You can find your Windows 11 PC’s local IP address in Settings or with the ipconfig command. For most home networks, the IPv4 address shown for the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is the address you want when identifying that PC on the local network.
How to Find Your IP Address in Windows 11 Settings
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Open Network & internet
Select Network & internet.
Step 3: Open the active connection
If you use Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi and open the properties for the network you are connected to. If you use a wired connection, select Ethernet.
Step 4: Find the IPv4 address
Look through the connection properties for IPv4 address. This is normally the PC’s current local IPv4 address on that network.
How to Find the IP Address with Command Prompt
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Open Start, search for Command Prompt, and launch it.
Step 2: Run ipconfig
Type ipconfig and press Enter.
Step 3: Find the active adapter
Locate the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter that is actually connected, then find its IPv4 Address. Ignore disconnected adapters and virtual adapters unless one of those is specifically what you are troubleshooting.
Local IP Address Versus Public IP Address
The address shown for your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter is usually a private address used inside your local network. It is not necessarily the public Internet address assigned to your router or connection by your Internet provider.
Your Local IP Address Can Change
Most home networks use DHCP to assign addresses automatically. Your PC can therefore receive a different local IP address later. If another device or service must always reach the PC at the same address, configure that requirement through an appropriate router DHCP reservation or managed network setup rather than choosing an arbitrary static address.
IPv4 and IPv6
Windows can display both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. Which one you need depends on the network and the task. Many basic home-network instructions still ask for the IPv4 address, but you should not disable IPv6 simply because an IPv4 address is easier to recognize.
Privacy and Security
A private local IP address is different from a password or authentication credential, but it still describes your network. Do not change firewall rules, expose services to the Internet, or forward router ports merely because you have found the PC’s IP address. Those are separate networking and security decisions.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.