how to change the ip address of my computer in windows 10

How To Change Your IP Address On Windows 10 (& Why You’d Want To)

We'll help you properly configure your network

When you connect to a local network, the device you’re using is given an IP address, allowing other devices to find and communicate with it, as well as signifying that the device itself has correctly authenticated. The larger the network, the more IP addresses that will be in use, which can cause some allocation issues.

In most cases, IP address allocation is determined by your local router, so to change your IP address on a Windows 10 PC, you’ll need to configure your network as a whole. Alternatively, you may want to set a static IP address , or change your public IP address for all your devices. To change your IP, here’s what you’ll need to do.

Why Change Your IP Address On Windows?

There are a couple of reasons why you might want to change your IP address.

Typically, a local network router will allocate a temporary IP address to your device when you connect using DHCP (the protocol used to assign IP addresses), giving it a temporary lease to that address. When the lease runs out, it will need to be renewed, otherwise you could be allocated a new address.

While this usually happens automatically, problems can sometimes occur. A poorly configured or busy local network, along with misconfigured devices, might result in the same IP address being allocated twice, causing conflicts. 

If this happens, you may wish to set a static IP address, giving your device a permanent address. You’ll want to do this for devices that are regularly accessed by other devices, such as home servers or network attached storage devices .

These all apply for local networks, but you may want to change the IP address given to you by your internet service provider. This can be trickier to do, but there are a few ways to change this address if your ISP allows it.

Configuring Your Network Router DHCP Settings

One of the easiest ways to change your IP address is to configure your network router to assign a new IP address. To do this, you should configure the DHCP settings on your router to assign IP addresses differently.

You could, for instance, set a static allocation for your Windows PC. When your device connects, your router will always assign the same IP address to it by using your device’s MAC address to identify it.

If you don’t want to do this, you could also change the IP range used by your local router. This means that your local IP address may still change from time to time, but the range of addresses will be different. Your IP address may change from 192.168.0.10 to 192.168.10.10 , for instance.

To do this, you’ll need to access your router’s administration page. This will vary by device, but typically, many local routers can be accessed by typing http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 from your web browser. Consult your user manual for the correct username and password to use here.

The steps to change your DHCP settings will also vary, but you’ll typically find DHCP settings listed under its own section (eg. DHCP ), while fixed IP allocations can be found under address allocation or similar.

Releasing DHCP Lease and Resetting Your Dynamic IP

Any changes you make to your router’s DHCP settings may require you to release or renew your Windows IP address using the Windows PowerShell.

• To do this from the Windows PowerShell, right-click the Start menu and click the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.

• In the PowerShell terminal window, type ipconfig /release to release your DHCP lease and disconnect. With your new settings in place, type ipconfig /renew to reconnect.

If your router settings have been correctly changed, releasing your DHCP lease and resetting your IP will result in a new IP address being allocated to your device.

Setting a Static IP Address On Windows 10

A static IP address can be achieved through a fixed DHCP allocation, but you can also set this manually in your Windows 10 settings. You may want to do this if you’re making a direct connection to another device. 

This may also work with your local router, but as your device is already being assigned an IP using DHCP, an IP conflict may occur. In this case, it’s better to use a fixed IP allocation to do this instead.

• To set a static IP address, open your network settings by right-clicking the Start menu and clicking the Network Connections option.

• In the Network Connections settings menu, press the Change connection properties option.

• Under the IP Settings category, press the Edit option.

• Change the IP allocation type to Manual . Enable either IPv4 or IPv6 , then type the static IP settings you wish to apply. An example configuration for an static IPv4 IP address would include 192.168.0.10 for IP address, 24 for subnet prefix length, and 192.168.0.1 for gateway (referring to your local router) and preferred DNS server. Click Save once you’re done.

Once saved, your IP address settings will be applied automatically. You may need to release your existing IP using the steps above or restart your PC for the changes to take effect fully.

Change Your Public IP Address On Windows 10

Your public IP address is the address assigned by your internet service provider, giving you access to the internet. This is assigned to your modem (which is usually combined with your network router, but not always), allowing all other connected network devices to the internet, too.

Changing this address can sometimes be difficult. You’ll need to check if you’re assigned a dynamic (temporary) or static IP address by your ISP first. If you’re assigned a static public IP, your ISP will need to change this for you.

For dynamic IP addresses, you can usually reset this by switching your network modem off for a period of time. By doing this, you’re disconnecting your device from your ISP.

As with your local network, your public IP lease will eventually run out, meaning you may be allocated a new IP address at this point. However, this isn’t guaranteed to work, and you may need to try another method.

If your public IP address won’t change, there are other methods you could try. Using a virtual private network , will hide your public IP as you browse online, for instance.

