Windows 11 can show several network addresses because your computer may have Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, virtual, IPv4, and IPv6 connections at the same time. The correct value depends on what you are trying to do. A local device connection normally needs the private address of the active adapter. A website, remote allowlist, or internet service normally needs your public address.

This guide explains how to find your IP address on Windows 11 with Settings, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and an online lookup. It also shows how to identify the active adapter, understand each field, and avoid copying a gateway or MAC address by mistake.

Quick Answer: Find Your IP in Windows 11 Settings

  1. Open Start and select Settings.
  2. Select Network & internet.
  3. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the active connection.
  4. Open the connected network or its properties page.
  5. Scroll to the properties and find IPv4 address or IPv6 address.

The Settings method is best when you want a visual answer without entering a command. The exact labels can move slightly after Windows updates, but the active connection properties remain under Network & internet.

Method 1: Use Windows 11 Settings for Wi-Fi

Open Settings with Windows key + I, select Network & internet, and then select Wi-Fi. Open the properties for the network that currently says connected. The properties list includes the assigned IP addresses and other connection details.

Look for these fields:

  • IPv4 address: Usually the local address needed for home network tasks.
  • IPv6 address: A 128-bit address when IPv6 is enabled and assigned.
  • IPv4 default gateway: Usually your router, not the computer.
  • IPv4 DNS servers: Name-resolution services, not your device address.
  • Physical address: The Wi-Fi adapter's MAC address, not an IP address.

Microsoft's current Wi-Fi guidance places network properties under Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi, and Properties. This route is also useful for reviewing the network profile and other wireless details.

Method 2: Find the Ethernet IP Address

For a wired connection, open Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet. Select the connected Ethernet entry if Windows displays more than one. Find the IPv4 and IPv6 address fields in its properties.

A desktop can have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled. Confirm which connection carries traffic before copying an address. A connected cable and a listed default gateway are useful clues. If both adapters are active, each can legitimately have a different private IP address.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt and ipconfig

  1. Open Start and type Command Prompt.
  2. Open the Command Prompt app.
  3. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
  4. Find the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
  5. Read the value beside IPv4 Address or the relevant IPv6 field.

Run ipconfig /all when you also need DHCP status, DNS servers, lease details, physical addresses, and expanded adapter information. According to the official Microsoft ipconfig documentation, the basic command shows IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways for adapters.

You normally do not need administrator access just to view the configuration. Administrative permission may be required for some repair actions, but finding an address is a read-only task.

Example ipconfig Result

Suppose the active Wi-Fi section contains:

  • IPv4 Address: 192.168.0.37
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1

The Windows 11 computer's local IPv4 address is 192.168.0.37. The value 192.168.0.1 normally belongs to the router. The subnet mask describes the local network boundary and is not an address assigned to a device.

Method 4: Use PowerShell

PowerShell is useful when you want structured output instead of a long list. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell and run:

Get-NetIPAddress

To focus on IPv4, run:

Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4

Review the interface alias, address family, IP address, and address state. Ignore disconnected or unrelated virtual adapters. For a cleaner view of active IPv4 values, advanced users can filter the command output, but the basic command is safer for a beginner because it does not hide information unexpectedly.

Method 5: Find Your Public IP Address

The address shown by Settings or ipconfig is commonly private on a home or office network. Your router translates traffic so many devices can share one public address. To see the address visible to websites, open the ipdnslookup IP Lookup page.

A VPN or proxy can change the public address websites observe. Mobile hotspots and some internet providers may also use carrier-grade NAT, which allows several customers to share provider-side public addressing. Therefore, the public result does not always identify a single computer or household.

Private IP Versus Public IP on Windows 11

  • Private IP: Assigned inside the local network and commonly shown in Windows connection properties.
  • Public IP: Used for traffic that reaches the wider internet and commonly shown by an online lookup.
  • Router address: The default gateway that forwards traffic beyond the local subnet.
  • VPN address: An address attached to a virtual adapter or visible after traffic enters the VPN service.

Common private IPv4 ranges are 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16. Read the public versus private IP address guide for a detailed comparison.

How to Pick the Correct Network Adapter

Windows 11 may list physical and virtual interfaces together. Use the adapter connected to the network involved in your task:

  • Choose Wi-Fi when the computer is connected wirelessly.
  • Choose Ethernet when network traffic uses a cable.
  • Choose the VPN adapter only when the task concerns the VPN tunnel.
  • Ignore adapters marked disconnected.
  • Do not use Hyper-V, Docker, VirtualBox, or similar adapters unless the task involves that virtual network.
  • Do not copy a loopback address such as 127.0.0.1 for another device.

