How to configure and change the IP address in Windows 11 step by step

If you use Windows 11 daily, sooner or later you're going to encounter the need to configure your computer's IP addressWhether it's to avoid network conflicts, set up a small home server, or simply improve connection stability, Windows offers several easy ways to do this, both automatically and manually. While it might sound complicated, Windows actually provides several simple methods.

Throughout this guide you will see, step by step, how View, change, and manage your IP address in Windows 11What's the difference between a private and a public IP address? When is it better to use a static or dynamic IP address? How do you configure DNS settings? How do you troubleshoot common problems when changing these parameters? We'll even share some extra tips and tricks using external tools and advanced commands. The goal is for you to finish this article confidently mastering your network configuration.

Differences between private IP, public IP, dynamic and static

The first point before we start tinkering with anything is to understand exactly what we are changing when we talk about IP address in Windows 11In a modern network, several types of IP address coexist, which should be clearly distinguished to avoid confusion.

On the one hand we have the Private IPThis is the address that identifies your PC within your local network (your home, office, etc.). This address usually has the typical format 192.168.xx or 10.xxx and is what your router uses to know which device to send each piece of data to within the internal network.

On the other hand, there is Public IPThis is the address your router uses to connect to the internet. For any external service (a website, an online game, your bank, etc.), it's the router that's visible, not the individual computer. This public IP address is assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is what websites like "What's My IP" display.

Furthermore, both public and private IPs can be dynamic or staticA dynamic IP address is one that is automatically assigned by a DHCP server (usually the router itself) and can change over time or after restarting the computer or router. A static IP address, on the other hand, remains fixed until you or the network administrator manually change it.

Use a Static private IP On your PC, this is useful when you want to always locate the computer using the same address, for example, when sharing folders, a printer, setting up a file server, or for certain port rules on the router. Furthermore, Change the computer name in Windows 11 This can help identify it easily within the network. However, if not properly planned, it can cause conflicts if another device tries to use the same IP address.

How to find your IP address in Windows 11

Before changing anything, it's important to know what IP address you currently have assigned and what other data accompanies that configuration, such as the subnet mask, gateway, and DNSWindows 11 lets you view this information in several ways, from the Settings app to the classic command prompt.

View IP address from Windows 11 Settings

The most convenient way, especially if you don't feel like using commands, is to use the application of Windows 11 settingsPress the Start button, type "settings," and enter the menu. Then go to the Network & Internet section to see your connection status.

Within this section, select the type of connection you are currently using, normally Wi-Fi or EthernetWhen you enter the specific network, you will see several parameters, including a link to the Hardware Properties, where Windows displays detailed information about the network card.

If you scroll down a bit you'll find fields like IPv4 address, IPv6 address, default gateway, and physical (MAC) addressThere you'll instantly see your device's private IP address, as well as other key information you'll need if you're going to manually set a static address, and if needed, see how Change computer information in Windows 11.

Check the IP address using the classic control panel

Although Microsoft is migrating almost everything to the new Settings, the old Control panel It remains very useful for networking. You can open it by searching for "Control Panel" in the Start menu and then selecting the Network and Internet category.

Once inside, enter Center network and sharing Then, in the left column, click Change adapter settings. This will show you all installed network adapters, both physical and virtual.

Locate the adapter you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), right-click and choose StateIn the pop-up window you will see a Details button that opens a complete list of parameters, including the IPv4 address, gateway, DNS and more advanced information.

This method is especially useful if you want to review things at a glance. all TCP/IP configuration values without having to go in and out of different menus in the modern Settings app.

Obtain the IP address using the Command Prompt

If you prefer to get straight to the point, the classic method is to pull Symbol of the systemPress Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the command prompt. Alternatively, search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu.

In the console, type the command ipconfig and press Enter. Windows will list the network settings for all the computer's adapters, showing the IPv4 address, subnet mask, and default gateway for each. It's a quick way to check your IP address in seconds.

If you want a more advanced view, you can use ipconfig / all To view additional information such as the MAC address, DHCP status, and the DNS servers you are using. This information is very useful when switching from DHCP to a static IP address or vice versa.

Steps to change the IP address in Windows 11

Once you know where you are, it's time to touch settings. Windows 11 lets you change the Private IP address of the device This can be done from both the classic Control Panel and the modern Settings app. The goal is the same: to switch from automatic to manual configuration or to adjust existing settings.