Configuring Your Network On Windows 10

Whether you’re configuring a server for your network (or for wider internet users), or you just want to free up allocations for other devices, it’s an easy process to change your IP address on Windows 10, although much of the work relies on being able to access your router to properly configure your network.

If your network configuration is causing problems, you may wish to reset your network router to wipe the slate clean and start again. IP allocation issues might be why you’re struggling with network connection issues, but thankfully, there are several ways to fix unidentified network problems on Windows 10.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing. Read Ben's Full Bio

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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

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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 2,546,719 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 0 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

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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.

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How to Change IP Address on Windows 10

By Victor Ashiedu

Published March 20, 2020

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This Itechguide teaches you how to change your IP address on Windows 10. The guide covers steps for 3 methods to change IP address in Windows 10.

Option 1: Change IP Address from Adapter Settings

• Right-click the Windows 10 Start menu and click Settings .

• On the Windows Settings screen, click Network & Internet .

• When Network status setting opens, scroll down to Change your network settings and click Change adapter options . Network connections will open and display all network connections on your computer.

• On Network connections , double-click the adapter you want to change the DNS. The Properties of the adapter will open.

• On the properties of the adapter, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to highlight it. Then, click Properties .

• Finally, on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties , select Use the following IP address .

• Then, enter the IP address , Subnet mask , and Default gateway and click OK.

Option 2: Change IP Address with Command Prompt

• Type command prompt in the search box. Then, from the search result, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator .

• If you receive a User Account Control confirmation, click Yes .
• On Command Prompt, type the command below and click enter.
• Then, on the netsh prompt, type the command below and press enter.

• Finally, to change IP address on Windows 10 with command prompt, type the netsh command in the format shown below and press enter.

Change: “interface name for your network adapter” to the name of the network adapter you want to set an IP address for. IP_address to the IP address you want to set. SUBNET_MASK to the Subnet mask you want to set. DEFAULT_GATEWAY to your default gateway.

• Here is an actual command…

Option 3: Change IP Address with PowerShell

• Type powershell in the Windows 10 search box. Then, beneath Windows PowerShell , click Run as Administrator .

• If you receive a User Account Control confirmation prompt, click Yes .
• On the PowerShell prompt, type the command below and press enter.
• The command lists the basic information for all the network adapters on your PC.

• Finally, to change IP address on Windows 10 with PowerShell, type the New-NetIPAddress Cmdlet in the format shown below and press enter.
• Here is an actual command to change the IP address for the adapter with the Interface Index of 22.
• When you ran the last command, if you receive an error message, use the Set-NetIPAddress Cmdlet to modify the configuration of an IP existing address. Here is the general format:
• Here is an actual command to change the IP address for a card with an Interface Index of 22 to 192.168.0.20.

It is very easy to change IP address on Windows 10! I hope you found this Itechguide helpful.

If you were able to change IP address on your Windows 10 PC, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below. You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.

Finally, for more Windows 10 Itechguides, visit our Windows 10 How-To page.

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How to Change Your IP Address

If you need to spoof your IP address, there are a few ways to do it

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What to Know

• Windows: Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings and follow the instructions below.
• Mac: System Preferences > Network . Select a network > Advanced . Go to the TCP/IP tab and select Manually . Enter info.
• iOS: Open Settings > Wi-Fi , tap the circled i next to the network, select Configure IP > Manual . Set up the new IP.

This article explains how to change your IP address manually by switching from the router's assigned DHCP address to a static one on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It also covers how to change your router's public IP address, which appears as the public IP address of every device on the network unless you use a VPN.

You can also get a new IP by releasing and renewing your IP .

Change a Windows Computer's IP Address

If your Windows computer has the IP address set up as a static one, change the IP address as follows:

Open Control Panel and select Network and Sharing Center . If you don't see it, first select Network and Internet .

Choose Change adapter settings .

Double-click the connection that you want to change the IP address on. For example, to change the wireless adapter's IP address, double-click the one that mentions Wi-Fi.

Select Properties .

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .

Either alter the IP address or select Obtain an IP address automatically to have the router control the IP address.

If you leave the setting to obtain an IP address automatically, the router automatically assigns an IP address to the computer. However, when you enter the IP address information, the computer's IP address stays static.

Leave Obtain DNS server address automatically selected. Otherwise, your DNS server settings remain empty, which may cause other connection issues.

Change a Mac Computer's IP Address

Here's how to change the IP address on a Mac.

Open the System Preferences app on the Mac and select Network .

Select your Wi-Fi network in the left panel and click Advanced .

Select the TCP/IP tab.

Select Manually in the drop-down menu next to Configure IPv6 (or iPv4) and enter the information for the new IP.

