're only changing the IP address on your local network, not the one the internet sees. For that kind of protection, you should consider using Tor or a VPN.

That said, if you do want to change IP address on Windows 10, you'll need to have access to your administrator account. If you do have access, you can learn how to change IP by following the steps below:

How to Change IP Address in Windows 10 via Settings

Unsurprisingly, the simplest way to change your IP address in Windows 10 is via the in-built settings app, but there are a few things you need to look out for when it comes to choosing your new IP:

Press the Start button, then click the settings cog, above the power button. Alternatively, press Windows + I .

If your IP address is currently set manually and you're running into issues, you can change the dropdown in “Edit network IP settings” to “Automatic (DHCP)” and press “Save” .

When you change your IP address, it's important to make sure the information you enter is correct. Before you start, it's useful to gather:

– Your current IP address – Your subnet mask – Your gateway (router IP)

If you don't know these details, you can run the ipconfig command in Command Prompt to obtain them.

Ideally, your new IP address should be of the same format as your old one. For example, if your current IP address is 10.0.0.1, you'll probably want to keep the 10.0.0.x format. Make sure you don't set your IP to the same as your gateway or other devices on your network.

Once you're done, press “Save” .

How to Change your Windows 10 IP Address in Control Panel

If you prefer the old-school way of doing things, the Control Panel may be better suited to you. In some ways, its interface is easier to navigate when it comes to IP editing. Here's how you can use it for that purpose:

Press Start and then type “Control Panel” . Click the top result.

At this point, you'll likely have to authenticate yourself as an administrator.

If your IP address is currently manually assigned and you're running into issues, you can tick “Obtain an IP address automatically” here instead and click “Save” .

Once you're done, press “OK” . You can leave the DNS fields blank, though it's worth noting that there are advantages to changing them.

How to Change IP in CMD (Command Prompt)

The command-line is often the fastest way to get things done, and this is no exception. You can change your IP in Command Prompt in under a minute if you need to. Here's how:

Press Start and type “Command Prompt” , then click “Run as administrator” on the right-hand side.

Before you change your IP, you need to know the name of your interface. This will likely be “Wi-Fi” if you're on a Wi-Fi network or “Ethernet” if you're on Ethernet.

You can check yours with netsh interface IP show config . While you're there, note down its default gateway and subnet mask.

If you set your manual IP previously, you can revert it to automatic assignment via DHCP with the following command:

Remember to replace “Wi-Fi” with whatever your interface is called.

If you'd rather set your IP address manually, you can instead use the following command:

Now that you know how to change your IP address on Windows 10, you may be interested in learning more about your network. Here's how you can change your network name or disable a Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter .

Last Updated on February 14, 2022 7:43 pm CET

Recent News

Shopify Launches AI Chatbot ‘Sidekick’ for Merchant Assistance

Lockbit 3.0 Hackers Claim Federal Reserve Breach and Theft of 33TB...

Samsung Plans GPU Market Entry to Compete with NVIDIA and AMD

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Computers and Electronics
• Operating Systems

How to Change Your IP Address (Windows)

Last Updated: March 13, 2020 Tested

This article was written by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd . Stan Kats is the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology & cybersecurity solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan has over 7 years of cybersecurity experience, holding senior positions in information security at General Motors, AIG, and Aramark over his career. Stan received a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 2,550,155 times.

This wikiHow teaches you how to change both your public IP address and your private IP address on a Windows computer. Your public IP address is the address that your computer broadcasts to other networks, while your private IP address is your computer's specific address within your own wireless network. Changing either of these may fix connection issues.

• You may want to check your current IP address before doing this.
• Simply unplugging the router and modem from the wall will work.

• Click Wi-Fi in the pop-up window.

• You may want to check your IP address again to make sure it has changed.

Renewing the Address

• If you aren't an administrator on your current computer, you won't have this option and thus won't be able to renew your computer's IP address.

Changing the Address

• IP address - Usually, your device's IP address will be "192.168.1.X" (or a similar set of numbers), wherein "X" is specific to your device. Change the "X" value to a number between 1 and 100. Make sure you don't use the same IP address as another device on your network (e.g., your phone).
• Subnet prefix length - This depends on your IP address, but will usually be "255.255.255.X".
• Gateway - This is your router's IP address.
• Preferred DNS - Your preferred DNS address (for example: "208.67.222.222" for the OpenDNS server, or "8.8.8.8" for Google's server).
• Alternate DNS - A secondary DNS address (for example: "208.67.220.220" for the OpenDNS server, or "8.8.4.4" for Google's server).

Expert Q&A

• You'd change your public IP address in the event that you were kicked out of a gaming service (e.g., Steam), while you'd change your private IP address to fix website loading errors. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Using a proxy server will not change your IP address in the traditional sense, but it will alter the IP address that others can see. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• You can also use a browser like Tor to hide your IP address, though such browsers can be dangerous and are often slower than average. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• If you choose an in-use IP address for your computer when changing its private IP address, the device that is currently using that address will get kicked off of the network. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.whatismyip.com/ip-faq/how-to-change-your-ip-address/

About This Article

1. Unplug your router and modem. 2. Disable your Wi-Fi. 3. Wait 5 minutes. 4. Plug the router and modem back in. 5. Re-enable Wi-Fi. Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Is this article up to date?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help:

Tech troubles got you down? We've got the tips you need

How to Access and Change Your WiFi Router Settings

It will give you much more control

There are countless reasons to learn how to change router settings. For example, you might want to change your Wi-Fi password or network name or set up parental controls. While the process may seem intimidating at first, it’s pretty simple. Rest assured; you’ll know how to access router settings within the next few minutes.

The router’s interface and access point differ among manufacturers. This guide will walk you through the steps to change your router settings.

How to Access Your Router as an Administrator

Before starting, ensure that you’re connected to your router via an Ethernet cable or a wireless network. Open a browser to access your router’s firmware. Type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the URL bar — these should work in most cases. If they don’t, you’ll need to first find your router’s IP address .

If the IP address works, the router’s firmware will ask for your username and password. If you haven’t set a different username and password yourself, you must enter the router’s default credentials . Defaults differ across brands too, but many brands use admin as the default username and password as the default password.

If you’re still unable to log into the router, check if your router has a Forgot Password feature. As a last resort, you could hard reset your router . Resetting the router will require you to reconfigure it from scratch, though. So take this route if it’s your only option. 

When the router is reset, use the default username-password combination for your router, and you’ll land on the router’s home page. 

Change Router Password

Now that you can access the router’s firmware let’s look at how to change your router’s password. This will also be one of the first steps after you begin reconfiguring the router after a hard reset. Again, this may look slightly different on your router, but the process should remain the same across router models. 

Your router will usually have a section called Administration or something similar. The option to change your router’s login credentials should be somewhere in this section. For example, on the ZTE F660, there’s a sub-section called User Management for changing the password. A lot of routers don’t allow changing the username, but yours might.

Ensure that you set a secure password , one that’s not easy to guess. Then, apply and save the new settings. If the router needs a reboot, you’ll need to log back in using your new password.

Change Your Wi-Fi Password and SSID

If you suspect someone has their hands on your current Wi-Fi password, change it right away. Look for a section named Wireless Settings or WLAN settings (or something similar).

Look for the password settings in this section. Choose a strong password and select WPA2-PSK (AES) as the authentication type for best security.

You could also change your SSID if you’re using the router’s default. If your SSID is D-Link, for instance, and there are multiple wireless networks with that name in your area, you may want to change it to something recognizable. 

When you’ve changed your password and SSID, apply the settings and reboot the router.

Change Your Wi-Fi Channel

A wireless router communicates via various bands, each of which is split into channels. Think of the bands as a road and channels as lanes through which your data travels. Modern routers support both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 5GHz band is less likely to be crowded, which makes it a good choice if your area has many Wi-Fi networks. 

If you’re using the 2.4GHz band, channels 1, 6, and 11 are good choices because they don’t overlap. If you’re on the 5GHz band, all channels other than DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) work well. 

If you want more information to find a suitable Wi-Fi channel, you could use a network analyzer like NetSpot . If all of this sounds complicated, just pick the channels discussed above, and everything should work fine.

When you’ve decided which channel you want to use, navigate to your router’s wireless settings again. Somewhere in the wireless settings section, you’ll see a dropdown menu with channel options. 

When you’ve selected a channel, select Apply and restart the router.

You’re Now in Control

You now know how to access router settings and change them. The router’s firmware has a large group of settings that gives you more control over your Wi-Fi network. For instance, you could disable SSID broadcast , make your Wi-Fi more secure , or even block websites from your router using DNS .

Arjun is a freelance writer based in India. After working as an equity research analyst, Arjun decided to do something that he has been passionate about – tech. He gets excited talking about and explaining how to solve everyday tech problems. His area of expertise is Windows and is a go-to for all things Excel. Read Arjun's Full Bio

Read More Posts:

PCMag editors select and review products independently . If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing .

How to Access and Change Your Wi-Fi Router's Settings

Here's how to sign into your router to change your home network's name, password, security options, and various wireless settings..

Your router stores the settings for your home Wi-Fi network. To change something on your network, you have to log into your router's software, also known as firmware. From there, you can rename your network, change the password, adjust the security level, and set up or alter a variety of other options.

But before you can do all that, you first need to gain access to your router. The process for logging into your router should be the same whether you use your internet provider's router or you purchased your own router . It should also be the same whether you use a dedicated router or a combination modem/router  supplied by your provider .

Our Top-Rated Router Picks

Find your router's ip address.

