How to Find IP Address Using Command Prompt Windows 11 or 10?
Finding your IP address using the Command Prompt is one of the fastest and most reliable methods in Windows. Instead of navigating through multiple settings menus, you can simply enter a command and instantly view your network details.
An IP address is a unique number assigned to your device when it connects to a network. It helps devices communicate with each other and with the internet. There are two main types of IP addresses you may see. The first is the IPv4 address, which looks like a series of numbers separated by periods. The second is the IPv6 address, which is a longer combination of numbers and letters.
When you use Command Prompt to find your IP address, you are usually checking your local IP address. This is the address assigned to your device within your home or office network. It is different from your public IP address, which identifies your network on the internet.
The Command Prompt uses a simple command called ipconfig to display all network configuration details. This command shows your IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and information about your network adapter. It works for both wired and wireless connections.
In this guide, I will explain all the steps to get your IP address in seconds!
How to find ip address using command prompt Windows 11 or 10?
To find your IP address using Command Prompt in Windows 11 or Windows 10, open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and pressing Enter. Then type “ipconfig” and press Enter again. Your computer’s IPv4 address will appear under your active network connection. This method quickly shows your local IP address and other network details.
Let’s explore the instructions explaining how to find your IP address using Command Prompt in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Step 1. Open the Command Prompt on Your Computer
The first step is to open the Command Prompt on your Windows computer. This tool allows you to run commands that interact with your system.
Click on the Start menu located at the bottom left corner of your screen. In the search bar, type Command Prompt or simply type cmd. You will see the Command Prompt application appear in the search results.
Click on the Command Prompt option to open it. A black window with white text will appear on your screen. This is where you can type commands and get system information.
You can also open Command Prompt using a keyboard shortcut. Press the Windows key and the R key together to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter. The Command Prompt window will open instantly.
Opening the Command Prompt is the first step toward finding your IP address and viewing detailed network information.
Step 2. Enter the IP Configuration Command
Once the Command Prompt window is open, you need to type a command that will display your network information.
Place your cursor inside the Command Prompt window and type ipconfig. Make sure you type the command exactly as shown, with no extra spaces before or after it. After typing the command, press the Enter key on your keyboard.
The system will process your request and display several lines of information related to your network connection. This includes details for all network adapters installed on your computer, such as Ethernet and WiFi.
The ipconfig command is a built-in Windows command that stands for Internet Protocol configuration. It provides quick access to your device’s network settings without opening the Control Panel or Settings app.
This step is essential because it retrieves the information needed to locate your IP address.
Step 3. Locate Your IPv4 Address
After running the ipconfig command, you will see a list of network details in the Command Prompt window. Now you need to find your IPv4 address in this list.
Look for the section that corresponds to your active network connection. If you are using WiFi, look for the Wireless LAN adapter WiFi section. If you are connected through a cable, look for the Ethernet adapter section.
Under the active connection, you will see a line labeled IPv4 Address. Next to this label, you will find a set of numbers separated by periods. This is your computer’s local IP address.
For example, your IPv4 address may look something like 192.168.1.5 or 10.0.0.3. This number identifies your device within your network.
You may also see other information, such as the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway. The subnet mask helps define your network range, while the default gateway usually represents your router’s IP address.
Once you locate the IPv4 address, you have successfully found your IP address using Command Prompt.
Step 4. Identify IPv6 Address if Needed
In addition to the IPv4 address, you might also see an IPv6 address listed in the Command Prompt results. This address is longer and contains both numbers and letters separated by colons.
The IPv6 address is a newer version of IP addressing designed to support a larger number of devices. Not all networks use IPv6, but many modern systems support it.
If you need your IPv6 address for network configuration or troubleshooting, you can find it in the same section as the IPv4 address. Simply look for the line labeled IPv6 Address.
Knowing both your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses can be helpful for advanced networking tasks.
Step 5. Use Advanced Command for Detailed Information
If you want more detailed network information, you can use an advanced version of the ipconfig command.
In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter. This command displays complete network details, including the MAC address, DHCP status, DNS servers, and adapter descriptions.
This advanced command is useful for troubleshooting network issues or gathering detailed information about your connection. It provides a complete overview of your network configuration in one place.
Using this command is optional, but it can be very helpful if you need more than just your IP address.
Step 6. Close the Command Prompt
After you have found your IP address and gathered any necessary information, you can close the Command Prompt window.
Simply click the close button at the top right corner of the window, or type exit and press Enter. The Command Prompt will close immediately.
You have now successfully learned how to find your IP address using Command Prompt in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Faqs
What is an IP address on Windows?
An IP address is a unique number assigned to your computer when it connects to a network. It helps identify your device and allows communication between devices on the same network or on the internet.
Can I find my public IP address using Command Prompt?
The ipconfig command shows your local IP address, not your public IP address. To find your public IP address, you usually need to visit a website that displays it or use a different command with online services.
Why do I see multiple IP addresses?
You may see multiple IP addresses because your computer has more than one network adapter. For example, you might have both Ethernet and WiFi adapters. Each adapter can have its own IP address.
Is it safe to share my IP address?
Sharing your local IP address within your home or office network is generally safe. However, you should be cautious when sharing your public IP address with unknown sources.
Does this method work on Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Yes, this method works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. The Command Prompt and the ipconfig command function the same way on both operating systems.
Why is my IPv4 address not showing?
If your IPv4 address is not showing, it may be because your computer is not connected to a network. Make sure your WiFi or Ethernet connection is active and try running the ipconfig command again.