When uncertain, disconnect from unused networks and run the lookup again. The active adapter generally has a valid address, relevant network name, and default gateway. A virtual adapter may be active without providing the computer's ordinary route to the internet, so always match the result to the task.

Understanding IPv4 and IPv6 Results

IPv4 values contain four decimal octets, such as 192.168.0.37. IPv6 values contain hexadecimal groups and may use :: to compress consecutive zero groups. Both protocols can be active on Windows 11 at the same time.

An adapter may show multiple IPv6 values:

  • A link-local address, commonly beginning with fe80:, works only on its local link.
  • A global address may be usable beyond the local network when routing permits it.
  • A temporary privacy address can be used for outgoing connections.
  • An IPv6 address can include a percent sign and interface zone for link-local use.

Do not remove part of an IPv6 value when an application requires the complete address. Also check whether that application expects brackets around IPv6 when a port is included, for example [2001:db8::10]:443.

What a 169.254 IPv4 Address Means

An address beginning with 169.254 is commonly assigned through Automatic Private IP Addressing when Windows cannot obtain ordinary IPv4 configuration from DHCP. It may allow limited communication on the same link, but it usually indicates that normal network setup did not complete.

  1. Confirm Wi-Fi is connected to the intended network or the Ethernet cable is secure.
  2. Check whether other devices can connect through the same router.
  3. Disable and re-enable the affected adapter.
  4. Restart the router only when you control it and doing so will not interrupt others.
  5. Check DHCP configuration if you manage the network.

Common Problems and Simple Fixes

  • No address appears: Verify the adapter is enabled and connected.
  • The wrong address was copied: Return to the active connection and choose IPv4 or IPv6, not the gateway.
  • The public IP is different: NAT, provider sharing, proxies, and VPNs can explain the difference.
  • The address changes later: DHCP leases, reconnecting, switching networks, or VPN use can assign another value.
  • There are many adapters: Ignore disconnected and unrelated virtual interfaces.
  • Duplicate address warning: Review static assignments, router reservations, and the DHCP pool.
  • Wi-Fi has no internet: Test the gateway and check the router or provider rather than changing random address values.

How to Confirm the Address Before Using It

  1. Identify whether the task requires a local or public address.
  2. Confirm the active adapter and network name.
  3. Check whether IPv4 or IPv6 is required.
  4. Copy the complete address without labels or extra spaces.
  5. If a VPN is active, decide whether the VPN or ordinary connection is relevant.

For remote desktop or a local server, an address alone may not be enough. Firewall rules, service binding, router configuration, and permissions also control access. Never expose a service to the internet merely because you found its address.

Protect Network Details When Asking for Help

A screenshot of Windows network properties can include Wi-Fi names, DNS suffixes, physical addresses, VPN information, and public IPv6 addresses. Share only the fields needed to solve the problem. Crop screenshots and hide unrelated identifiers before posting them in a public forum.

A private IPv4 address is not directly routed across the public internet, but the complete diagnostic output can still reveal useful information about your setup. Send detailed results only to a trusted support person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to find my Windows 11 IP?

Open Command Prompt, run ipconfig, and read the IPv4 address under the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.

Where is the IP address in Windows 11 Settings?

Open Settings, select Network & internet, open the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet properties, and locate the IPv4 or IPv6 address.

Does ipconfig show my public IP?

Usually not on a home network. It commonly shows the private adapter address. Use an online IP lookup for the public-facing value.

Why does Windows 11 show several IPv6 addresses?

One adapter can have link-local, global, and temporary privacy addresses at the same time.

Is the default gateway my IP address?

No. The default gateway normally identifies the router used to reach destinations outside the local subnet.

Can I find my IP without administrator permission?

Yes. Viewing Settings and running basic ipconfig or PowerShell display commands normally does not require administrator access.

Why did my IP address change?

DHCP renewal, reconnecting, changing networks, restarting equipment, VPN use, and provider changes can all produce a different address.

Use the Address That Fits the Task

Use Windows 11 Settings for a clear visual result, ipconfig for quick command-line details, and PowerShell for structured adapter data. Use the IP Lookup when you need the public address visible online. Always distinguish the computer's address from its gateway, DNS server, and physical address.

For more network context, use the IP to Integer Calculator to inspect the numeric address value, the CIDR Notation Calculator to understand its network, or the Usable IP Range Calculator to inspect subnet boundaries. These ipdnslookup resources help turn the Windows value into useful network information.