How to Find Your IP Address on Windows
For your public IP, use this page; for local network addresses, use Windows Settings or the ipconfig command.
How it works
A Windows PC commonly has more than one address: a private address for Wi-Fi or Ethernet, possibly IPv6 addresses, and a public address assigned to your router or carrier. `ipconfig` shows local adapter details. A website shows the public address visible to that website, which is usually the one needed for support, allow-lists, or VPN comparison.
In Command Prompt, look for the adapter that is actually connected. A disconnected Ethernet adapter or virtual VPN adapter can show addresses that are not being used for current web traffic. The Default Gateway is also a useful clue to the active local network.
Windows may show several IPv6 values, including link-local addresses used only on the local network. When support asks for a public address, share the result from a public-IP checker rather than copying every line from ipconfig.
Practical guidance
- Open Command Prompt and run `ipconfig` to find IPv4 Address under the active adapter.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Properties for a graphical view.
- Use a public-IP checker when a support team asks what IP their service sees.
Common question
Why does ipconfig show a different address from a website? ipconfig normally shows your local address; the website sees your network's public address.