Change a Phone's IP Address on iPhone

You can also change the IP address on a mobile device such as the Apple iPhone as follows:

Open the  Settings  app and select Wi-Fi .

Tap the small ( i ) next to the network and select Configure IP .

Choose Manual . Enter the network details manually, such as your IP address and DNS information.

The choice of a specific local IP address does not affect the network performance in any meaningful way.

Change a Phone's IP Address on Android

It's also possible to change an Android device's IP to a static IP on your network.

Android phones can vary depending on the manufacturer of the device. Some manufacturers alter the Android OS to meet their specifications, which means the steps you need to follow may differ slightly from those listed here. These steps should apply to most Android devices.

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi .

Tap the network that you want to change the IP address for.

Select Forget .

Tap the network from the list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Select Advanced options .

Choose Static .

Scroll down and fill out the IP address fields.

Enter the Wi-Fi password at the top of the screen.

Select Connect .

Change a Router's IP Address

To change the router's IP address, log in to the router as an administrator. From the control panel, change the IP address to whatever you like. However, this IP address is usually changed when there's a problem with it. The default IP address should suffice for most situations.

How to Change Your Public IP Address

An external public IP address is the address used to communicate with networks outside of your own, such as those on the internet. Use a VPN to mask or hide your real IP address. You can also use a web proxy to mask your public IP.

Why Change Your IP Address?

Some ISPs assign static IP addresses to their subscribers. Home users are commonly configured with a dynamic IP address . Either way, you may be able to contact your ISP to request a new static IP or a dynamic IP change. You can't change your external internet IP address on your own.

Some people change their public external IP address to avoid online bans or bypass country location restrictions that some sites impose on video content.

Changing the IP address of a client computer, phone, or router is useful when:

• An invalid address is accidentally configured, such as a static IP address in the wrong numeric range.
• A malfunctioning router provides bad addresses, such as an address used by another computer on the network.
• Installing a new router and reconfiguring a home network to use its default IP address range.

No. There are many reasons someone may want to change their IP address. However, if you're on a work setup or have a home network running, messing with IP addresses can sometimes cause headaches, so make sure you know what you're doing.

It's possible but not probable. If you're power-cycling your router , the address likely won't change. Still, if you reset your router to factory defaults, it's more likely the device will assign new addresses.

Yes, you can. However, you need third-party software. A VPN , or virtual private network, gives you unique IP addresses in places anywhere on earth.

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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

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Technology Simplified.

How to Change IP Address in Windows 10

By: Waseem Patwegar | Filed Under: Windows

Sometimes, you may find the need to modify or change the IP Address of your computer. You will find below the steps to Change IP Address in Windows 10.

Change IP Address in Windows 10

In a typical Networking setup, the IP Address of Modem/Router is assigned by the ISP (Internet Service Provider), which in-turn assigns a unique Private IP Address to your computer.

While most users never find the need to change or even check the IP Address of their computers, those working on a large network may sometimes find the need to change IP Address of their computer.

Hence, we are providing below an easy way to Change IP Address in Windows 10.

Step#1. Find Router IP Address

The first step is to note down the IP Address of Router (DHCP Server Entry) and also the Subnet Mask Address . These will be required, when you change your computers IP Address in the next step.

1. Type Command Prompt in Windows search bar > right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Admin .

2. In Command Prompt window, type ipconfig/all and press the Enter key.

3. Once the command is executed, scroll down the list of entries and note down Subnet Mask Address and the DHCP Server Address (Router IP Address)

4. Close the Command Prompt window.

Step#2. Change IP Address Using Settings

After noting down Subnet Mask and DHCP Server Address, follow the steps below to change the IP Address of your computer.

1. Go to Settings > click on Network & Internet .

2. On the next screen, select your Network type ( WiFi or Ethernet) in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Change adapter options link under “Related Settings”.

3. On the next screen, right-click on your active Network (WiFi or Ethernet) and click on Properties .

4. On the properties screen, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties .

5. On IPv4 properties screen, select Use the following IP Address option > Enter Default Gateway (DHCP Server Address), Subnet Mask Address , New IP Address and click on OK .

As you can see in above image, the first 3 number sets (192.175.0) in IP Address Field need to be the same as the Router IP Address (DHCP Server entry) and you can only change the last number set with any number from 1 to 255.

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

How to configure a static IP on Windows 10 or 11

Do you need to switch from a dynamic to a static IP address configuration on Windows 11 or 10? Here's how.

• Windows 11 static IP
• Windows 10 static IP

On Windows, the router's Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is (usually) responsible for assigning a dynamic Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) configuration to every device in the network, including to your computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Although a dynamic IP address is the recommended configuration for most situations, you may need to change to a static IP address if you're thinking about setting up a printer or file sharing, or you have to configure port forwarding on the router to your computer.