Change IP address from the Control Panel

To change the address from the classic environment, return to Center network and sharing Then go to Change adapter settings. Locate the card you are using (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), right-click on it, and select Properties.

In the properties window, you'll see a list of the components that this connection uses. You must select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP / IPv4) and click on Properties again. If your network already uses IPv6, the procedure is the same with Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

By default, the option will be selected. Obtain an IP address automaticallyThis means that the router (via DHCP) is responsible for assigning the data. To assign a specific IP address, select Use the following IP address, and the IP, subnet mask, and gateway fields will be activated.

In those fields enter the desired IP address for your PCThe subnet mask (typically 255.255.255.0) and the gateway (usually the router's IP address, such as 192.168.1.1 or similar) are required. Below this, you can also specify the DNS servers you want to use, whether they are those provided by your internet service provider or public servers like Google or Cloudflare.

Once you have all the values ​​ready, click OK to apply the changes. The connection may drop for a few seconds while Windows renegotiates the network with the new settings, but as soon as it stabilizes, you should have internet access again. new static IP in Windows 11.

Configure the IP address from the Settings app

If you prefer the modern environment, Windows 11 also allows you to change the IP address from the Settings section. Network and InternetGo to Settings, navigate to this section and select the network you are using: Wi-Fi (and then your specific network) or Ethernet, depending on the type of connection.

On the network page, you'll see a section called IP Assignment. Click the Edit button on the right to open the address configuration window.

In the drop-down menu above you can choose between Automatic (DHCP) and Manual. If you leave it on Automatic, the router will continue to control the assignment. If you choose Manual, switches for IPv4 and/or IPv6 will be activated, along with fields to enter the IP address, prefix length (equivalent to the subnet mask), and gateway.

Activate IPv4 if that's what you usually use, enter the IP address you want to assign to your computerEnter the prefix length (for example, 24 if you're using 255.255.255.0) and the default gateway. Below that, you can enter the preferred and alternate DNS servers. When you're finished, click Save.

This will change your IP address directly from the latest Windows 11 interface, without needing to use the Control Panel. It's a very quick method if you frequently access network settings, for example, to test different configurations.

When to use static IP and when to use dynamic IP

It doesn't always make sense to manually assign an IP address, so it's worth considering when it's better to let the system use it. Dynamic IP address via DHCP And when does it make sense to configure a static address, both locally and with the provider?

In a home network, it is most common for all devices (PC, mobile, console, TV, etc.) to receive the Internal IP automatically from the router. This saves time, avoids typing errors, and makes it easier for the router to distribute available addresses as devices connect.

However, there are specific cases in which a Static IP offers clear advantagesFor example, if you have a file server at home, a computer that shares a printer for the whole office, or a PC that you access via remote desktop or VPN and you want it to always have the same local IP address.

In those types of scenarios, changing the internal IP address of that device to a well-chosen static IP address will allow you to easily identify it within the network and create port rules or permissions on the router without them getting messed up every time DHCP decides to give it a different address.

Regarding the public IP address your ISP provides, it will almost always be dynamic, and you can usually only switch to a static public IP address by subscribing to that service separately. Static public IP address It's very useful if you set up servers accessible from outside (web, email, professional VPN, etc.), but it also makes you more predictable against attacks and is usually paid.

Advantages and disadvantages of changing your IP address

Changing a device's IP address isn't just about making it "look nice" on the network; it has clear pros and cons which should be kept in mind before you start tweaking parameters, especially in shared or work environments.

Among the advantages, a static private IP address makes it easier for certain network services to function stably: sharing folders, printers, setting up home servers, configuring port forwarding on the router, or VPN or remote desktop connections where you always need to know which team is which.

It can also help reduce certain connectivity problems in networks where the DHCP server is not properly configured or does not exist, so manually setting IP, mask, gateway and DNS is not possible. ensures the team knows where to send the traffic.

On the downside, if you don't choose the IP address carefully, you can cause address conflictsThis happens when two devices try to use the same address within the local network: the router detects the conflict and one of them loses its connection or starts giving rather annoying network errors.

Furthermore, any IP change, especially if it affects exposed services or critical equipment, can generate minor connectivity drops while the new configuration is being applied. On systems with IP whitelists (servers, administration panels, etc.), changing the address will also update those lists.

In corporate networks, frequent IP changes or undocumented modifications can raise security concerns, since constantly alter directions This is a typical pattern of malicious activity. Therefore, in controlled environments, it's always advisable to coordinate these settings with the system administrator and ensure you understand how. Change group and team name if required.

