How to Find the IP Address in Windows 11

An IP address is the fundamental identifier that allows your computer to communicate with other devices on a network. However, most people do not realize that their computer actually possesses two entirely different IP addresses simultaneously: a Local IP (used by your home router to talk to your PC) and a Public IP (used by the global internet to talk to your house).

If you are trying to set up a wireless printer or access a shared folder on your home network, you need your Local IP. If you are trying to host a Minecraft server or set up remote desktop access from a coffee shop, you need your Public IP. Here is how to find both in Windows 11.

Method 1: Find Your Local IP (The Settings Menu)

Your Local IP (also called the internal or private IP) is assigned by your Wi-Fi router. It usually looks something like 192.168.1.15 or 10.0.0.5.

1. Click the Start Button (the Windows logo) and click the gear icon to open Settings.
2. Look at the left-hand navigation menu and click on Network & internet.
3. You must now click on the specific type of connection you are currently using.
   • If you are using Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi, and then click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (e.g., “HomeNetwork_5G”).
   • If you are plugged directly into the router with a cable, click Ethernet.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the properties page.
5. Look for a line labeled IPv4 address.

The sequence of numbers next to it is your Local IP address.

Method 2: Find Your Local IP (The Command Prompt)

If you prefer using the terminal (or if you are troubleshooting a PC where the Settings app refuses to open), you can instantly query the network stack.

1. Click the Start Button.
2. Type the letters cmd into the search bar and press Enter. (This opens the Command Prompt).
3. Type this exact command:

ipconfig

4. Press Enter.

The terminal will print a block of text detailing your network adapters. Look for the section labeled “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” (or “Ethernet adapter”). Underneath that heading, look for the line labeled IPv4 Address.

Method 3: Find Your Public IP Address

Your Public IP (also called the external IP) is assigned to your entire house by your Internet Service Provider (Comcast, AT&T, Spectrum). You cannot find this number in the Windows settings, because Windows doesn’t actually know what it is. Windows only knows about your internal router; the router handles the translation to the outside world.

To find your Public IP, you must ask a server on the outside internet to look at you and tell you what it sees.

1. Open Google Chrome (or any web browser).
2. Navigate to www.google.com.
3. In the Google search bar, type exactly this: What is my IP
4. Press Enter.

Google will not give you search results. Instead, it will generate a large, dedicated widget at the absolute top of the page displaying your “Your public IP address” (e.g., 73.251.100.45).

A Crucial Warning About Public IP Addresses

Your Public IP address is highly sensitive information. It can be used to roughly geolocate your house, and it is the exact address hackers will use to scan your router for vulnerabilities. Never post your Public IP address on a public forum, Discord server, or Reddit thread. If you need to give it to a friend so they can join your game server, send it via a secure, private message.