The reason is that a dynamic network configuration can change at any time after the lease from the DHCP expires and if the address changes, network resources you may have configured will stop working. Setting a static IP address will always stay the same on the computer, allowing a more reliable experience sharing resources in the network or forwarding ports.

Whatever the reason, on Windows 10 and 11, you have many ways to configure a static TCP/IP address, including using the Settings app and Command Prompt.

This guide will walk you through the different ways to configure a static network configuration on Windows 11 and 10.

How to set a static TCP/IP network configuration on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can change your computer's dynamic IP configuration to static in at least two ways through the Settings app or commands.

Configure IP from Settings app

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To assign a permanent TCP/IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Open  Settings .
• Click on  Network & internet .
• (Optional) Click on Advanced network settings .
• Under the "More settings" section, click on Hardware and connection properties.
• Note the current IPv4 ,  Subnet mask ,  Default Gateway , and  DNS server addresses to determine the new configuration, as it has to be in the same network scope.
• Click the  Ethernet  or  Wi-Fi  page on the right side from the "Network & internet." page.

• Quick note:  If you select the Wi-Fi page, you need to click on the connection properties to access the network settings.
• Click on the  Edit  button for the "IP assignment" setting.

• Select the  Manual  option from the drop-down menu.
• Turn on the  IPv4  toggle switch.
• Confirm the IP address for the computer – for example, 10.1.4.90.
• Confirm the subnet mask for the configuration – for example, 255.255.255.0.
• Confirm the default gateway address (usually your router's IP) – for example, 10.1.4.1.
• Confirm the preferred DNS address – for example, 10.1.4.1.

•   Quick note:  In a home network, you may also be able to use the router's IP address for the DNS configuration. You can also use third-party DNS services like Google Public DNS, Cloudflare, Cisco's OpenDNS, and others. 
• (Optional) Select the  "On (automatic template)"  option for the "DNS over HTTPS" setting and leave the  "Fallback to plaintext"  option disabled unless you want to encrypted as well as unencrypted traffic or you're troubleshooting connectivity.
• Quick note:  DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a feature that encrypts the DNS queries over the HTTPS protocol to improve security and privacy on the internet. You only want to enable this feature if the DNS server supports this feature.
• Confirm the alternate DNS address (if applicable).
• (Optional) Select the  "On (automatic template)"  option for the "DNS over HTTPS" setting and leave the  "Fallback to plaintext"  option disabled.
• Click the  Save  button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will start using the static network configuration. If everything has been configured correctly, you should be able to open the web browser to access the internet.

If you entered an address (such as the DNS address) and then changed it, you probably won't be able to save the settings. If this is the case, cancel the configuration, start over, enter the correct configuration, and then try to save the settings.

Configure IP from Command Prompt

To set a static TCP/IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Open  Start .
• Search for  Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the  Run as administrator  option.
• Type the following command to see your current networking configuration and press  Enter : ipconfig /all
• Confirm the name of the adapter and the networking configuration, including the IPv4 , Subnet mask , Default Gateway , and DNS Servers .

• Type the following command to configure a static TCP/IP address and press  Enter :  netsh interface ip set address name= "ADAPTER-NAME" static IP-ADDRESS SUBNET-ADDRESS DEFAULT-GATEWAY-ADDRESS

In the above command, replace  ADAPTER-NAME  with the name of your network adapter. Change  IP-ADDRESS SUBNET-ADDRESS    DEFAULT-GATEWAY-ADDRESS  with the device IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway addresses you want. For example, this command sets the 10.1.4.90, 255.255.255.0, 10.1.4.1 configuration:  netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet 10Gb" static 10.1.4.90 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1

• Type the following command to set a DNS server address and press  Enter :  netsh interface ip set dns name="ADAPTER-NAME" static DNS-ADDRESS  

In the command, change  ADAPTER-NAME  with your adapter's name and  DNS-ADDRESS  with the DNS server address of the network. For example, this command sets the local router as the DNS server:  netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet 10Gb" static 10.1.4.1

• Type the following command to set an alternate DNS server address and press  Enter :  netsh interface ip add dns name="ADAPTER-NAME" DNS-ADDRESS index=2

In the command, change  ADAPTER-NAME  with the adapter's name and  DNS-ADDRESS  with an alternate DNS server address. For example, netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet 10Gb" 1.1.1.1 index=2

After you complete the steps, the commands will set a static network configuration on Windows 11.

How to set a static TCP/IP network configuration on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can also use the Settings app and Command Prompt to set up a static IP network configuration.