How to tell if your IP address is dynamic or static

If you have doubts about the type of public IP address your provider gives you, the most reliable way is ask your internet provider directlyAlmost all of them offer support via phone, chat, mobile apps or even WhatsApp, and can instantly confirm what type of address you have contracted.

Another quick way to get an idea is to use websites like "View my IP" or "What is my IP." Note the public address it shows you, turn off your router for a few minutes, turn it back on, and Check if the IP address has changed.If it varies, your public IP is almost certainly dynamic; if it stays the same, it is most likely static or has a very long lease time.

Each type has its pros and cons. One Static public IP address It's ideal if you need to set up services accessible from outside, as it never changes and you can associate it with domains, firewall rules, or restricted access. In return, it's usually a paid service and makes you a bit more "predictable" to potential attackers.

The public dynamic IPs These are the most common in homes because they allow ISPs to better manage the shortage of IPv4 addresses and offer users greater anonymity and flexibility. If an address ends up on a blocklist, sooner or later the provider will rotate it and assign a different one without you having to do anything.

Internally (private IP), the router also assigns dynamic addresses via DHCP to your devices. If you want to assign an IP address to a specific PC, you can do so from Windows as we've seen, or by configuring DHCP reservations on the router itselfso that it always delivers the same IP address to a specific device based on its MAC address.

Avoid IP conflicts and problems on the network

One of the most typical mistakes when starting to assign addresses manually is to unintentionally cause a IP conflict between two computersThis occurs when two devices share the same address on the local network, which is not allowed and causes the connection to fail.

In many home networks, the gateway is usually 192.168.1.1 and the assignable range is from 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254, controlled by the router's DHCP server. If you decide to assign your PC, for example, the IP address 192.168.1.10, you must ensure that no other team will automatically receive that same number.

To minimize risks, it's best to check your router's settings to see which address range DHCP uses and choose accordingly. an IP address outside that range For devices that you will configure as static, or create DHCP reservations so that those addresses are not automatically assigned to other devices.

If Windows 11 detects another device with the same IP address, it will usually display a conflict warning, and you may experience intermittent disconnections or a complete loss of connectivity. At that point, you'll need to change the IP address of one of the affected devices to an available one.

Beyond address clashes, a misconfiguration of subnet mask, gateway, or DNS can also cause problems: from not being able to access the Internet until you can access certain internal services. That's why it's crucial to always note down the correct router settings before you start customizing anything.

Also change your DNS settings to improve speed and security.

When you're tweaking the IP settings, it's a good time to review another key piece of the network: the DNS serversThey are responsible for translating domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses, and their performance influences how quickly pages open.

By default, most devices use the DNS provided by the operatorThese are usually correct but not necessarily the fastest or most secure. Switching to public DNS servers like Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1) can improve resolution speed and add extra layers of protection.

From the IPv4 Properties dialog box itself you can select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter your preferred values. In Windows 11, within the Settings app, you can also edit the DNS settings when changing IP Address Assignment, taking the opportunity to enable options such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) if your network supports it.

Windows also offers advanced settings for DNS query encryption, with options to disable it, use automatic templates, or a Manual DNS over HTTPS templateIt also allows you to decide whether to "fall back" to plain text if the encryption fails, or whether you prefer not to resolve the query at all.

Properly configuring your DNS settings can help you bypass some minor geographic restrictions, improve your privacy from your ISP, and filter malicious domains If you use services that include protection lists. However, if you lose connectivity when changing DNS, you can always temporarily revert to your ISP's DNS.

Troubleshooting problems when changing static IP or DNS in Windows 11

Sometimes, when trying to fix an IP address or modify DNS settings, Windows seems to ignore the changes or the connection becomes unstable. Before you despair, you can try a series of things. Steps to “reset” network settings and leave it clean of any accumulated errors.

A first step consists of release and renew the IPOpen Command Prompt as administrator and run: ipconfig /release and then ipconfig /renew. This forces the computer to release the current IP address and request a new one from the DHCP server, which may correct conflicts or corrupted values.

It's also a good idea to "clean" the DNS. In the same console, run `netsh winsock reset` to reset the Winsock catalog, and then `ipconfig /flushdns` to flush the DNS cache. This removes corrupted configurations or old entries that might be causing problems.

If you're still having problems, try configuring the IP as automatic (DHCP) From the Settings app: go to Network & Internet, choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, go to your network, go to IP Settings and select Automatic (DHCP). Save the changes, restart your device, and check if you now have a stable connection.