You log into your router's firmware through a browser. At the address field, type the IP address of your router. Most routers use an address of 192.168.1.1, but that's not always the case, so you may first want to confirm the address of your router.

To find your router's IP address , type  cmd  in the Windows search bar to open the Command Prompt. Type  ipconfig  at the prompt and press the Enter key on your keyboard. Scroll through the information until you see a setting for Default Gateway under Ethernet adapter or Wireless LAN adapter . That's your router, and the number next to it is your router's IP address.

You can also find your router’s IP address in Windows. In Windows 10 , go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > View hardware and connection properties . In Windows 11 , go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Hardware and connection properties .

Details regarding your network connections are displayed. Look for the entry named Ethernet or Wi-Fi, then find the Default Gateway setting to locate your router’s IP address. Once you have the correct address, type it into your browser's address field and press Enter.

Enter Your Login Credentials

After you type the IP address, you're asked for a username and password to access your router's firmware. This is either the default username and password for your router, or unique credentials that you may have created when you set up the router. If you don't remember your login credentials, signing in becomes a bit trickier.

Some routers offer a password-recovery feature. If this is true of your router, this option should appear after you enter the wrong username and password a certain number of times. Typically, this window will ask for your router's serial number, which you can find on the bottom or side of the router.

If you never changed the router's login credentials, many use the default username admin  and the default password  password . Try that combination to see if it works. Otherwise, your best bet is to run a web search for the default username and password for your router brand, such as Netgear, Linksys, Asus, or TP-Link.

Another option is to visit the Router Passwords website , where you can select the manufacturer of your router to get a list of default usernames and passwords. Try each of the suggestions to see if one of them works.

If you still can't log into your router's firmware, you’ll need to reset the device to revert all settings back to their defaults. You'll usually find a small reset button on your router. Using a pointed object, like a pen or paper clip, push in and hold the reset button for around 10 seconds. You should now be able to log into your router using the default username and password.

Change Router Settings

After you gain access to your router's firmware, you’ll be free to change whatever elements you think should be modified. These include the router name and password, the security level, and the Wi-Fi password. You can also set up parental controls, create a guest network , and manage attached devices. Just remember to apply any changes before you move on to the next screen.

While we can't walk you through every process for your specific device, manufacturer documentation and built-in help should be available to assist you with the different options if you're not sure how to set them. Most current or recent routers also have setup wizards that can take care of some of this labor for you.

Change Router Login Credentials

You should change your router's username and password if they’re still set to the default values. Look for an option usually nested under the Administration tab. The screen will likely ask for your current router password before letting you change it. Note that some routers only let you change the password, not the username.

As you create the new password, remember the usual recommendations for creating a  secure password —not so difficult that you can't remember it but complex enough that it’s not easy to guess. A passphrase with a combination of easy-to-remember words is also a good option.

Be sure to remember the new password so you don't have to reset the router in the future. Your router’s firmware may also ask you to set up security questions and answers, another handy way to prove your identity. You’ll then have to apply the settings and log back into your router.

Review Wi-Fi Password

You should also review your Wi-Fi password and username to make sure it’s strong and secure. To do this, look for a Wireless or Wi-Fi section in the router's firmware. You’ll see your current Wi-Fi name and password listed.

Create a more secure password if you feel the current one is too weak. Again, keep the usual password recommendations in mind as you do this. You may also want to change the default Wi-Fi name if it’s still using the brand name of the router. Try to come up with a unique name to distinguish it.

Checking your security settings is another item on the to-do list. Under Security Options, or a similar section, make sure the security for your network is set to at least WPA2-PSK [AES], which will be the strongest level available for most home routers.

Newer routers with the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E technology will offer the more secure WPA3 option. If your router has it, use that option. Apply your new settings and close the browser window when finished.

More Inside PCMag.com

• Wi-Fi at Warp Speed: Where to Find the Fastest Airport Internet Before You Fly
• The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2024
• The Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers for 2024
• The Best Gaming Routers for 2024
• 10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

About Lance Whitney

My experience.

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons— Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn .

My Areas of Expertise

More from lance whitney.

• How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (Even if Your Computer Is Unsupported)
• How to Remove (and Restore) Built-In iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch Apps
• How to Use Microsoft's Copilot AI, and 10 Things to Try Right Away
• Still Stuck on Windows 8.1? How to Upgrade to Windows 10 or 11
• 3 AI Keyboard Apps That Can Help Spruce Up Your Emails, Text Messages, and More

• For Windows 10
• Write For Us

How To Change The Router IP Address in Windows 10

Now is the time when we need to take responsibility for our security and privacy. Certainly, there are many security and privacy tools available, that guarantees security in exchange for a few dollars. However, how much can we rely on them for staying secure, is a question that needs to be answered now.

Believe it or not but dependency on security software has made our devices more prone to attacks. Therefore, it is essential for all users to learn at least basic security measures to protect our devices from the attackers. Windows users can do so by changing the router’s IP address in Windows 10.

Distributed denial of service (DDOS) and brute force attacks infect the entire network via a router. Therefore, to stay safe from such attacks users are recommended to change default username and password for their routers.

Hopefully, all this has been done by you, but there’s more that you can do to stay secure from online attacks.

Today, in this article we will discuss, how to add an extra layer of security to the routers, by changing the default IP Address of your router in Windows 10.

Also Read:  How to uninstall software from your Windows 10 

Change Default IP Address of your Router:

Before we proceed further, for those who don’t know what is your router’s IP address? How can you access it? Let’s learn, how to find router’s IP address in Windows 10.

How to Find the Router IP Address in Windows 10?

The router is the gateway that connects all your devices to the Internet and it has a unique IP address. This address can be found on the sticker pasted at the back of your router. or in the instruction manual of the router. But if your router is old or you are unable to find the manual then what?

In that case, you can use this alternate method to find the IP address of your router on Windows 10:

1. Open Windows Settings by clicking on the Windows Start button > Settings (gear icon).

3. Once the Network & Internet settings window open, click on the Status option located in the left pane. Now in the right pane click on View Your Network Properties option.

4. This will open a new window with all your network properties. On this window, you can find your router’s IP address in front of the Default gateway.

Now that you have the IP Address of your router you can proceed forward and change this.

Note: You need to have your router IP Address for updating its software, change its security settings and setting up parental controls.

How to Change the IP Address of your Router in Windows 10?

Basically, to keep things as simple as possible router manufacturing companies use an elementary IP Address, similar to 192.168.1.0.1. Now if an attacker wants to gain access to your home or office network, all he needs is username and password, as the default, IP address is what he has access to. This is when changing the router’s IP address on Windows 10 comes to play.

Steps to change the router’s IP address on Windows 10

1. Now enter the default IP address of your Router, say for an example 192.168.0.1 in the browser address bar and hit the Enter key.

2. On the screen that opens type in your username and password to get into settings of the router.

3. On the Router Settings page, click on the Basic > LAN Setup. This will open the Private LAN Setting. In the box next to Private LAN IP Address, alter the last two values of the IP address. Please note that you can use any number for the last two value field, ranging from 1 to 254.

4.We strictly recommend that you do not try to change first two value field of IP Address. As a change in the first and second value can arise the conflicts in the network while making a connection with the main network.

5. Once you have set the new IP Address for your router, jot it down somewhere carefully. Now click on the Save Changes button and restart the router to change the default router IP Address.

To confirm that you successfully change the router’s Ip address, enter the new IP address of your router in the browser and hit Enter. If you are able to successfully login after providing your username and password, then it confirms that you no more use the default IP Address for your router.

Guys, it may be possible that after changing the default IP Address of your router, your devices are unable to establish a connection with the Internet. However, you need not get worried as it can be easily resolved by restarting your devices.

Now since you have changed your router’s IP Address, any intruder or attacker first have to know the router IP address, before guessing the username and password.

Quick Reaction:

About the author

Varun is a technical blogger at Tweak Library. His engineering background helps him present technical solutions and concepts in an engaging manner. Varun enjoys reading both short and long form fiction and has tried his hand at writing poems too. When not busy with the pen, he likes traveling and spending time with family.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending In Browser

What to do when firefox server not found, cool and interesting websites to browse in free time, backing up chrome data and other settings – the need of the hour, google chrome’s experimental feature crashes thousands of browsers, 5 ways to speed up your web browser, related posts.

How to Fix Ghost Touch Issue on iPhone?

What is Snapchat Solar System? How To Enable It

How to Track Your Sleep With an Apple Watch?

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Technology Simplified.

How to Change Router IP Address

By: Waseem Patwegar | Filed Under: Internet

In addition to User Name and Password, you can Change Router IP Address and add yet another layer of security to your Home WiFi Network.

Change Router IP Address

In order to make it easy for users to login to Router, manufacturers use a basic IP Address (192.168.0.1 or similar) and provide this information in the Router Manual and make it available on their websites.

As mentioned above, you can make it harder for anyone else to gain access to your Home WiFi network by changing the IP Address of your Router.

When you change Router IP Address, anyone trying to gain access to your network will be required to guess Router IP address , in addition to Password and User Name.

Steps to Change Router IP Address on Computer

1. Open Google Chrome or any other web browser on your computer.

2. Enter the default IP address of your Router (192.168.0.1 or similar) in the search bar and press the enter key .

3. On the next screen, enter your Username and Password to log into Router Settings.

4. From the next screen, go to Basic > LAN Setup > and change only the Last two numbers of the IP address in LAN IP Address field.

Note: In these last two fields, you can use any number between 1 and 254.