To assign a permanent TCP/IP configuration on Windows 10, use these steps:

• Click on  Ethernet  or  Wi-Fi .
• Click on the active connection on the right side.

• Click the  Edit  button for the "IP assignment" setting.

• Select the  Manual  option.
• Confirm the subnet prefix length (subnet mask) for the configuration – for example, 24 to specify the 255.255.255.0 subnet mask.

• Quick tip:  It's important to use the number that represents the network instead of the subnet mask. Otherwise, the configuration won't save. If you don't know the subnet prefix length for your subnet mask, you can use any  online subnet calculator  to find out.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will start using the static IP configuration. If you lose network connectivity, restart the computer to regain access to the local network and internet.

To change from dynamic to static IP address with commands on Windows 10, use these steps:

In the command, change  ADAPTER-NAME  with your adapter's name and  DNS-ADDRESS  with the DNS server address of the network. For example, this command sets the local router as the DNS server:  netsh interface ip set dns name=" Ethernet 10Gb" static 10.1.4.1

In the command, change  ADAPTER-NAME  with the adapter's name and  DNS-ADDRESS  with an alternate DNS server address. For example, netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet0" 1.1.1.1 index=2

After you complete the steps, the network configuration will switch from dynamic to static on Windows 10.

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

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Find your IP address in Windows

For wi-fi connection.

Select Start >  Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and then select the Wi-Fi network you're connected to.

Under Properties , look for your IP address listed next to IPv4 address .

Open Wi-Fi setting

For Ethernet connection

Select  Start  > Settings > Network & internet >  Ethernet .

Under Properties , look for your IP address listed next to IPv4 address .

On the taskbar, select Wi-Fi network  > the Wi-Fi network you're connected to > Properties .

On the taskbar, select the Ethernet network icon > the Ethernet network connection.

Under Ethernet, select the Ethernet network connection.

Under Properties, look for your IP address listed next to IPv4 address.

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How to change your IP address on Windows

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This artcile was updated and refreshed November 2023 .

We discuss how to change the IP address of your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device. This doesn’t change your IP address on the internet, although we’ll look at that as well. 

Changing your IP address on Windows

How to change your external ip address on windows, how to hide your external ip on windows using proton vpn, change your windows ip address using a vpn router, how to change your local ip address on windows, why change your local ip address on windows.

• Local IPv4 vs. IPv6 addresses
• How to change your IP address on Windows 10
• How to change your IP address on Windows 11

Frequently asked questions

An IP address uniquely identifies every device connected directly to a network. Networks can be large or small. Large networks are known as wide area networks (WANs), the most notable example being the internet. 

Local area networks (LANs) are small networks that connect devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or school. Devices connected to a local area network usually connect to the internet via a router and modem. 

Learn more about IP addresses

In this article, we look both at how to change your Windows device’s external IP address that websites, P2P peers, and apps see and also how to change its local IP address that other devices on your local area network use to identify it. 

Your external IP address is the IP address you use to connect to the internet. It’s the IP address that anyone on the internet sees, including websites, P2P peers, and the backend servers that your apps connect to. Your external IP address is assigned to you by your internet service provider (ISP).

Most Windows devices connect indirectly to the internet via a WiFi or wired Ethernet connection to a router. The router then connects to a modem (these two are often combined into the same device), which connects to the internet.

In this scenario, your Windows PC’s external IP address that anyone on the internet can see is actually your router’sIP address. All devices that connect to the internet via that router will share the same external IP address (unless you somehow hide your IP address).  

There are several ways to hide your Windows device’s IP address when using the internet, including:

• Tor browser
• Proxy servers
• A virtual private network (VPN)

All of these methods route your internet connection to another computer so that you appear to access the internet from that computer’s IP address (in the case of Tor, your connection is routed through a series of “nodes”, so you appear to access the internet from the last “exit node” in the chain). This is known as proxying your connection. 

Of these ways to proxy your connection, the most effective, useful, and convenient method is to use a commercial VPN service such as Proton VPN . We are a 100% free VPN service with no logs , no data restrictions , and no artificial speed limits . 

We offer this free service because we believe privacy is a fundamental human right that should be available to everyone. If you want to support our mission and access a range of premium features, such as NetShield Ad-blocker , more than 3,000 servers in more than 65 countries, the ability to stream content from around the world, and more , you can sign up for a premium plan .

1 Sign up for a free Proton VPN account .

2. Download the Proton VPN Windows app

3. Open Windows Explorer , go to your Downloads folder, and double-click the ProtonVPN_win_vxxx.exe installation file you just downloaded.

• If a new window pops up asking Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? , click Yes.
• If installing for the first time, the OpenVPN TAP adapter installation windows will appear. Click Next . 
• The Windows .NET framework might also be required. If prompted, follow the instructions to install Windows .NET as well.

