Changing your IP address in Windows 11 is a crucial task for various reasons, such as improving network security, resolving connectivity issues, or accessing region-restricted content. Depending on your network configuration, you may need to switch between automatic IP assignment (Dynamic IP) and manual IP assignment (Static IP). In Windows 11, there are multiple ways to modify your IP settings, including through the Settings menu, the Control Panel, and the Command Line (CMD). Each method provides different levels of control, making it essential to choose the one that fits your technical proficiency.
This guide will walk you through three methods for changing your IP address on Windows 11. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced user, you’ll find step-by-step instructions tailored to your needs. From navigating the network settings in the Control Panel to using the command line for more advanced control, this tutorial provides comprehensive guidance.
How to Change the IP Address in Windows 11 via Settings
The easiest and most user-friendly way to change your IP address in Windows 11 is through the Settings menu. This method is ideal for users who prefer a graphical interface over command-line utilities. You’ll have options to switch between automatic IP configuration and manually setting a static IP address.
- Open Windows Settings
To begin, press the Windows key and click the “Settings” icon (gear symbol) from the Start menu.
- Navigate to Network & Internet
In the Settings window, choose “Network & Internet” from the left sidebar. This will open a panel showing all available network settings. If you’re connected via Wi-Fi, select “Wi-Fi” from the menu. If you’re using an Ethernet cable, choose “Ethernet“.
- Open Network Properties
Click on your active network connection, such as the name of your Wi-Fi network. This will display the current status and properties of your connection.
- Edit IP Address Settings
Scroll down to the IP assignment section and click “Edit” under “IP settings“. Here, you’ll find options to switch between automatic (DHCP) and manual IP configuration.
- Choose Automatic or Manual Configuration
For a dynamic IP, select “Automatic (DHCP)“, but this won´t let you change the IP address yourself, which you can do with the following steps.
- Choose Manual to Set IP Address
- Set Your IP Address
Enable the IPv4 option.
This allows you to manually configure an IP address under the IPv4 protocol, which is the most widely used protocol for network communication.
Enter the “IP Address”
The IP Address field is where you enter the static IP address you want your device to use. This is usually a unique number assigned to your device within your network. For example, if your router’s IP is 192.168.1.1, you might set your computer’s IP address to something like 192.168.1.100. Ensure this address does not conflict with other devices on your network.
Enter the “Subnet Mask”
The Subnet Mask helps your device identify which portion of the IP address refers to the network and which part refers to the device. The most common subnet mask for home networks is 255.255.255.0, but this may differ depending on your network configuration. If you’re unsure, check your router settings or consult your network administrator.
Enter the “Gateway”
The Gateway is the IP address of your router or network access point, which is responsible for directing traffic between your local network and the internet. Typically, this will be something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but you should verify the correct value for your network. This setting ensures that your device can communicate beyond the local network and access the internet.
Enter “Preferred DNS” and “Alternate DNS”
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. The Preferred DNS is the primary server that your device will contact to resolve domain names. Common choices include Google’s DNS server (8.8.8.8) or your ISP’s DNS server.
The Alternate DNS is a backup DNS server that your device will use if the primary DNS server fails. Google’s secondary DNS (8.8.4.4) or another DNS service can be used here. Entering both ensures reliable internet access.
How to Change the IP Address in Windows 11 in Control Panel
The Control Panel provides a more traditional method to change IP settings. This method is recommended if you need more control over advanced network configurations.
- Open Control Panel
Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel“, and hit Enter.
- Open Network and Sharing Center
In the Network and Internet section, click on “View network status and tasks“.
- Select Your Connection
From the list of active connections, click on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to view its properties.
- Open Connection Properties
In the network status window, click on “Properties“. A new window will open displaying your network connection properties.
- Edit IPv4 Settings
Scroll through the list of items, click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then “Properties“. This will open the settings where you can manually assign an IP address.
- Set Automatic or Manual IP
If you want the system to automatically assign an IP address, select “Obtain an IP address automatically“. For manual settings, select “Use the following IP address” and enter your desired IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway. See the explanations in the previous method for more details about those settings.
Once you’ve made your changes, click “OK” and then close all open windows. Your new IP settings will be active immediately.
How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 11 Command Line (CMD)
For more advanced users, the Command Line (CMD) provides a powerful way to configure your network settings without relying on a graphical interface. This method is particularly useful for troubleshooting or automating IP changes.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press the Windows key, type “CMD“, and choose “Run as administrator” to launch the command line with elevated permissions.
- View Your Network Configuration
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to see the list of your network interfaces:
netsh interface IP show config
Locate the name of the network adapter you want to change, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Assign a Dynamic IP Address
To set your IP address to automatic (DHCP), enter the following command:
netsh interface ip set address "Wi-Fi" dhcp
This will configure your network adapter to receive an IP address automatically from your router.