Don't forget to check that you have Windows 11 and updated network driversFrom Settings > Windows Update you can download the latest system updates, and from Device Manager, under Network Adapters, you can update the drivers for the corresponding network card. Many rare IP and DNS problems are fixed simply with recent patches.

Change IP address from PowerShell using advanced commands

If you're comfortable with the command line, Windows 11 offers the possibility of Configure static IP directly from PowerShellThis is very convenient for automating adjustments on multiple computers or creating small administration scripts.

Open PowerShell as administrator and run the command Get-NetIPConfigurationYou will see a list of the system's network adapters and data such as the InterfaceIndex, current IP address, gateway, and DNS.

Note the InterfaceIndex value of the adapter you want to configure, as well as the IPv4 address you want to assign, gateway, and prefixWith that information, you can use the command New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex X -IPAddress 192.168.1.X -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1 (adjusting the numbers to your case).

To modify the DNS settings via PowerShell, then run `Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex X -ServerAddresses “8.8.8.8”, “8.8.4.4”` or your preferred servers. This will allow you to save all the configuration without using a graphical interface.

This method is very practical if you manage several Windows 11 machines on the same network and want to Apply the same IP and DNS template in all of them with a simple script, saving a lot of time and avoiding human errors when typing.

Manage IP profiles with Simple IP Config

In addition to the tools built into Windows, there are external utilities such as Simple IP Configurationdesigned for those who frequently change their environment (office, home, laboratory, etc.) and need different network profiles ready to apply with a single click.

Simple IP Config is a very lightweight program for Windows that allows save complete TCP/IPv4 configurations (IP, mask, gateway, DNS) as profiles, and switch between them without having to constantly navigate through the Control Panel or Settings app.

The tool is available in installable and portable (direct executable) versions and consumes very few resources, making it ideal to carry on a USB drive or have on hand on computers where you frequently manage the network.

After downloading and installing it, when you open it you will see on the left the list of detected adapters and saved profiles, and on the right the fields to define the local IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS of the profile you are preparing.

From the button bar, you can create a new profile (+ New), apply changes (Apply), save them (Save), delete profiles you no longer use (Delete), or clear the active configuration (Clear) to start from scratch. It's a kind of "Swiss Army knife" for those who work with several different networks every day.

Creating a profile is as easy as pressing + New, giving it a name (for example, Office), filling in the corresponding IP and DNS fields, and once you've verified that you have a connection, save that profile to retrieve it when you need itHowever, you will need to run the program with administrator privileges in order for it to apply the changes to the network card.

Hide or change your public IP address using a VPN, proxy, or Tor

So far we have talked mostly about the Your computer's private IP address on the local networkBut often what you want is to hide or modify the public IP address that is visible from the Internet, whether for privacy, security, or to access geographically restricted content.

One of the most popular tools for this are the VPN (Virtual Private Networks)When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and sent to a remote server, so the websites you visit see that server's IP address, not your home IP. Besides hiding your real address, this protects your data, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

You can use a VPN through a desktop application that affects the entire system or through browser extensions They only modify your IP address while browsing the web. However, if you simply want to change your IP address, the potential loss of speed and the cost of some paid VPNs might not be worth it, and you should be careful with sensitive access, such as online banking, from "unusual" locations.

Another simple method is the web proxiesProxies act as intermediaries between your browser and the internet. When you access a page through a proxy, the site sees the proxy's IP address, not yours. They are often useful for bypassing minor blocks, and while they are conceptually similar to a VPN, they typically don't encrypt all traffic or cover the entire system.

For more advanced levels of anonymity there is the Tor network (The Onion Router)This service routes your connections through multiple nodes distributed around the world, making it very difficult to trace your real IP address. In return, browsing is slower and it's not the most convenient option for everyday use, but it's very useful when privacy is the top priority.

Keep in mind that all these methods modify or hide, above all, the Public IPYour internal configuration in Windows 11 (private IP, mask, gateway, etc.) will remain the same, so you can easily combine the use of a static IP on your local network with a VPN or proxy to access the Internet.

Mastering how to view, change, and protect your IP address in Windows 11 gives you fine-tuned control over your connection: you can choose when to use dynamic or static IP, adjust DNS for speed and security, avoid conflicts on the local network, automate configurations with advanced tools and commands, and even hide your public IP when needed—all without relying on third parties and with the peace of mind of knowing what's really happening on your network.