Why You Might Need to LookUp Your IP Address
An IP address is your digital “home address” on the Internet. Without it, it is impossible to understand where your computer is on the network and how to access it. When you open a website, launch an online game, or connect to a VPN, it’s the IP address that tells the systems who you are and where you’re from.
It is important to distinguish between the two types:
- Local IP address. This is an internal address inside your home network (for example, 192.168.1.5). It is needed so that the router understands which device — a phone, laptop, or set—top box – is making the request.
- Public IP. This is the “external” address that the Internet sees. When you visit the site, it is transmitted to the server.
Why might you need to lookup IP address on Windows?
- Network diagnostics. If the Internet is slow, they often start with the IP address: whether the correct address has been issued, whether it conflicts with another device.
- VPN and proxy. To check if the VPN is working, it is enough to compare the IP before and after the connection.
- Games and remote access. In order for friends to connect to your Minecraft server or to log in to your computer remotely, you need to know the IP address.
So IP search is not geeky fun, but a simple and necessary thing in everyday life. Even websites check the IPs of their visitors, you can read more about it in our blog.
Understanding the Basics: Types of IP on Windows
Before you figure out how to lookup IP addresses on Windows, it’s important to understand what they are.
- IPv4 and IPv6.
- IPv4 — the usual four-digit sets separated by dots (for example, 192.168.0.10). There are a limited number of them, so they are “saved” using NAT.
- IPv6 — newer, longer addresses with letters and numbers (for example, 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334). Windows supports both formats.
- Private vs Public IP.
- Private (local) — used only within the network: the router distributes such addresses to devices at home or in the office.
- Public (external) is the same address that websites and services see when you connect to the Internet.
How Windows works with IP
Windows usually gets the local IP automatically from the router via DHCP. In corporate networks, administrators can assign static IP addresses for servers and workstations. For the user, it looks simple: the computer is “connected to Wi-Fi and everything is working.” But in fact, Windows always stores these IP settings somewhere, and that’s where we’ll look.
Understanding these differences is important: when you search for an IP on Windows, you need to understand whether you are looking at local or external, IPv4 or IPv6.
How to LookUp IP Address on Windows with WhoerIP
If you don’t like to dig into Windows settings or run commands in the terminal, you can go the easy way — use an online service WhoerIP. This is one of the most convenient tools to quickly and visually find out your IP address right in the browser.
- What WhoerIP shows. The site automatically detects your public IP address, country, city, provider, connection type (residential or data center), as well as the level of anonymity. Unlike standard whatismyip services, Whoer also provides an assessment of privacy: whether sites see your real DNS, whether WebRTC is open, and whether your proxy or VPN is “burning”.
- Why is it convenient. You don’t need to enter commands like ipconfig or open Windows settings here — just go to the website and it will collect all the information on its own. This is especially useful if you are checking whether the VPN is working or if the proxy is configured correctly.
- How to use it.
- Open a Windows browser.
- Go to the website whoer.net
- Your IP address and all additional information will immediately appear on the main page.
If you need to quickly lookup the IP address on Windows and check the anonymity level at the same time, WhoerIP is an excellent choice. It works like an instant X-ray of your connection: it shows not only the address, but also how transparent you are to external services.
How to LookUp IP Address on Windows via Settings App
The easiest way is to use the built—in Settings app. It is convenient because everything is done with clicks, without commands or terminals. This method is especially good for beginners who don’t like “black windows” of the command line.
- Windows 10.
- Open Settings → Network & Internet.
- Go to the Status or Wi-Fi/Ethernet tab (depending on the connection).
- Click Properties for the active network.
- In the Properties section, you will see the IPv4 address line — this is your local IP.
- Windows 11.
- The path is similar: Settings → Network & Internet → select Wi-Fi or Ethernet → Properties. IPv4 is also displayed there.
What’s convenient: this method shows not only the IP, but also a bunch of useful parameters — DNS, gateway, connection type. All in one window.
For beginners, this is the best way to lookup the IP address on Windows: visually, clearly, and without the risk of getting confused by long command outputs.