4. Select your preferred setup language, click Next , and follow the wizard to install the app onto your Windows system. 

5. Open the app and sign in using your Proton Account login details. 

6. Click Quick Connect to let the app pick the best server for your location. 

Alternatively, you can manually choose a country or server to connect to. If you are on our Free plan, you can connect to servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. If you are on one of our premium plans, you can connect to one of over 1700 servers in over 60 countries. 

Your real IP address is now hidden so that it cannot be seen by websites, P2P peers, or other observers on the internet.

To make sure your IP address changed, visit a website such as ip.me (new window) with and without the VPN connection. 

Another way to change the external IP address of your Windows PC is to connect it to a VPN router. This is a router configured to route all devices connected to the internet through it (including Windows devices) through a VPN service such as Proton VPN.

Learn how to configure Proton VPN on your router

Your local IP address is the IP address that your Windows device uses on your local area network (LAN). Your router uses it to send incoming data to the correct device, and other devices on the same local network can see your device’s local IP address. 

A common type of LAN is the home network, where all your household’s laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart devices, games consoles, smart TVs, and other internet-capable devices connect to the internet via a router and modem supplied by your internet service provider (ISP). 

Devices connected to a LAN do not connect directly to the internet, so no one on the internet can see their IP addresses. They see your modem’s IP address (unless it’s proxied — see above).

Below, we look at how to change your local IP address on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This changes your devices’ IP address on your LAN but doesn’t affect the IP address seen on the internet because that’s your modem’s IP address. 

By default, most routers dynamically assign IP addresses to devices on a local network using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) (new window) . 

This means the IP address to your Windows PC may change depending on your network configuration (for example, when you take your Windows laptop out of the house and then return with it).

If other devices on your network access your Windows PC via its IP address, it’s a good idea to configure a static IP for it that your router will not change. For example, this would be useful if you use your Windows device as a media or LAN games server.

Local IPv4 vs IPv6 addresses

Windows 10, Windows 11, and most modern routers can use IPv6. Globally, Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) addresses are running out. To solve this problem, the much longer Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address system is being rolled out, which vastly increases the number of addresses available.

However, the local IP addresses issued by your router are for private use only and are not affected by the IPv4 global shortage. So while it is possible to configure your Windows device to use an IPv6 address, there’s little point in doing so. 

Learn more about IPv4 vs. IPv6

How to change your local IP address on Windows 10

1. Go to Start → Settings

2. Select Network & Internet  

3. Select your internet connection ( WiFi or Ethernet ) and click on Properties .

4. Go to IP settings → IP assignment → Edit .

5. Click Automatic (DHCP) and select Manual from the dropdown menu.

6. Toggle the IPv4 switch on . 

7. Fill in the IP settings.

• IP address — This can be any numeric value in the 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 IP address range.
• Subnet prefix length — 24
• Gateway — Enter the IP address of the router or modem your PC is connected to. This is usually either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1
• Preferred DNS — Enter the IP address of a DNS server or DNS service (for example, 9.9.9.9 for Quad9).

Click Save when you’re done. 

8. You’ve successfully changed your IP address.

How to change your local IP address on Windows 11

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Go to Network & internet and select your network interface ( Ethernet or WiFi ).

3. If you have an Ethernet connection, click on IP assignment → Edit .

If you have a WiFi connection, click Hardware properties …

Followed by IP assignmen t → Edit .

4. Click Automatic (DHCP) and select Manual from the dropdown menu.

5. Toggle the IPv4 switch On . 

6. Fill in the IP settings.

• IP address — This can be any numeric value in the 1 92.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 IP address range.
• Subnet mask — If you know your subnet mask address, enter it. If not, enter 255.255.255.0 .
• Gateway — Enter the IP address of the router or modem your PC is connected to. This is usually either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 .
• Preferred DNS — Enter the IP address of a DNS server or DNS service (for example, 9.9.9.9)
• Preferred DNS encryption — Choose the level of DNS encryption you prefer (if DNS server supports it).

7. You’ve successfully changed your IP address.

Troubleshooting

If you can no longer connect to the internet after making these changes, there are two possible reasons:

1. Two or more devices on your network have the same IP address

Check the IP addresses of all devices on your network and manually change any that have the same IP address using the instructions above.

2. Incorrect subnet mask

To find the name of your network’s subnet mask, Open the Command Prompt ap or Windows PowerShell app and enter the following command:

Look for the Subnet Mask entry under your Ethernet or Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi connection.

