Tracking down your IP address on Windows 11 can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack—especially if you’re not quite sure where to start. It can be a pain trying to figure out if you’re looking at the right network info or if a certain method will actually show your IP. But honestly, with a couple of simple steps, you can sort it out faster than you’d think — and sometimes more reliably than using third-party sites. Plus, knowing your IP can help troubleshoot connection issues or just scratch that curiosity about what’s happening behind the scenes.
The thing is, there are a few straightforward ways to find your IP address. The official route through Settings is usually the easiest and most visual for most folk, but the Command Prompt works like a charm if you want a quick line of info. Just keep in mind that on some setups, like using a VPN or different network configurations, your IP info might look a bit different or be harder to find. That’s normal, and a sign you might need to peek directly at your network details or check your connection.
How to Find Your IP Address on Windows 11
Open Settings — the easy first step
First up, head over to the Start menu and click on Settings. You can also just press Win + I to get there faster. That opens up the main hub where all your network info lives — plus a bunch of other settings you might not need right now.
Navigate to Network & Internet — where all the magic happens
Once you’re in Settings, click on Network & Internet from that sidebar. It’s where Windows keeps all the info about Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPNs, and the like. On some builds, you might have to go to Advanced network settings for more detail, but for most cases, the main page is plenty.
Check your network status and click Properties
In the Status section, you’ll see your current connection — whether it’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and an option to click Properties right underneath. Clicking that opens a window with all sorts of network info. Sometimes, your IP info is tucked away in there, so don’t stress if it’s not immediately obvious.
Find your IP addresses — IPv4 and IPv6 in plain sight
Scroll down a bit in the Properties window and look for IPv4 address and IPv6 address. That’s your local IP address, which is what most troubleshooting or local network work needs. The IPv4 is the classic four-block address; the IPv6 is a newer, longer format, but not everyone uses it or needs it.
On some setups, your IP might refresh or change after a reboot, especially if it’s a dynamic IP. So, if you’re troubleshooting ongoing issues, it’s worth checking again after restarting or reconnecting.
Command Prompt method — quick as a flash
If you prefer a quick and dirty way, open Command Prompt (search for it in Start, or press Win + R, type cmd) and type ipconfig. Hit Enter, and you’ll get a heap of info. Look for the “IPv4 Address” line — usually something like 192.168.x.x. It’s not as detailed as the Settings method, but deadset reliable and quick as.
Note: If your network isn’t active or is disabled, this might not show an IP. Also, if you’re behind a VPN or proxy, that address might be different or hidden altogether.
Other tricks if needed — check the router or online tools
Sometimes, the IP address your device shows isn’t what’s visible publicly — or you’re just curious about your public IP. For that, check out sites like whatismyip.com, or just Google “What’s my IP”, and it’ll show it at the top of the page. But keep in mind, that’s your *public* IP, not the local one Windows shows you.
And if things seem a bit wonky or your IP isn’t showing as expected, double-check that your network adapter is enabled. You can do this via Device Manager or your network troubleshooter.
Tips for Finding Your IP on Windows 11
- Use Command Prompt: Type
ipconfigfor a quick look, especially if you’re comfy with command lines. - Check your network status: If it says disconnected, your IP info probably won’t appear or might be wrong.
- VPN or proxies active? Remember, these can change what IP address shows up locally — could throw you a curveball if you’re troubleshooting.
- Restart your network: Turning Wi-Fi or Ethernet off and back on can refresh your IP if things aren’t showing properly.
- Static or dynamic? If your IP isn’t changing but you expected it to, see if it’s assigned as static in your network settings or via your router.
FAQs
How do I find my public IP address?
Open your browser and visit a site like whatismyip.com. That’s the easiest way to see what the outside world sees as your IP.
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 is the old-school, four-numbers format (like 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 is the newer, longer way of doing things that allows masses of addresses (like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334). Not everyone uses IPv6 yet, but it’s good to be aware of both.
Why does my IP address sometimes change?
If you’re on a dynamic IP (which most home users are), your ISP might change it when you reconnect or after a while. If you want it to stay the same, you’d need a static IP, which usually involves a bit of extra setup with your provider.
Is sharing my IP dangerous?
Sharing your local IP isn’t usually a big deal, but your public IP can sometimes be linked to your location or online activity if posted online. Keep that in mind, especially if troubleshooting security or privacy stuff.
Summary
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click on Status.
- Hit Properties under your current network.
- Scroll down to find IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
All done and dusted
Getting your IP on Windows 11 isn’t hard once you know where to look. You get a clear snapshot of your device’s local address, which can come in handy for all sorts of network troubleshooting or just satisfying your curiosity. The Settings route is pretty straightforward, but if you’re quick with Command Prompt, ipconfig is deadset handy. Just remember, your network status and whether VPNs or proxies are involved can play a part in what shows up.
At the end of the day, knowing your IP isn’t just for the tech boffins — it’s handy info for debugging, security, and speeds up sorting out issues. Hopefully, this helps someone get the info they need without fuss. Good luck, and don’t forget to check your connection if things aren’t adding up!