How to Check IP Address in Control Panel (Classic Method)
For those who are used to older versions of Windows, the path through the Control Panel remains the most familiar. It is also relevant in Windows 10/11, although it is gradually fading into the background.
Here you will see all the network parameters: IPv4 Address, Default Gateway, Subnet Mask and DNS.
Why is it still useful? Because this particular method shows more details than the new Settings. If you need not only to lookup the IP address on Windows, but also to quickly check the gateway or DNS, the classic panel is an excellent choice.
How to Lookup IP Address on Windows Using Command Prompt
When you need it quickly and without clicks, Command Prompt comes to the rescue. Here everything is solved by one command:
ipconfigAfter you enter it, a list of network adapters will appear. You need an active one (for example, a Wireless LAN Wi-Fi adapter or an Ethernet adapter). Below it you will see the lines:
- IPv4 Address is your local IP.
- Subnet Mask — network mask.
- Default Gateway — the gateway (usually the router’s IP).
Why is this method convenient? It is universal. It works on all versions of Windows, including very old ones. If you have several network adapters, Command Prompt will immediately show everything — this is useful for diagnostics.
So if you need to quickly lookup IP address on Windows without graphics, ipconfig is the best tool.
Using PowerShell to Lookup IP Address
PowerShell is a more modern tool than Command Prompt. It gives you more flexibility and allows you to filter the results.
Basic commands:
- Get-NetIPAddress — shows a list of all IP addresses on the device.
- Test-Connection google.com — it works as an extended ping, showing the IP through which the connection is going.
Unlike ipconfig, PowerShell can filter only IPv4 or only IPv6 addresses at once. For example:
Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4
Get-Net ipaddress -AddressFamily IPv6This method is good when you work in a complex network or you need automated scripts. For example, an admin can run PowerShell commands on dozens of computers at once.
It’s a little more difficult for the average user, but if you want to learn the advanced way to lookup IP address on Windows, PowerShell is the perfect tool.
How to Find Public IP Address in Windows
It’s important to remember here: your local IP (for example, 192.168.0.15) is not the address that websites see. An external or public IP is issued by your ISP, and it is he who determines your “face” on the Internet.
There are several ways to find it:
- Through the command line. Enter the command: nslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com. It will “ask” the DNS server for your external address and immediately show it.
- Through online services. The fastest way is to go to whoerip.com. You can immediately see the IP address, the country, and even the city.
Why is this important? Sometimes people think they found their IP through ipconfig, but in fact they only saw the local one. If the task is to check the VPN or open access for a remote connection, you need a public IP. This is another example where knowing how to lookup an IP address on Windows saves you nerves and time.
| Type of IP | Example Address | Where to See It in Windows | What It’s Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (Private) | 192.168.1.10 | Settings → Network → Properties / ipconfig | Communication inside your home/office network |
| Public (External) | 85.143.210.45 | whatismyip.com / nslookup | Seen by websites, online services, VPN check |
| IPv6 Local | fe80::1a2b:3c4d… | PowerShell / ipconfig | Internal addressing with IPv6 support |
| IPv6 Public | 2001:0db8:85a3… | whatismyip.com | Future-proof addressing for the internet |
How to Lookup IP Address on Windows for Wi-Fi Networks
Wi-Fi works a little differently than a wired connection. Here, addresses are most often assigned dynamically, meaning your IP can change every time you connect.
To view it:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
- Select your active network and click Properties.
- Find the IPv4 address string — this is your current local IP.
You can also use ipconfig on the command line — see the Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi.
The main feature: if you reboot the router or disconnect/reconnect, the IP may change. Therefore, if you are setting up a server or want your friends to connect to your computer, it is better to check in advance.
Thus, searching via Wi-Fi is one of the most common scenarios of how to lookup IP address on Windows, because it is the wireless connection that most users use.
How to Lookup IP Address on Windows for Ethernet Connections
Ethernet is a wired connection, and it’s usually more stable than Wi-Fi. Here, the IP can be static (set manually) or dynamic (via DHCP).
To find out the address:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet.
- Click on the active connection and scroll to the IPv4 address line.