To change the external IP address of your laptop or PC that anyone on the internet sees, you’ll need to use an external service such as Tor or Proton VPN. Proton VPN offers apps for Windows , macOS , Linux , and Chrome OS (via our Android app ). If you’re not sure what operating system (the software that underpins how all your apps can run and work together and allows you to interact with your apps) you’re using, then it’s most likely Windows. This guide also shows you how to change the local IP address on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and laptops. This only changes the IP address of your computer on your local network.

When configuring the IP address on most devices (including Windows 11 devices), you’ll be asked to enter the subnet mask (which in most cases will be 255.255.255.0). On Windows 10, however, you’ll be asked to enter the subnet prefix length instead. A subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 translates into a subnet prefix length of 24 bits, so in most cases, you should enter 24. If your subnet mask is not 255.255.255.0, you can use a subnet calculator (new window) to determine the correct subnet prefix length for your subnet mask.

Related articles

How-To Geek

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

It's easy enough to change an IP address on your PC using Control Panel, but did you know you can also do it from the Command Prompt?

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.

How to change from static to dynamic IP address on Windows 10

Are you using a static IP address? Here are four ways to switch to a dynamic configuration on Windows 10.

On Windows 10, you can configure a network adapter to use a static IP address manually, or you can use an automatically assigned configuration using the local Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.

Although using a static IP address is recommended for devices that provide services to network users, as its configuration never changes, it may come a time when you may no longer need this configuration, and a dynamically assigned network configuration will be more suited.

If you use a static IP address and need to switch to a dynamic configuration, it’s possible to perform this task in several ways, including using the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and even PowerShell.

In this guide , you’ll learn the steps to remove a static IP address configuration to obtain a dynamic configuration from the DHCP server on Windows 10 .

Change to dynamic IP address (DHCP) from Settings

Change to dynamic ip address (dhcp) from command prompt, change to dynamic ip address (dhcp) from powershell, change to dynamic ip address (dhcp) from control panel.

To enable DHCP to obtain a TCP/IP configuration automatically on Windows 10, use these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 10.

Click on Network & Internet .

Click on Ethernet or Wi-Fi .

Click the network connection.

Under the “IP settings” section, click the Edit button.

Use the Edit IP settings drop-down menu and select the Automatic (DHCP) option.

Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the networking stack configuration will reset, and your device will request an IP address from the DHCP server (usually your router).

To switch from a static TCP/IP configuration to a dynamically assigned configuration using DHCP with Command Prompt, use these steps:

Open Start .

Search for Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to note the name of the network adapter and press Enter

Type the following command to configure the network adapter to obtain its TCP/IP configuration using DHCP and press Enter :

In the command, make sure to change “Ethernet1” for the adapter’s name that you want to configure.

After completing the steps, the network adapter will stop using a static IP address, and it’ll obtain a configuration automatically from the DHCP server.

To remove a static IP and DNS addresses to use a dynamic configuration using PowerShell, use these steps:

Search for PowerShell , right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to note the “InterfaceIndex” number for the network adapter and press Enter :

Type the following command to enable the network adapter to obtain its TCP/IP configuration using DHCP and press Enter :

In the command, make sure to change “Ethernet0” for the adapter’s name that you want to configure.

Type the following command to enable the network adapter to obtain its DNS configuration using DHCP and press Enter :

In the command, change “3” for the InterfaceIndex for the adapter to configure.

Once you complete the steps, the IP and DNS addresses will be reset from the adapter, and your computer will receive a new dynamic configuration from DHCP.

To configure a network adapter to use a dynamic IP address using Control Panel, use these steps:

Open Control Panel .

Click on Network and Internet .

Click on Network and Sharing Center .

On the left pane, click the “Change adapter settings” option.

Right-click the network adapter and select the  Properties option.

Select the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.

Click the Properties button.

Select the “Obtain an IP address automatically” option.

Select the “Obtain the following DNS server address automatically” option.

Click the OK button.

After completing the steps, the statically assigned TCP/IP configuration will no longer be available, and the computer will automatically request a dynamic network configuration from the network.

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter) , YouTube , LinkedIn and About.me . Email him at [email protected] .

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How to access router settings

Discover the power of network customization

Tools and requirements

• Step-by-step guide

How to find your IP address

Final thoughts, you might also like....

Do you want to take control of your home or office network? Accessing your router settings opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to customize and manage various aspects of your network experience. 

By navigating through your router's configurations, you can fine-tune wireless settings, strengthen security, troubleshoot issues, and create a network tailored to your needs. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to access your router settings, including how to find your IP address. Are you ready to optimize your network for peak performance? Let's dive in!

• A router 
• A device connected to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
• Your IP address

You can find your IP address by looking at the router itself or checking your computer or mobile phone. We'll cover seven of the most common options: Router, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Mac, Android, and iPhone.