Caution: Restrict IP Address change only to the third and fourth fields (ex: 192.168. 11.xxx ). Making changes to first and second fields can lead to network conflicts while connecting with your main network.

4. Click on Save Changes and note down the New IP Address of your Router and restart the Router .

After changing Router IP Address, you may find your computer and Phone not connecting to the Internet. This can be easily fixed by restarting your devices and allowing them to re-establish connection with the Router.

Tip: You can confirm Router IP Address change by trying to Login to your Router using the New Router IP Address.

• How to Find Your Public and Private IP Address
• How to Change Router DNS Server

• Disk & Data Manager
• Partition Wizard
• Power Data Recovery
• ShadowMaker
• Media Toolkit
• uTube Downloader
• Video Converter
• Download Partition Wizard Free Edition: Download Pro Edition: Try Demo Server Edition: Try Demo
• Partition Magic

How to Change IP Address on Windows 10 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Sometimes, we have to change IP address out of many reasons. How to change IP address on Windows 10? If you are also searching for the answer, you can follow this Windows 10 guide provided by MiniTool to change IP address.

Before You Do

How to change your IP address? In order to change IP address Windows 10 smoothly, it’s required to log in to Windows 10 using an administrator account. Besides, you need to find the IP address of your router and computer. To do so, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings app and go to the Network & Internet section.

Step 2. In the Status tab, scroll down the right sidebar and click on the View your network properties  option.

Step 3. Now, scroll down the new screen to find the Default gateway and IPv4 address sections. The router’s IP address is next to the Default gateway and the IPv4 address identifies your computer. Remember the IP addresses you have found.

Now, let’s see how to change IP address Windows 10 in the following part.

Minecraft port forwarding is a heated topic among a great number of Minecraft fans. How to port forward Minecraft? Let’s this post tell you the answer.

How to Change My IP Address in Windows 10

Here we will walk you through 2 methods. Each method will be discussed in detail. Now, let’s start learning how to change IP address Windows 10.

Method 1. Change IP Address Windows 10 Using the Settings App

The first and simplest way to change IP address is to use the Settings app. Here’s a full guide for you:

Step 1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I keys and then click on Network & Internet .

Step 2. In the pop-up window, select the network type based on your situation. If your device connects to the Internet through a wireless card, select the Wi-Fi section. If your device is using a wired connection, select the Ethernet section.

Step 3. Scroll down the right sidebar to locate the IP settings section and click on the Edit button.

Step 4. In the pop-up dialog box, select Manual from the drop-down menu and enable the IPv4 switch.

Step 5. Enter all the required details below including IP address , Subnet prefix length , Gateway , etc.

IP address : It refers to the static IP address that you want to use.

Subnet prefix length : It refers to the prefix length that determines the size of the subnet.

Gateway : It refers to the IP address of your router.

The Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS settings are not mandatory to enter. The setting will be automatically assigned by your router if they are blank.

Step 6. After the details are entered, click on the Save button to change IP address.

Method 2. Change IP Address Windows 10 in Control Panel

In addition to the above method, you can change IP address Windows 10 through the Control Panel. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1. Type control in the search window and select the Control Panel app from the best match.

Step 2. Change the View by to Category , and then click on View network status and tasks under the Network and Internet section.

Step 3. Navigate to the View your active networks tab and click on your Internet connection next to it.

Step 4. In the pop-up window, click on Properties and then select the Internet Protocol Version 4 or IPv6 , which depends on the IP address that you’re ready to change. 

Step 5. Click on the  Properties button.

Step 6. In the Properties window, select the Use the following IP address option if you want to set a static IP address.

Step 7. Then you need to enter all the required details manually including IP address, subnet mask , and Default gateway . After that, click on OK to save the changes and exit the window.

How to change your IP address in Windows 10? I believe that already have known detailed steps. Now, it’s your turn to have a try.

About The Author

Position: Columnist

User Comments :

How To Change IP Address in Windows 10: A Visual Guide

W hen working in a larger environment, we are often asked to change our IP address. To change IP address in Windows 10, we have come up with a visual guide with really simple and easy steps. Follow this Windows 10 guide and change IP address in Windows 10. Let’s tell you about it in detail.

The need for changing IP address, sometimes, it is needed that we change IP address in Windows 10. This mostly happens when we are a part of a large organization like a college or a company and any change in IP policy might want us to change our machine’s IP address.

So, here are the steps on how to change IP address in Windows 10:

How to change IP address in Windows 10

On the taskbar of your computer, right click on the internet icon and click on “ Open Network and Sharing Center”

In the Network and Sharing center, click on the connections

A new Wireless Network Connection Status window will open up. Click on the properties .

A network connection status pop-up window will open up. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/ IP v4 ) if you want to change the IPv4 address of your computer.

Now fill in the required IP address and press OK.

And this is how you change the IP address in Windows 10. Sometimes, along with the IP address, you are also given Subnet mask, Default gateway and DNS Server address by your network administrator. You can use those addresses to fill in the required details.

Also read:  How To Set Up A VPN In Windows 10: The Ultimate Guide

A passionate adventure traveller over Trekkerpedia.com and Author of the book 'The Girl from the Woods'.

Similar Posts

What Will Happen if You Upgrade a Pirated Windows to Windows 10

The people running pirated copies of Windows will be getting Windows 10 for free? This question…

How To Disable Write Protection In SD Card Or Pen Drive?

You might have struggled with situations where Windows isn’t able to copy anything to a write-protected…

Best Way To Track Movies And TV Shows That You Have Watched

You are stuck at home! While others have decided to try out new hobbies or develop…

openSUSE Linux Arrives On Windows 10

Short Bytes: Sr. Product Manager SUSE Linux Enterprise SUSE, Hannes Kühnemund, has written a blog post…

How To Enable “Run As Administrator” For A Batch File In Windows 10?

A batch file includes the commands to be executed by Command Prompt in Windows 10 (and…

How To Change Margins In Google Docs? | Step-by-step Guide

Organize your document the way you want.

Change TCP/IP settings

TCP/IP defines how your PC communicates with other PCs.

To make it easier to manage TCP/IP settings, we recommend using automated Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP automatically assigns Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to the computers on your network if your network supports it. If you use DHCP, then you don't have to change your TCP/IP settings if you move your PC to another location, and DHCP doesn't require you to manually configure TCP/IP settings, such as Domain Name System (DNS) and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS).

To enable DHCP or change other TCP/IP settings

Select  Start , then type settings . Select  Settings  >  Network & internet .

Do one of the following:

For a Wi-Fi network, select  Wi-Fi  >  Manage known networks . Choose the network for which you want to change the settings.

For an Ethernet network, select  Ethernet , then select the Ethernet network you’re connected to.

Next to  IP assignment , select  Edit .

Under  Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings , select  Automatic (DHCP)  or  Manual .

To specify IPv4 settings manually

Under  Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings , choose  Manual , then turn on  IPv4 .

To specify an IP address, in the  IP address, Subnet mask , and  Gateway  boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify a DNS server address, in the  Preferred DNS  and  Alternate DNS  boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.

To specify if you want to use an encrypted (DNS over HTTPS) or unencrypted connection to the DNS server or servers you specify, for DNS over HTTPS , choose the setting you want:

Off : All DNS queries will be sent to the DNS server unencrypted in plaintext over HTTP.

On (automatic template) : DNS queries will be encrypted and sent to the DNS server over HTTPS. DNS queries will use the default settings for the automatic template or try to discover them automatically.

On (manual template) : DNS queries will be encrypted and sent to the DNS server over HTTPS. They’ll use the settings you enter in the DNS over HTTPS template box.

If you use DNS over HTTPS (automatic or manual template), turn Fallback to plaintext on or off:

When it’s turned on, a DNS query will be sent unencrypted if it can’t be sent over HTTPS.

When it’s turned off, a DNS query won’t be sent if it can’t be sent over HTTPS.

To specify IPv6 settings manually

Under  Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings , choose  Manual , then turn on  IPv6 .

To specify an IP address, in the  IP address , Subnet prefix length , and  Gateway  boxes, type the IP address settings.

When you select  Automatic (DHCP) , the IP address settings and DNS server address setting are set automatically by your router or other access point (recommended).

When you select  Manual , you can manually set your IP address settings and DNS server address.

When you’re done, select  Save .

Note:  To install IPv4, run Command Prompt as an administrator, type netsh interface ipv4 install , and then press Enter .

Select Start   , then select Settings   > Network & Internet   .

For a Wi-Fi network, select Wi-Fi   > Manage known networks . Choose the network you want to change the settings for, then select Properties.

For an Ethernet network, select Ethernet , then select the Ethernet network you’re connected to.

Under IP assignment , select Edit .

Under Edit IP settings , select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual .

Under Edit IP settings , choose Manual , then turn on IPv4 .

To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet prefix length , and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.

Under Edit IP settings , choose Manual , then turn on IPv6 .

When you select Automatic (DHCP) , the IP address settings and DNS server address setting are set automatically by your router or other access point (recommended).

When you select Manual , you can manually set your IP address settings and DNS server address.

When you’re done, select Save .

In Windows 8.1, select the Start button, start typing View network connections , and then select View network connections in the list.

In Windows 7, open Network Connections by selecting the Start button, and then selecting Control Panel . In the search box, type adapter , and then, under Network and Sharing Center , select View network connections .

Right-click the connection that you want to change, and then select Properties . If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Select the Networking tab. Under This connection uses the following items , select either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) , and then select Properties .