Alternative path: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → select the Ethernet adapter → Details.
Unlike Wi-Fi, Ethernet is often used in offices where the IP is fixed and set by the administrator. Therefore, when it comes to corporate networks, how to lookup an IP address on Windows over Ethernet can help identify access problems or address conflicts.
Advanced: How to Lookup IP Address Using Network Diagnostics
Sometimes standard methods are not enough. For example, the Internet is unstable, the address is constantly “jumping” or Windows says that the network has no Internet access. In such cases, the built-in diagnostic tool helps.
- Troubleshooter. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status and click Network Troubleshooter. Windows will automatically check all network settings, including IP, DNS, and gateway.
- Detailed reports. Through the command msdt.exe /id NetworkDiagnosticsNetworkAdapter you can run advanced diagnostics and get a log detailing your current IP, routing, and errors.
- When it’s useful. This method is especially helpful for complex problems: a conflict of IP addresses in the office, a DHCP error, or a situation where the IP is assigned, but the Internet is not working.
This is not the fastest method, but sometimes it gives a complete picture of what is happening. And this is another facet of how to lookup an IP address on Windows in real conditions.
Common Issues When Looking Up IP Address on Windows
Finding an IP address may seem like a trivial task, but in practice, difficulties often arise:
- Why the IP may change. If you have a dynamic IP (usually via Wi-Fi at home), then it can be updated every time you connect or reboot the router.
- NAT and hiding the real IP. Office networks and providers often use NAT (Network Address Translation). As a result, your local IP may be one, but another one comes out, shared by hundreds of users.
- VPN and proxy. When you work through a VPN, the local IP remains the same, but the public ONE changes. It can be confusing.: you look in ipconfig and see “your” address, and the sites see the IP of the VPN server. It’s the same with the proxy.
Knowing these nuances helps you interpret search results correctly and avoid mistakes. Therefore, when it comes to how to lookup an IP address on Windows, it is important to understand not only “where to click”, but also what exactly you are looking for — a local, public or VPN address.
| Method | Where to Find | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings App | Settings → Network & Internet → Status | Easy for beginners, visual | Shows mostly local IP only |
| Control Panel | Network and Sharing Center → Adapter → Details | Detailed view (DNS, Gateway) | Outdated interface |
| Command Prompt | ipconfig | Fast, works on all versions | Output can be overwhelming |
| PowerShell | Get-NetIPAddress | Flexible, can filter IPv4/IPv6 | Requires more skill |
| Online Services | whatismyip.com, ipinfo.io | Shows public IP instantly | Needs internet access |
| Diagnostics Tool | Network Troubleshooter, logs | Full report, advanced details | Slower, not beginner-friendly |
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Method to Lookup Your IP Address
We have analyzed a whole set of methods: from simple ones through Settings and online services, to advanced ones through PowerShell and network diagnostics.
- If you’re a beginner, the easiest way is to use the Settings App or a website like whatismyip.com .
- If you need full control and details, choose Command Prompt (ipconfig) or PowerShell.
- For complex cases, network logs and Windows diagnostics are useful.
The main thing to remember is that there are two different levels — the local IP inside the network and the public IP on the Internet. Both are important, but they solve different tasks.
Thus, understanding how to lookup IP address on Windows helps not only to “know your address”, but also to understand how the network works. This is simple knowledge that will be useful to everyone — from a gamer to a system administrator. If you want to know how to find internet protocol on all devices feel free to check our article.
Frequently Asked Questions
how to lookup ip address
Check your device’s network settings or use ipconfig (Windows) / ifconfig (Mac/Linux).
how do you lookup an ip address
Use system settings, Command Prompt/Terminal, or online tools like whoerip.com.
how to lookup an ip address owner
Perform an IP WHOIS lookup via services like whoerip
how to lookup an ip address
Open Command Prompt → type ipconfig (Windows), or use online IP lookup sites.
how to lookup printer ip address
Check the printer’s network settings menu, print a configuration page, or view it in your router’s device list.
how to lookup an ip address on a computer
On Windows: run ipconfig. On macOS/Linux: use ifconfig or ip addr show.