Step-by-step guide for how to access router settings

1. find password.

Next, you'll need your username and password. If you haven't changed these, the default credentials are usually found in the router's manual or on a sticker on the router itself.

Some routers also use a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) PIN as a security feature to facilitate connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network. If your router has this, make a note of this as well.

If you can't find your username, password, or PIN, there are a few other options you can try.

You can visit the official website of the router manufacturer. Many manufacturers provide default login information for their routers on their websites. If you can't find the information online, contact the manufacturer's customer support, who may be able to provide you with the default login credentials.

If all else fails, you can perform a factory reset on your router. Keep in mind that this will erase all custom configurations, and you'll need to set up your router again. To reset the router, locate the reset button on your router. It is usually a small button that may require a paperclip or a similar tool to press. Press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds until the router lights flash. Release the reset button, and the router will reboot to its factory settings.

3. Open your router settings page

Open a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, and type the router's IP address into the address bar of your web browser.

You should now see the login page for your router. The example in the screenshot shows the Virgin Media Super Hub. You will see the router access page for your provider.

Enter your password and username or PIN.

4. Access router settings and make changes

Once logged in, you will have access to the router's settings. The layout and options may vary, but common settings include wireless settings, security options, and network configurations.

You can configure various settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords, security protocols, port forwarding, and more. Be cautious while making changes, as incorrect settings can affect your network's functionality.

After making any changes, remember to log out of the router's interface for security reasons.

Check on your router itself to see if it displays the router IP address we need to access the settings page. You should also make a note of the password and PIN, as we're going to need that later on.

You can find your router IP address on a Windows device in the command prompt window.

To open the Windows Command Prompt, click the Start button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Type Command Prompt or cmd into the search bar. Select Command Prompt from the search results.

Type ipconfig /all and press enter. Under the heading Wireless LAN or similar, you'll see an IP address next to Default Gateway. This is your router IP address.

To find out your Router IP address, you'll need to open the terminal.

Methods for opening the terminal vary slightly depending on which Linux distro you're using, but you should be able to access it from your applications or by entering Ctrl + Alt + T. 

Once inside the terminal, type ip r and hit return. The first IP address returned will be your Router IP address.

4. Chromebook

To get your router's IP address on a ChromeOS device, click the clock at the bottom right of your screen and select the gear icon. Click Network, then Wi-Fi. Select your Wi-Fi router. You'll find the router's IP address next to Gateway.

If you're using a MacOS device, go to System Settings and Network: Wi-Fi. Click Details on your connection, and you'll find the address next to Router.

Open the Settings app on your Android device and select the Wi-Fi or Network and Internet option. Find the connected Wi-Fi network and tap on it, then look for an option like Network details. The exact wording may vary depending on your device. Your router IP address will be displayed here. It may be called the Gateway or Router IP.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to Wi-Fi Settings. Find the connected Wi-Fi network and tap the (i) icon next to its name. This icon is typically located on the right side of the network name. In the network details, look for the Router or Gateway field. This field contains the IP address of your router.

Now that you've successfully accessed your router settings, you can take a closer look at your network settings and modify them to suit your preferences and requirements.

You can strengthen your network's security by updating Wi-Fi passwords, changing security protocols, and enabling features like MAC address filtering. You can also keep an eye on the list of connected devices to your network. This enables you to detect unauthorized devices and troubleshoot any connectivity issues.

You can also set up port forwarding, check firmware, and prioritize network traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

However, you should remember that making changes to your router settings should be approached with caution. Incorrect configurations can impact your network's functionality. Always refer to your router's documentation for guidance, and if in doubt, consult your router manufacturer's support. After making adjustments, ensure you log out of the router's interface to uphold security measures.

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• What is an IP address?
• The best Wi-Fi routers
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Emma Street is a freelance content writer who contributes technology and finance articles to a range of websites, including TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Top10.com, and BestMoney. Before becoming a freelance writer, she worked in the fintech industry for more than 15 years in a variety of roles, including software developer and technical writer. Emma got her first computer in 1984 and started coding games in BASIC at age 10. (Her long, rambling, [and probably unfinishable] Land of Zooz series still exists on a 5-inch floppy disk up in her parents' loft somewhere.) She then got distracted from coding for a few decades before returning to university in her thirties, getting a Computing Science degree, and realizing her ambition of becoming a fully-fledged geek. When not writing about tech and finance, Emma can be found writing about films, relationships, and tea. She runs a tea blog called TeaFancier.com and holds some very strong opinions about tea. She has also written a bunch of romance novels and is aided at work by a tech-savvy elderly cat who ensures Emma fully understands all the functions of the F keys so she can quickly undo whatever the cat has just activated while walking over the keyboard.

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