To specify IPv4 IP address settings, do one of the following:

To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IP address automatically , and then select OK .

To specify an IP address, select Use the following IP address , and then, in the IP address, Subnet mask , and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify IPv6 IP address settings, do one of the following:

To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IPv6 address automatically , and then select OK .

To specify an IP address, select Use the following IPv6 address , and then, in the IPv6 address, Subnet prefix length , and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.

To specify DNS server address settings, do one of the following:

To get a DNS server address automatically using DHCP, select Obtain DNS server address automatically , and then select OK .

To specify a DNS server address, select Use the following DNS server addresses , and then, in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.

To change advanced DNS, WINS, and IP settings, select Advanced .

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

How-To Geek

How to change your ip address from the command prompt in windows.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

How Waterproof Is Your Apple Watch? Here's What You Need to Know

5 things that would make windows good again, my wait for a windows version of popular ipad app goodnotes was worth it, quick links, launch command prompt as admin to use netsh, view your network information with command prompt, change your ip address, subnet mask, and default gateway, change your dns settings in command prompt, key takeaways.

• You must launch Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Terminal as admin to use netsh.
• Use the "netsh interface ipv4 show config" command to find the full name of the network interface you want to change.
• Modify your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway using the command "netsh interface ipv4 set address". You can also change DNS settings using "netsh interface ipv4 set dns".

Changing your IP address with the Control Panel interface isn't difficult, but it does require clicking through a number of different windows and dialog boxes. If you're a fan of the Command Prompt, though, you can get it done more quickly using the netsh command, which is just one of the great network utilities built into Windows .

We're going to use the netsh command, but it requires that Command Prompt be launched as administrator to work. The netsh command allows you to configure just about any aspect of your network connections in Windows.

To launch Command Prompt (or PowerShell) as Admin, open up the Start Menu, search "cmd," hover over the result, then click "Run as Administrator."

In Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can also right-click the Start menu (or press Windows+X on your keyboard) to open the Power User Menu and choose "PowerShell (Admin)."

You can (and should ) use PowerShell for this instead.

Before you change your IP address and related information, you'll need to find the full name of the network for the interface you want to change. To do this, type the following command:

netsh interface ipv4 show config

Scroll down until you see the interface you're looking for. In our example, we're going to modify the Wi-Fi interface, which on our machine is just named "Wi-Fi." You'll also see other default names that Windows assigns to interfaces, such as "Local Area Connection," "Local Area Connection* 2," and "Ethernet." Just find the one you're looking for and make note of the exact name. You can also copy and paste the name to Notepad and then back into Command Prompt later to make things easier.

With the interface name in hand, you're ready to change the IP Address, subnet mask, and gateway. To do this, you'll issue a command using the following syntax:

netsh interface ipv4 set address name="YOUR INTERFACE NAME" static IP_ADDRESS SUBNET_MASK GATEWAY

So, for example, your command might look something like the following:

netsh interface ipv4 set address name="Wi-Fi" static 192.168.3.8 255.255.255.0 192.168.3.1

Where the info is replaced by whatever you want to use. In our example, the command does the following:

• Uses the interface name "Wi-Fi"
• Sets the IP address to 192.168.3.1
• Sets the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0
• Sets the default gateway to 192.168.3.1

And if you're using a static IP address but want to switch to using an IP address assigned automatically by a DHCP server — such as your router — you can use the following command instead:

netsh interface ipv4 set address name="YOUR INTERFACE NAME" source=dhcp

You can also use the netsh command to change the DNS servers used by a network interface. Third-party DNS servers — like Google Public DNS and OpenDNS —can be faster and more reliable than the DNS servers provided by your ISP. Whatever your reason for changing your DNS server , you can do it either at the router so it affects all the devices that get their information from the router or at the individual device. If you want to change the DNS servers for just one PC, it's easy to do with the netsh command.

You'll need to use the command twice: once to set your primary DNS server and once to set your secondary, or backup, DNS server. To set your primary DNS server, use the following syntax:

netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="YOUR INTERFACE NAME" static DNS_SERVER

So, for example, your command might look something like the following (in which we set it to Google's primary public DNS server, 8.8.8.8):

netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8

To set your secondary DNS server, you'll use a very similar command:

netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="YOUR INTERFACE NAME" static DNS_SERVER index=2

So, continuing our example, you might set your secondary DNS as the Google Public DNS secondary server, which is 8.8.4.4:

netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.4.4 index=2

And just like with the IP address, you can also change it so that the network interface grabs its DNS settings automatically from a DHCP server instead. Just use the following command:

netsh interface ipv4 set dnsservers name"YOUR INTERFACE NAME" source=dhcp

And there you have it. Whether you like typing at the command prompt better or just want to impress your coworkers, now you know all the command line magic you need for changing your IP address settings.

Moving or just moved? Yes No

How we make money

Allconnect is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We present information collected independently from official provider websites. We regularly update the site in an effort to keep this information up-to-date and accurate at all times. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Allconnect.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear.

Allconnect.com does not include every service provider available. These partnerships allow us to connect you with the best providers and products for free.

• Resource Center

How to change your IP address

May 1, 2024 — 3 min read

There are several ways to change your IP address, like by switching networks or resetting your equipment. Learn how to change your IP address and why you’d want to.

Accessing the internet involves a series of private and public connections between networks and devices.

And in a world with over five billion internet users, that’s a lot of connections.

How do the wires keep from getting crossed, so to speak? The secret to an organized global network is the IP address.

Changing yours can help you do everything from troubleshooting your home Wi-Fi to letting you stream your favorite shows while you’re on holiday.

What is an IP address? 

Your IP address is the unique set of numbers that identifies your devices as they communicate across networks. IP addresses are essential for getting online and transmitting data. 

You may want to change your IP address for several reasons, whether technical or personal. We’ll go over a few different ways you can manually or automatically change your IP address. 

Reasons to change your IP address

There may be some instances where you’ll want to change your IP address. The reasons for this include:

• Access content online that is otherwise restricted in your physical location (for example, accessing Netflix’s U.S. library while on a trip abroad)
• You can’t connect to Wi-Fi and you don’t know why
• Prevent tracking and leave no digital footprint
• Avoid throttling from your internet service provider (ISP)
• Encrypt data for increased security and data protection
• Bypass firewalls
• Fix an incorrectly configured IP address
• Use a router that provides unusable IP addresses
• Two devices on your network share the same IP address

How to change your IP address automatically

These are some simple ways to change your IP address automatically:

• Switch networks. The simplest way to change the IP address of your device is to switch to a different network. For example, if you’re browsing on your home Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone, you can turn the Wi-Fi setting off and use mobile data. This will change the IP address because a different one is assigned for each network connection.
• Connect via Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will keep your public IP address private and signal to the network that you’re connecting via a different location, thus changing your IP address. This happens through an encrypted tunnel, and your ISP won’t even be able to see your activity. Check out options like TunnelBear , ExpressVPN and NordVPN .
• Use a proxy server. Change the proxy settings in your web browser settings so that it automatically configures. The Web Proxy (HTTP) setting is good for basic web browsing, though you might need more specific settings depending on your needs.

How to change your IP address by resetting your router

Resetting your router is the easiest way to change your IP address. After writing down the IP address, unplug your router for 5 to 10 minutes (longer than a regular reset). Plug it back and restart. Once it’s up and running, check the address again – it should be a new one.

If you’re looking to change your IP address to fix a connectivity issue, learn how to properly set up your internet and fix a broken connection .

How to change your IP address manually

Resetting your IP address manually generally involves entering a chosen IP address into the settings on your device. Here are a few different ways you can navigate to your network IP settings on different devices:

Windows 10:

• Make sure you’re working from an administrator account and click start
• Navigate to the control panel
• Click network connection
• Scroll down to find IP settings and click edit
• Select manual
• Type in your new IP address
• Navigate to system preferences
• Click configure IPv4
• Select manually
• Go to settings
• Select Wi-Fi
• Select network
• Select IPv4 address
• Click configure IP

Benefits of changing your IP address

Security: Changing your IP address can secure your online privacy by protecting you from website tracking and hackers. 

Troubleshooting: Sometimes routers assign devices the wrong IP address, so changing it can help you solve this problem. 

Access content while abroad: If you want to access certain content from a country while abroad, changing your IP address can help you navigate regional content blocks. 

Changing your IP address FAQs

You can find your private IP address through your device’s system settings. For a Mac, click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen, then select system preferences > network. Choose your connection and you’ll see your IP below the status section.

For a Windows device, select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Properties. 

Finding your public IP address is even simpler. You can type “what is my IP address into your search engine,” and it will show you the result. 

Yes, you are allowed to change your IP address. 

Yes, to change your IP address through a VPN, open your VPN app, select the server location you want to connect to and you’re all set. 

According to Forintent.com , “Proxies strictly act as a gateway between the internet and users. On the other hand, VPN traffic runs through an encrypted tunnel and the user’s device, making VPNs an effective solution for ensuring network security.”

No, you can change your IP address for free on your devices. If you use a VPN to change it, you’ll be paying for that platform’s subscription.

Written by:

Editor, Broadband Content

• Featured What is my IP address and why does it matter? Taylor Gadsden — 4 min read
• Featured How to find your router IP address Allconnect — 5 min read
• Featured What does “IP address conflict” mean and how can you resolve it? Virginia Brown — 4 min read

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Camryn Smith — 6 min read

Friday, June 21, 2024

Robin Layton — 2 min read

By subscribing, you agree to receive Allconnect promotional emails. Your privacy is important to us.