- Assign a Static IP Address
For manual IP configuration, use the following command:
netsh interface ip set address "Wi-Fi" static [IP address] [Subnet mask] [Gateway]
Replace the placeholders with your desired IP settings, and press Enter.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Changing IP Address in Windows 11
What precautions should I take when setting a static IP?
When setting a static IP, verify that the chosen IP address does not fall within a range typically assigned by your DHCP server to avoid conflicts. Ensure the subnet mask matches your local network configuration, which would typically be 255.255.255.0 for home networks, and confirm the default gateway address points to your router, which is essential for the device to access external networks.
What should I do if I cannot connect to the internet after changing my IP?
First, recheck your IP settings for accuracy, particularly the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway, ensuring they correspond with your network’s configuration. If problems persist, try setting the IP configuration to automatic to see if DHCP assigns a valid IP. If this resolves the issue, there might have been a problem with the manual settings you entered. If not resolved, resetting your network settings or contacting your network administrator might be necessary.
How do I verify my new IP address in Windows 11?
After updating your IP settings, open Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start menu and typing ipconfig into the console. This command displays all the network configuration details, including your new IP address, displayed next to the name of the network interface you modified.
How do I find my network adapter name for CMD commands?
Open Command Prompt and type netsh interface show interface to list all network interfaces. The output includes the status, interface name, and other details. Use the exact name as shown (taking note of case sensitivity and spaces) for subsequent CMD commands involving specific network adapters.
Can changing my IP address affect my local network connections?
Yes, if the static IP address you set conflicts with another device on the same network, or if it’s outside the acceptable range of your network gateway, it can cause connectivity issues. Always ensure the IP address is unique within your network and appropriately aligned with your network’s addressing scheme.
What are DNS settings, and why should I adjust them when setting a static IP?
DNS (Domain Name System) settings are crucial as they convert human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. When setting a static IP, ensure that your DNS settings align with either your ISP’s or a reliable public DNS service like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), which can enhance browsing speed and reliability.
How can I resolve IP address conflicts in Windows 11?
If you encounter an IP address conflict, immediately change the IP address of one of the conflicting devices to a free IP address on the same subnet. Using the DHCP reservation feature on your router can prevent conflicts by permanently assigning specific IPs to devices.
Is it necessary to restart my computer after changing the IP address?
Usually, it’s not necessary to restart your computer after changing IP settings; however, some changes might only take effect post-reboot, especially if dealing with network instability or if changes don’t seem to apply.
What is the subnet mask, and why is it important?
The subnet mask is vital as it separates the IP address into the network and host parts, defining which part of the address refers to the network and which part refers to a specific host within that network. Correct subnet mask settings are essential for the network’s routers to correctly route traffic within and between networks.
What impact does the gateway address have on network connectivity?
The gateway address, typically the router’s IP address on your network, routes the traffic from your PC to other network segments and the internet. An incorrect gateway will restrict network access, preventing the PC from communicating with external networks.
Can I use CMD to set a static IP on multiple adapters?
Yes, you can configure multiple adapters via CMD by repeating the static IP configuration command for each adapter. Ensure each IP address is suitable for its specific network segment and does not overlap or conflict with other IPs.
How long does a dynamic IP address last on Windows 11?
A dynamic IP address lease duration varies, typically set by the network’s DHCP server (often the router). It can range from minutes to days, depending on the network configuration but usually renews automatically upon expiry or when reconnecting to the network.
How to fix connectivity problems after setting a manual IP?
Double-check your manual settings for any input errors. Ensure the IP address used does not interfere with other reserved addresses and matches your network’s configuration (subnet and gateway). If problems continue, consult with your ISP or a network specialist.
Can I switch back to dynamic IP after setting a static one?
Yes, you can switch back to obtaining an IP address automatically by selecting the “Obtain an IP address automatically” option in your network settings or by using the appropriate netsh command in CMD. This action will allow the DHCP server to assign an IP address to your device.
Is a static IP better for gaming or remote work?
A static IP can be beneficial for gaming or remote work as it ensures a consistent IP address which can be necessary for direct device access, reducing connectivity issues. It can also facilitate port forwarding setups and help manage network security more efficiently.
Related: How to Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Windows 11
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the recent security landscape, you may have heard of DNS over HTTPS, often shortened to DoH. But what is this new protocol, why do you need it, and how do you enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11? In our other guide, we explain and show you how to enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Windows 11, using both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
Related: How to Flush DNS in Windows 11 or Windows 10
The DNS cache helps with this domain name resolution process by storing a temporary database of your recent website visits and their associated IP addresses. This way, name resolution can be handled locally on your PC rather than having to send a request to a server and wait for the response. Flushing the DNS cache removes the database of sites and IP addresses on your PC. This is useful in cases where the website or service has changed its IP address and your cache has not updated, causing your browser to direct you to the wrong place. In our other guide, we show you how to clear the DNS resolver cache in Windows 11 or Windows 10 using four of the most convenient methods.