Thanks for subscribing!

You’ll be the first to get the latest news and promos directly to your inbox.

Check your inbox and stay tuned for deals, news and more.

Want to stay connected with the latest deals?

Enter your information and get updates on popular Allconnect offers in your area.

Enter your address to view what's available near you

Need help? Speak to one of our experts.

Call: (844) 451-2720

The limits a provider sets on the amount of data you’re able to use while online

Download speeds

Transfers data to your home for activities like streaming, shopping and browsing social media

Mbps (Megabits per second)

A unit of measurement used to indicate download and upload speeds

Upload speeds

Transfer data from your home for activities like video calls, uploading large files, working on online documents and live gaming

Stay tuned for the latest news and tips each week.

Get the latest internet, streaming, wireless, TV and home security news directly to your inbox.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Your browser does not support JavaScript. Please turn it on for the best experience.

• All Support
• Download Center
• Support Videos

TP-Link Community

• Contact Technical Support
• Online Stores
• Distribution Partners
• Reseller Partners
• Solution Partners

How to find and manually assign an IP address on Windows 10

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

You can also type control panel in the search bar at the lower left of the screen and press Enter to open the control panel.

Step 2: Go to Network Connections

Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center .

Select Change adapter settings on the left.

Step 3: Find the IP address

Right click the Ethernet icon and select Status from the context menu.

Then click Details... to view all detailed information of network connection.

Step 4: Set the IP address

Right Click Local Area Connection and select Properties .

Then double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .

Select Use the Following IP address: and type in the IP address , Subnet mask and Default gateway . Click OK to apply the settings.

Note : If you need to set a static DNS server, select Use the following DNS server address : and input the address of DNS server. By default, the computer obtains the address automatically.

Is this faq useful?

Your feedback helps improve this site.

What’s your concern with this article?

• Dissatisfied with product
• Too Complicated
• Confusing Title
• Does not apply to me

We'd love to get your feedback, please let us know how we can improve this content.

We appreciate your feedback. Click here to contact TP-Link technical support.

Still need help? Search for answers, ask questions, and get help from TP-Link experts and other users around the world.

Visit the Community >

From Russia?

Get products, events and services for your region.

We have updated our Policies. Read Privacy Policy and Terms of Use here. This website uses cookies to improve website navigation, analyze online activities and have the best possible user experience on our website. You can object to the use of cookies at any time. You can find more information in our privacy policy .

Basic Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be deactivated in your systems.

accepted_local_switcher, tp_privacy_base, tp_privacy_marketing, tp_smb-select-product_scence, tp_smb-select-product_scenceSimple, tp_smb-select-product_userChoice, tp_smb-select-product_userChoiceSimple, tp_smb-select-product_userInfo, tp_smb-select-product_userInfoSimple, tp_top-banner, tp_popup-bottom, tp_popup-center, tp_popup-right-middle, tp_popup-right-bottom, tp_productCategoryType

__livechat, __lc2_cid, __lc2_cst, __lc_cid, __lc_cst, CASID

id, VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, LOGIN_INFO, SIDCC, SAPISID, APISID, SSID, SID, YSC, __Secure-1PSID, __Secure-1PAPISID, __Secure-1PSIDCC, __Secure-3PSID, __Secure-3PAPISID, __Secure-3PSIDCC, 1P_JAR, AEC, NID, OTZ

Analysis and Marketing Cookies

Analysis cookies enable us to analyze your activities on our website in order to improve and adapt the functionality of our website.

The marketing cookies can be set through our website by our advertising partners in order to create a profile of your interests and to show you relevant advertisements on other websites.

Google Analytics & Google Tag Manager

_gid, _ga_<container-id>, _ga, _gat_gtag_<container-id>

Google Ads & DoubleClick

test_cookie, _gcl_au

cebsp_, _ce.s, _ce.clock_data, _ce.clock_event, cebs

OptanonConsent, _sctr, _cs_s, _hjFirstSeen, _hjAbsoluteSessionInProgress, _hjSessionUser_14, _fbp, ajs_anonymous_id, _hjSessionUser_<hotjar-id>, _uetsid, _schn, _uetvid, NEXT_LOCALE, _hjSession_14, _hjid, _cs_c, _scid, _hjAbsoluteSessionInProgress, _cs_id, _gcl_au, _ga, _gid, _hjIncludedInPageviewSample, _hjSession_<hotjar-id>, _hjIncludedInSessionSample_<hotjar-id>

lidc, AnalyticsSyncHistory, UserMatchHistory, bcookie, li_sugr, ln_or

How to Change Your Router Settings

To get the most out of your router, you need to learn how to change your WiFi router settings, and we are here to teach you.

If you’ve never paid much attention to your router, you might be wondering why you should bother learning how to change router settings in the first place. After all, if it’s been working fine so far, why risk breaking something?

• 957 User reviews

Why Should I Learn How to Change My Router Settings?

How to gain access to a router, how to change your router’s login information, how to change router ip address, how to change your ssid, how to configure multi-ssid and guest wi-fi, how to change the wireless channel and band, how to set up parental controls, how to activate remote management, how to see who is connected to my router.

The answer is simple: because you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose. Much like it’s virtually impossible for you to physically damage your computer by clicking on a wrong link or messing with its settings, so are modern routers designed to be fool-proof.

Probably the worst thing that can happen is you change your wireless router settings in a way that makes it easier for others to steal your personal information. A much more likely scenario is, however, that you learn how to change your wireless router settings to protect your personal information as much as possible.

Knowing how to change your router settings also enables you to take full advantage of some of the more advanced features of your router, many of which you might not even be aware of at the moment. Don’t worry: even if you consider yourself to be a computer neophyte, you’ll be able to learn how to change router settings in no time.

To play with your router’s settings, you need to learn how to access it as an administrator . If you’re on the same network as the router (i.e., you’re either connected to the router with an Ethernet cable or are connected to a wireless network created by the router), you can try the simple method first:

Open your favorite web browser.

One by one, enter the following IP addresses into the URL bar: 192.168.0.1 , 192.168.1.1 , 192.168.2.1 , 10.0.1.1, 10.0.0.1 , 10.10.1.1.

If you see a login window or a welcome page, you’re in luck and can processed to the next chapter of this article. If you’re unable to access your router using any of the IP addresses listed above, try the next method:

Click the Windows logo located on the left side of the taskbar.

Click the Settings icon.

Choose Network & Internet.

Click View your network properties.

Scroll down and look for “Default gateway.”

The number next to it is your router’s IP address.

Type the address into the URL bar of your favorite web browser.

If you see a login window or a welcome page, you’ve successfully accessed your router.

The next step is to log in as administrator. If you haven’t changed your router’s admin password, there’s a good chance that “admin” will work. If it doesn’t, look at the information sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Router manufacturers sometimes print the default username and password on it.

If you’re still unable to access your router, we recommend you long-press the reset button on its back and try again. Should even this fail to grant you access to your router’s admin interface, try searching for help online. There are many websites, such as this one , that list routers and corresponding admin login information.

The first thing you should do after gaining access to your router is change the default password to something more secure. If you were to leave the default password as it is, someone else could just walk up to your router and mess with its settings. The person could, for example, disable your wireless security and capture your personal information without you knowing about it.

To change your router’s password :

Enter your router’s IP address into your favorite web browser.

Log in with the default username and password (both admin, usually).

Go to settings.

Select Change Router Password or a similar option.

Enter the new password.

Save the new settings.

Remember that a strong password is at least eight characters long and consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Before we explain how to change router IP address , we want to clarify the difference between public and local IP address.

As the name suggests, a public IP address is the address computers and servers outside your network see when you connect to them. It’s also the address you see when you visit a website like What Is My IP ?, which is a leader in providing IP address lookup services.

Your public IP address is assigned to you by your internet service provider, and you typically have no control over it. Some ISPs provide static IP addresses to their customers, but the chances are that you have a dynamic IP address that changes from time to time on its own or after a request.

Your local IP address, on the other hand, is the address assigned to your router and all other devices behind it, and you can change it as you see fit. This is how to do it on D-Link routers, and routers from other manufacturers won’t be much different.

Log in with the default username and password.

Click on Setup.

Choose Network Settings.

Type in the router’s new IP address under Router Settings.

Click on Save Setting.

After you’ve changed your router’s IP address, you will no longer be able to access it using the old address. This is something to remember as it could throw you off the next time you decide to change your router’s settings.

SSID (Service Set Identifier) is really just a fancy term for network name. As you’re probably aware of, all Wi-Fi networks are uniquely identified by a sequence of characters. If you’ve never changed your wireless router settings before, the chances are that your Wi-Fi has a very generic name. To change it to something more memorable, there are a couple of steps you must go through:

Choose Wireless Settings.

Type in your new SSID.

Save the new settings and wait for your router to restart.

When choosing a name for your Wi-Fi network, stay away from anything that might be interpreted as offensive. We also recommend you don’t try to make it seem as if your network is a public hotspot . Using a fake name for your Wi-Fi really doesn’t do anything for your privacy and security, but it can dramatically slow down your download and upload speeds.

Many modern wireless routers can broadcast multiple access points at the same time. Typically, one accessed point is used to connect known devices to the network, and a completely separate access point is created for guests. The main benefit is that you don’t need to share your main Wi-Fi password with strangers and hope they won’t publish it anywhere.

To create a guest Wi-Fi with a Netgear router, follow the instructions below. The process should be very similar for routers from other manufacturers.

Enter the router user name and password.

Select Guest Network.

Ensure that the Enable SSID Broadcast check box selected.

Give the guest network name.

Select a security option.

Click the Apply button to save your settings.

Wireless routers support different 802.11 standards, which provide several distinct radio frequency ranges, also called bands, for use in Wi-Fi communications, with each band being split into multiple channels.

If you have a newer router, the chances are that it supports the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Because the 5 GHz band is less common than the 2.4 GHz band, it tends to be less crowded, making it a great choice for densely populated urban areas where Wi-Fi networks are present in massive concentrations.

When it comes to choosing the most suitable Wi-Fi channel , a network analyzer such as NetSpot can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Download and install NetSpot .

Launch the application and activate Inspector mode.

Wait a short while for NetSpot to collect information about surrounding Wi-Fi networks and present wireless data as an interactive table.

Click the “Channels 2.4 GHz” header to see where Wi-Fi channels are overlapping.

Look for the channel with the least number of networks present on it.

If you’re selecting a channel in the 2.4 GHz band, try to choose the channel 1, 6, or 11. These are so-called non-overlapping channels, which means they don’t overlap with one another.

You can use NetSpot for Android to detect and inspect the nearby Wi-Fi networks and the channels they broadcast on.

Parental controls are features that help you reduce the risk of your child being exposed to inappropriate content online. These controls can be divided into two broad categories: filtering and monitoring. With filtering, you can limit access to age inappropriate content and place time-limits on usage. Monitoring allows you to see exactly what your child is doing online, so you can intervene in time if you sense that it might be in danger.

Parental controls are typically located under router settings, but they may also have their own category. Because children will go above and beyond to circumvent any content restrictions you put in place to protect them, it’s highly recommended to set a PIN for parental controls.

If you have a capable router, you don’t even need to be at home to monitor its activity. Thanks to remote management functionality, you can monitor it from anywhere using your smartphone or computer.

To access your router from an outside network:

Enter your router’s admin panel.

Go to settings and look for Remote Management.

Turn on Remote Management and save your settings.

The reason why remote management is turned off by default is that it represents a certain security risk. Hackers might try to break your router password and use remote management to compromise your security. That’s why we recommend you turn remote management off when you know you won’t be using it for a while.

Have you noticed that your internet speeds fluctuate up and down regardless of your activity? There’s a chance that someone else besides you is connected to your router and stealing your bandwidth. To find out if that’s really the case, you need to go to your router’s administrative panel:

Find out your router’s IP address.

Type in that IP address in a browser window.

Log in as admin.

Look for an option called “My Network” or “Attached Devices” or something similar.

If you see a device that shouldn’t be connected to your router, kick it off your network and ban its MAC address.

Routers are intricate machines with a plethora of different settings that you can play with and customize to your liking. In this article, we’ve explained how to access router and change router settings, including wireless router settings. Of course, it’s impossible for us to talk about all router settings, but the crucial ones are covered in this article.

WiFi analyzer app runs on a MacBook (macOS 10.12+) or any laptop (Windows 7/8/10/11) with a standard 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless network adapter.

If you want to get more information about Wi-Fi, check out the following articles about Wi-Fi routers, the best apps for wireless networking, WiFi signal, etc.

How to change your IP address

Ever wondered if it’s possible to change your IP address? The good news is that you can—and I’ll show you how.

Changing your IP address: the easy way

Changing your ip address: with a vpn, how to automatically update your ip address: windows, how to automatically update your ip address: macos, how to manually change your ip address: windows, how to manually change your ip address: macos.

If you're concerned about your digital privacy, well, you have every right to be—third-party snoopers, hackers, and other online nasties are all hungry for your data, after all. Luckily, changing your IP address can help shore up your security, and it's not all that difficult to do.

All of your traffic is tied back to your device's IP address—all of your gadgets have one, including your PC, laptop, mobile, and even your router. Your internet service provider (ISP) can use your IP address to keep tabs on what you get up to online and build up a profile of your habits (that is, if you're not using one of the best VPNs in the biz). Unfortunately, this can then be used to generate creepy, invasive, targeted ads. Changing your IP address ensures that nobody can watch over your shoulder.

If you change your IP address to one located in another country, however, you'll also be able to check out region-specific content—like Netflix shows that are only available in the US or exclusive sporting events. That's especially handy if you're traveling overseas and want to keep up with your favorite series, or if you just need a new digital boxset to binge.

So, let's get stuck in—here's how you can change your IP address on a computer running either Windows 11 or macOS.

The simplest way to change your IP address is to unplug your modem. Keep in mind that this may not work on the first try. It’s even possible that you’ll need to leave your router unplugged overnight.

• Check your IP address . Our guide on how to find your IP address details the steps.
• Unplug your router for five minutes. This may take longer depending on your ISP.
• Plug your router back in and check to see if your IP has changed. If not, repeat the steps.

ExpressVPN currently sits at the top of my VPN rankings—and for good reason. It's wickedly quick, unblocks pretty much every streaming platform, and makes changing your IP address as simple as hitting a button. Oh, and you can get an extra 3 months free if you pick up a 12-month plan.

If you want another super-easy, super-reliable way to change your IP address, you'll want to recruit the help of a secure VPN . Because VPNs route your traffic through a secure server, and encrypt your data, they prevent your ISP (and other nosy onlookers) from monitoring your browsing sessions.

VPNs also make it incredibly easy to change your location. You can take your pick of servers, usually scattered across the globe, and fool the sites you visit into thinking you're really there (when you're actually still on your couch with your cat). Then, you'll have unfettered access to streaming content, be able to bypass pesky blocks, and even snag the best deals on region-specific sales.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.

Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.

• Open your VPN application . If you've never used it before, you'll need to run through a quick installation process and input your login details.
• Choose a server . If you’re after increased privacy, choose one in your home country. If you want to access content from another country, pick one in your desired location.
• Press the connect button .
• Wait a few seconds for the VPN to connect . You'll now be using a new IP address.
• Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
• Type "cmd" in the search bar then hit Enter to open the command prompt box.

• Type "ipconfig /release" . Be sure to include the space between "ipconfig" and "/release". Hit Enter. A wall of text will flood the screen.

• Type "ipconfig /renew" and hit Enter. Close the command prompt window afterward.

• Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen. Click System Preferences.

2. Select Network .

• Select Network.

• Click Advanced.

• Click TCP/IP on the following screen then click Renew DHCP Lease.

If you already have an IP address you'd like to use, and want to take matters into your own hands, here's how you can manually set your IP address on a Windows device.

• Press the Start icon in the taskbar. Alternatively, click on the search icon.

• Type "settings".

• Click Network & Internet .

• Select your network (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

• Find IP assignment and click Edit.

• Click on the drop-down menu and select Manual.

• Toggle IPv4 on.

• Set your IP address on the following screen, along with Subnet mask, Gateway and Preferred DNS. You can also select Alternate DNS. Click save.

On the other hand, you have an IP address you want to use and a Mac device, this is how you can manually set it on macOS.

• Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the desktop and select System Preferences. On the System Preferences window that appears, click Network.
• Click your current network and select Advanced.
• Click the TCP/IP tab. Choose Manually from Configure IPv4.

• Type a new IP Address . Click OK and then Apply.

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

Alienware m18 R2 review — this gargantuan gaming laptop means business

How to keep yourself safe online at Glastonbury

Google confirms a major change to search that undoes a 2-year-old decision

Most Popular

• 2 Don't wait for Prime Day — 7 OLED TV deals I'd get now up to $1,000 off
• 3 Alienware m18 R2 review — this gargantuan gaming laptop means business
• 4 Forget Temu — Amazon reportedly building new discount section that ships directly from China
• 5 Mega REI sale just went live — my top 11 picks on Adidas, Hoka and more

• Help Center

How to Find Your Router's IP Address in Windows 10

It is now easier than ever to find your router's IP address in Windows 10. Maybe you are trying to log in to your router and you are not sure where to start. Begin by looking at your network and finding your router's IP address.

To get to the your router's IP address in Windows 10: click the Windows Key (You can find it on your keyboard between CTRL and ALT.) click on the Gear icon ( Settings Menu) click on Network and Internet In the Status section, click on View hardware and connection properties

Next, look through this list of network details to find your router's IP address. It is listed under Ethernet or Wi-Fi as the Default Gateway setting. The number next to Default Gateway is your router's IP address .

For those of you trying to access your router, you can copy your router's IP address, paste it into your browser, hit enter... and you should see the login screen of your router. Next, enter your router username and password to access the settings in your router.

If you are not sure what your password is check out our lists of Default Router Passwords . If you are using an operating system other than Windows 10, this Router IP address guide can help you figure out the IP address of your router.

More From Portforward

Port Forwarding for eFootball

Forwarding some ports for eFootball in your router can enable you to connect with more players and help improve connections.

How to Port Forward Ark: Survival Evolved

You'll need to forward some ports for Ark: Survival Evolved if you want to host your own server or just help improve connections.

How to Create a Port Forward in Your Router for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Forwarding some ports for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can help improve your online multiplayer connections.

Opening Ports for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live using Your Router

Forwarding some ports in your router for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live can help improve your online connections.

Creating a Port Forward in Your Router for Borderlands 3

Forwarding some ports for Borderlands 3 in your router can help you connect with others and improve your online connections.

Port Forwarding for Wasteland 3

Forwarding some ports for Wasteland 3 can make it easier to connect with others and help improve your online co-op experiences.

Opening Ports for Pokémon Scarlet using Your Router

You can help improve your online connections in Pokémon Scarlet by forwarding some ports in your router.

Forwarding Ports in Your Router for Madden NFL 23

Forwarding ports can help improve online connections in Madden NFL 23 and enable you to connect with others more easily.

How to Get a New IP Address Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a new IP address on Windows 11 is straightforward and can be done using a few simple steps. Whether you’re looking to enhance your privacy or troubleshoot network issues, you can achieve this by either renewing your IP address through the Command Prompt or by manually setting a static IP address through your network settings.

How to Get a New IP Address on Windows 11

In this section, we’ll cover two methods to get a new IP address on Windows 11. The first method involves renewing your IP address through the Command Prompt, and the second method involves manually setting a static IP address.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Start by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator.

To do this, type "cmd" in the search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Release Your Current IP Address

Type ipconfig /release in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

This command will release your current IP address, effectively disconnecting you from the network temporarily.

Step 3: Renew Your IP Address

Next, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

This command will request a new IP address from your DHCP server, re-establishing your network connection with a new IP.

Step 4: Open Network & Internet Settings

If you prefer setting a static IP, open the Settings app and go to "Network & Internet."

Click on "Advanced network settings" to access more options.

Step 5: Change Adapter Options

In the "Advanced network settings" section, click on "Change adapter options."

This will open a window showing all network adapters on your PC.

Step 6: Access Properties of Your Network Adapter

Right-click on your active network adapter and select "Properties."

This will open a window with various settings for your network adapter.

Step 7: Set Static IP Address

In the Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and then click "Properties."

Enter your new IP address details and click OK to set them.

After completing these steps, your computer will either have a new dynamic IP address or a static one, depending on the method you chose.

Tips for Getting a New IP Address on Windows 11

• Restart your router: Sometimes, just restarting your router can provide you with a new IP address.
• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network can give you a new IP address and enhance your privacy.
• Check your IP after renewal: Use a site like whatismyip.com to verify that your IP address has changed.
• Use DHCP reservation: Set a DHCP reservation on your router to ensure your device always gets the same IP.
• Firewall settings: Ensure that your firewall settings allow the changes to take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would i need a new ip address.

You might need a new IP for privacy, to resolve connectivity issues, or to access region-locked content.

Can I get a new IP address without using Command Prompt?

Yes, you can also use the Network & Internet settings to manually configure a new static IP.

Will changing my IP address improve my internet speed?

Not necessarily; changing your IP address usually does not affect your internet speed.

What should I do if I can’t get a new IP address?

Try restarting your router or contact your ISP for further assistance.

Is it legal to change my IP address?

Yes, changing your IP address is legal as long as you’re not using it for illegal activities.

• Open Command Prompt.
• Release your current IP address.
• Renew your IP address.
• Open Network & Internet settings.
• Change adapter options.
• Access properties of your network adapter.
• Set static IP address.

Changing your IP address on Windows 11 can be as easy as following a few steps in the Command Prompt or network settings. Whether you’re looking to fix network issues or add an extra layer of privacy, knowing how to get a new IP address can be quite useful. Always make sure to check your new IP to confirm the change and consider using additional tools like VPNs for enhanced privacy and security. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Internet Service Provider. Happy networking!

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.

Read his full bio here .

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Related posts:

• How to Set a Static IP Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• How to Get Mac Address Windows 11: A Simple and Detailed Guide
• How to Change MAC Address on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Enable WiFi Adapter Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide for Users
• How to Find MAC Address in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Spoof MAC Address on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Change MAC Address in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Set Static IP Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• How to Get MAC Address Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Users
• How to Change Link Speed in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Open Command Prompt in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Install Network Adapter Driver Windows 11 Without Internet Guide
• How to Change the Network Connection Priority in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Disable IPv6 on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Users
• How to Mirror iPhone to TV Without WiFi: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Turn On WiFi Adapter Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
• iPhone 11 – Reset Network Settings Guide
• How to Disable IPv6 Windows 11: Simple Steps to Disable IPv6 Safely
• How to Reset WiFi Adapter Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Users

• Shop Early Amazon Prime Day Deals
• I Tried Both: Ring vs Nest Doorbell

How to Properly Restart a Router & Modem

Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, and then plug in your modem and turn it on. Wait another 60 seconds, and then plug in the router.

• Emporia State University

• Western Governors University

In This Article

Jump to a Section

Steps to Reboot a Router and Modem

• A Restart Doesn't Change Your Settings

A Reset Reverts to Factory Settings

Rebooting: a frequent fix, rebooting can correct network issues, too.

• Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

• Unplug the router and modem. Wait at least 30 seconds. Plug in the modem and turn it on.
• Wait at least 60 seconds and then plug in the router. Press the power button to turn it on, if needed.
• Wait at least 2 minutes before testing or using the devices.

This article explains how to restart a router and modem. It includes information on the types of problems a restart can correct and on the difference between a restart (or reboot) and a reset.

Restart your router and modem if you suspect your network isn't working as it should. Maybe web pages aren't loading, Netflix freezes halfway through a movie, or your smart speakers suddenly stop playing music.

Restarting the router gives it time to cool off and flush out its memory.

Restarting (or rebooting) is not the same as resetting a router or modem. See Resetting vs. Rebooting for more information.

Unplug the router and the modem. If you have other managed network hardware, such as network switches , unplug that hardware. Unmanaged devices can be left powered on, but use your judgment if you think these might be part of the problem.

Don't use a button labeled Reset or Restart, since these likely start the factory reset or restore process. A clearly labeled power button is probably fine to use, but unplugging removes any doubt.

Wait at least 30 seconds. This time lets the devices cool down and indicates to your ISP, computers, and other devices that the router and modem are offline.

This step may not be necessary if you know what the problem is with the connection. Restart the router and modem when you don't know what's wrong.

Plug in the modem. If it doesn't power on in the first few seconds, press the Power button.

The modem is the device that your connection to the internet attaches to. For example, with cable-based internet service, the modem attaches to the coax cable from outside the home.

Wait at least 60 seconds. During this time, the modem authenticates with your ISP and is assigned a public IP address .

Most modems have four lights: a power light, a received light, a send light, and an activity light. When the first three lights are stable, the modem is fully powered on. If there's an internet light, wait for it to turn on to confirm that the modem is getting internet from your ISP.

Plug in the router. Some routers may require that you press a Power button. On a combination modem-router, skip this and the next step. The software in that device initiates things in the proper order.

The router is physically connected to the modem, so the device next to the modem is probably the router. Not all routers have an antenna, but many do, so if you see one or more of those, that's probably the router.

Wait at least 2 minutes. This gives the router time to boot up. It also gives computers, smartphones, and other devices that use the network time to get new private IP addresses assigned by the DHCP service in the router.

If you turned off the power for switches or other network hardware, power those back on. Then, wait a minute. If you have several devices, power them on from the outside-in, based on your network map.

When the router and modem restart, test to see if the problem went away.

It's not necessary to restart computers and other wireless devices, but you may need to if some of the devices are online and others aren't. Restart the computer the right way . If restarting isn't an option, renew your IP address by entering ipconfig /renew in Command Prompt.

If Rebooting Doesn't Work

If rebooting the router and modem didn't fix the problem, follow more specific troubleshooting methods for network or internet issues . If the modem has trouble getting a signal from your ISP (the first three lights aren't solid), contact your ISP for help. Otherwise, look closer at the network setup inside your home.

A Restart Doesn't Change Your Settings

There is a fundamental difference between resetting a router or modem and restarting or rebooting one. One is more temporary than the other and both are used for unique purposes.

The directions on this page are for restarting or rebooting a modem or router to shut them down and start them back up again without removing any settings or making any changes to the software.

To reset a router or modem is the short version of a factory reset of the device, which means removing the wireless settings and other configurations. Resetting puts the router or modem in its original default state before any changes were made to it, which includes reinstating the default router password, clearing the Wi-Fi password, deleting custom DNS servers, and more.

Reset a modem or router by using the Reset button that's usually located on the back or side of the device. Find out how to reset a router if you can't log in with the default password or if there's a bigger problem with the network hardware that rebooting doesn't fix.

Restarting (also known as rebooting) is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps you can take to fix what isn't working properly. Does Windows seem a little buggy today? Reboot the computer. Is your iPhone not connecting to Wi-Fi anymore? Restart your iPhone and try again.

It can be annoying when describing a problem to an IT department or a tech support agent and they suggest a restart or reboot right away, but the fact is, restarting fixes a lot of problems .

Restarting also fixes problems with network hardware, such as a digital modem (be it cable, DSL, satellite, or fiber) and a router. Did your smartphone and laptop both lose connection to the internet? Is your NAS no longer showing up on your desktop? Are your connected devices sluggish when it comes to streaming and browsing online? If so, reboot the router and modem. Rebooting network hardware corrects network and internet issues 75 percent of the time or more.

The router and modem must be restarted in the right order for the reboot to fix the problem. If the devices are not rebooted in the correct order, you could lose internet connectivity completely.

There is no hard and fast rule about how often to restart your router. For smoother performance overall, consider taking this step on some schedule outside of addressing sluggish network issues as they arise. You may prefer to create your own weekly or monthly routine or look to the router’s manufacturer for guidance.

If you want to try restarting your router alone from your computer or phone, you can do that in a few steps. Download a companion mobile app if it’s available or enter your router’s IP address in a web browser. Log in and look for a reboot or restart option. 

Power your modem/router off, wait at least 30 seconds, and power it back on again. Also, fully power down your PlayStation console and power it back on; don't use Sleep Mode.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• How to Fix It When Your Wi-Fi Network Is Not Showing Up
• How to Properly Reboot (Restart) a Windows Computer
• How to Fix a Red Light on a Modem
• How to Fix It When Samsung TV Apps Aren't Working
• How to Fix It When There's No Internet Connection
• How to Set Up a Router
• How to Fix Amazon Error Code 1060
• Hulu Error Codes: What They Are and How to Fix Them
• How to Fix a Vizio TV That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi
• How to Reset a Router Remotely
• How to Fix It When Roku Won't Connect to Wi-Fi or Internet
• How to Know if You Need a New Modem
• Is Reddit Down... Or Is It Just You?
• How to Reset a Netgear Router
• What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network
• How to Follow the 30-30-30 Hard Reset Rule for Routers

Home » DevOps » IP Addresses: Explained

IP Addresses: Explained

• Post author By Diana Bocco
• Post date June 25, 2024
• No Comments on IP Addresses: Explained

From your home computer to the sprawling servers of the Internet, every device relies on an IP address for communication.

Understanding IP addresses isn’t just for tech enthusiasts – it’s essential knowledge in our ever-growing, interconnected world.

Join us as we explain what an IP address is, how it works, the different types available, and why it’s a crucial component of life on the Internet.

What is an IP address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to a network.

This identifier, either a series of numbers, or numbers and letters, is what lets devices communicate with each other over the Internet. You can think of it as a mailing address for your computer, in that it tells other devices where to find you so they can send you information.

Without IP addresses, the Internet as we know it wouldn’t function. They’re essential for everything from browsing the web to sending emails, making all of our processes and communications possible.

TIP : Keep an eye on your IP addresses and get live alerts anytime it’s down! 

Start monitoring for FREE

How does an IP address work?

IP addresses act as the digital equivalent of a postal address, helping data to find its destination.

When you send or receive data online, your device uses its IP address to identify itself and communicate with other devices.

This process involves several (simplified) key steps:

• Data packaging : Data is broken into packets, each containing the sender’s and receiver’s IP addresses.
• Routing : Routers direct these packets across the internet, using the IP addresses to determine the best path.
• Reassembly : Once the packets reach their destination, they are reassembled into the original data.

This system makes sure that your data, whether it’s an important email, a web page request, or a funny cat video, reaches the right destination and returns correctly.

Types of IP addresses

IP addresses come in several types, each serving a unique purpose. Understanding these types and their quirks helps in managing network configurations and maintaining connectivity.

Public IP address

A public IP address is assigned to your device by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is used to identify your device on the global Internet.

This basic address is needed for external communication and allows other devices on the Internet to locate and connect to your device.

Static IP address

A static IP address is a permanent address assigned to a device that doesn’t change, unlike dynamic IPs.

They’re commonly used for resources that need to be reliably accessible at the same address , like hosting websites, servers, or other services requiring consistent access.

Users can obtain a static IP by requesting it from their ISP, often for an additional fee.

Private IP address

A private IP address is used within a local network , such as in homes or offices, and is not accessible from the Internet.

These IP addresses allow devices within the same network to communicate with each other without exposing them to the global Internet.

Routers assign private IP addresses from a reserved range, provided by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Multiple devices can share a single public IP address for Internet access using Network Address Translation (NAT).

Common private IP ranges include:

• 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
• 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
• 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Dynamic IP address

A dynamic IP address is temporarily assigned to a device each time it connects to the network. ISPs typically use dynamic addresses to manage and allocate their pool of IP addresses.

These addresses can change with each connection, making them suitable for general Internet use .

Dynamic IP addresses are assigned from a pool of available addresses and can vary each time you reconnect to the network, providing flexibility and guaranteeing more efficient use of the IP address space.

Special IP address ranges

Certain IP address ranges serve specific roles in network communication:

• 0.0.0.0: Designates a default network and acts as a placeholder for “any network.”
• 127.0.0.1: The loopback address, used to test network configurations on the local machine.
• 255.255.255.255: Utilized for broadcasting messages to all devices within a network.

IP address classes

IP addresses are categorized into different classes to accommodate various network sizes and functions:

• Class A: Spanning from 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255, this class is assigned to large networks with extensive device connections.
• Class B: Ranging from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255, it serves medium-sized networks.
• Class C: Covering 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255, it is designated for smaller networks.
• Class D: From 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255, this class is reserved for multicast transmissions, which are used for streaming media and other applications where data needs to be sent to multiple destinations simultaneously.
• Class E : Numbers from 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255 are set aside for experimental purposes and research.

IP address versions

IP addresses are available in two main versions, each with its own format and purpose. These versions are IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4 address

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the most widely used version of IP, and the one you’re probably most familiar with.

It uses a 32-bit address scheme allowing for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses . This format consists of four decimal numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods.

Example : 192.168.1.1

Despite its limitations, IPv4 is still around today, due to its simplicity and widespread use. Techniques like Network Address Translation (NAT) help to mitigate the address shortage by allowing multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IPv4 address.

Advantages:

• Simplicity and widespread adoption.
• Compatibility with most devices and networks.

Limitations:

• Limited address space, which then led to the creation of IPv6.
• Inefficient address allocation in some cases.

IPv6 address

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) was developed to combat the limitations of IPv4, particularly the lack of available addresses from the massive influx of new devices in need of IPs.

IPv6 uses a 128-bit address scheme, providing a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses.

An IPv6 address is formatted as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons, making the pool of potential addresses drastically larger, and able to accommodate the billions of devices in need.

Example : 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been gradual, with many networks and devices now supporting both versions through dual-stack implementation. However, full adoption of IPv6 is still ongoing.

• Incredibly large address space, eliminating the risk of address exhaustion.
• Improved routing efficiency and security features.
• Slower adoption due to the need for compatible hardware and software.
• Complexity in transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6.

How to look up an IP address

Looking up an IP address can provide valuable information about the domain or network associated with it. Here’s how you can gather data about an IP address:

• For General IP Information (WHOIS):

Windows, Mac, Linux : Use the command whois [IP address or domain] in the terminal or command prompt to retrieve details about the IP address, such as the owner of the domain, contact information, and more.

• For Local IP Addresses:

Windows : Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP addresses.

Mac : Open Terminal and type ifconfig to view your local network interfaces and their IP addresses.

Linux : Type ip addr show in the terminal to list all network interfaces and their IP configurations.

• For External IP Routing Path (Traceroute):

Windows : Use tracert [website or IP address] in Command Prompt to see the path packets take to reach an external IP address.

Mac/Linux : Use traceroute [website or IP address] in the Terminal to view the route packets follow to a specific destination.

By correctly using these tools, you can gather comprehensive data on both the network routing and registration details associated with an IP address.

In summary, understanding IP addresses is like having a master key to the Internet. They’re the unseen magic that lets our devices talk to each other, making the Internet work as intended.

Whether you’re troubleshooting or optimizing your network, knowing about IP addresses is a game-changer for keeping your digital life running smoothly.

Dive into tools for managing and looking up IP addresses, and you’ll master the art of maintaining a robust and secure network.

Tip: Do you want to monitor your devices with ease and clarity? Check out our ping monitoring services , and get 50 monitors for free!

Want more? Have a look at the answers to these common questions.

How can you hide your IP address?

Hiding your IP address can be done in a few ways:

• Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN masks your IP address by routing your Internet traffic through a remote server.
• Proxy servers: These act as intermediaries between your device and the internet, hiding your IP address from the websites you visit.
• Tor Network: Tor anonymizes your Internet activity by bouncing your connection through multiple servers worldwide.

What is IP Spoofing?

IP spoofing is a deceptive technique used by cyber attackers to impersonate another device’s IP address. This is often done to gain unauthorized access to networks, launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, or mask the attacker’s true identity. The technique involves altering the IP packet header to make traffic appear as if it is coming from a trusted, legitimate source.

DDoS amplification is a potent type of DDoS attack that leverages IP spoofing to enhance its impact. In these attacks, an attacker sends a small amount of spoofed traffic to reflector servers which, unaware of the spoofing, send a disproportionate amount of response traffic to the targeted IP address. 

This is known as amplification. Common protocols that are vulnerable to DDoS amplification attacks include DNS, NTP, SSDP, and LDAP, all of which can be exploited using UDP. These protocols, when abused, significantly increase the volume of traffic directed at the victim, overwhelming their resources and leading to service disruptions.

Should you use a VPN? Is it useful?

Using a VPN is highly recommended for protecting your online privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, protecting your data from eavesdroppers and hackers.

It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. For businesses, VPNs are essential for securing remote work connections and protecting sensitive information.

Written by Diana Bocco

Diana Bocco is a writer specializing in turning SaaS jargon into snappy, marketable content. As a freelance writer and copywriter, she's teamed up with some of the coolest brands in the SaaS, B2C, and marketing sectors, including UptimeRobot. Diana's specialty? Taking a brand's story and expertise and shaping it into content that drives traffic, generates valuable leads, and builds a tight-knit community.

Expert on: DevOps , Domain monitoring , Keyword Monitoring , Ping Monitoring , Port Monitoring , SSL Monitoring

Our content is peer-reviewed by our expert team to maximize accuracy and prevent miss-information.

Fact checked by Alex Ioannides

Alex is a seasoned professional with a natural knack for problem solving. He is currently serving as the Head of DevOps at itrinity, where he oversees the operations of all portfolio products, namely UptimeRobot, Mangools, EmailListVerify, and WarmupInbox. His role involves ensuring the seamless operation and ongoing improvement of these platforms.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.