Contents
- How to find your local IP with Command Prompt using ipconfig
- How to find your local IP in Windows Settings
- How to find your local IP with PowerShell
- How it works on Windows 11 and Windows 10
- How to know whether to check Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Which one matters most: IPv4 or IPv6
- What to do if you cannot find the right address
What exactly to check
Right command
Use ipconfig if you want the fastest answer from Command Prompt or Terminal.
Right field
Look for IPv4 Address. That is the one most people need for printers, NAS devices, routers and local sharing.
Right adapter
Check the adapter that is active right now, usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
What usually confuses people
Ignore IPv6, disconnected adapters, old VPNs and virtual interfaces unless you know you need them.
How to find your local IP address on Windows with Command Prompt
This is the fastest method and the one most people want when they search for how to find a local IP address on Windows. It works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
It is also the most useful method if you want to connect to a network printer, open a shared folder, reach a NAS or identify the right private IP for your PC.
- Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
- Type ipconfig and press Enter.
- Find the adapter you are using: Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Look for the line called IPv4 Address.
- That number is your local IP or private IP.
ipconfig
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi:
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.23
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1In most home networks your local IP will look like 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x or sometimes 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x.
Tip: do not confuse your IP with the Default Gateway. The gateway is usually your router, often 192.168.1.1. Your PC usually has a different local IP, such as 192.168.1.23.
How to find your local IP address in Windows Settings
If you prefer not to use commands, you can also find your local IP through the Windows interface. This method is useful when you want to confirm the IPv4 address visually.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
- Open Properties.
- Find the field called IPv4 address.
If you only need the answer fast, ipconfig is usually quicker. But Settings makes it easier to confirm which network you are actually connected to.
How to find your local IP address with PowerShell
PowerShell is useful if you want a cleaner output or if you manage several adapters. It is handy for support work and small automation tasks.
- Open PowerShell.
- Run the command below.
- Find the active interface and its IPAddress.
Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 |
Sort-Object InterfaceAlias |
Select-Object InterfaceAlias, IPAddressIn most cases you want the Wi-Fi or Ethernet interface. If several addresses appear, keep the one that belongs to the network you are using right now.
How this works on Windows 11 and Windows 10
The process is almost the same on both versions. On Windows 11 you will often see Terminal more prominently, while Windows 10 still shows Command Prompt or PowerShell more often. In all cases, ipconfig works the same way.
Windows 11
Use Terminal, Settings or PowerShell. The visual path is inside Network & Internet.
Windows 10
Use Command Prompt, Settings or PowerShell. The IPv4 address appears under the active adapter just like in Windows 11.
If you searched for how to find my local IP on Windows 11 or how to find my IPv4 on Windows 10, this same guide covers both.
How to know whether to check Wi-Fi or Ethernet
You should check the adapter that is connected to your network at that moment.
- If you are using wireless, check Wi-Fi.
- If you are using a network cable, check Ethernet.
- If both appear, choose the one with a live connection and usually a default gateway.
For printers, NAS devices, shared folders or local device management, the address you usually need is the local IPv4 of that device.
Which one matters most on Windows: IPv4 or IPv6
In most home or small office situations, the one you want is IPv4. That is the familiar address that looks like 192.168.1.23.
IPv4
Most commonly used for routers, printers, NAS devices, local sharing and basic network tasks.
IPv6
It can also appear in Windows, but it is rarely the one people need for basic local setup tasks.
Unless you know you specifically need IPv6, use the IPv4 Address line.
Common problems when looking for your local IP on Windows
I see several IP addresses and I am not sure which one is right
That is normal if you have several adapters such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, Hyper-V, VirtualBox or Bluetooth. Keep the adapter that is actually connected to your network. In most cases that is Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
I cannot find “IPv4 Address”
Make sure you are looking at the right block. Sometimes the active adapter is not the first one in the list. It can also happen if the interface is disconnected.
I see an address like 169.254.x.x
That usually means something is wrong: Windows assigned itself an address because it did not get one from the router through DHCP. It often points to a cable, Wi-Fi, DHCP or router communication issue.
This website shows me a different IP address
That happens because websites usually show your public IP, the one the internet sees. Windows shows your local IP inside your private network. If you want the difference clearly explained, read: Local IP vs public IP.
Next step depending on what you need
Understand what a local IP actually is
The base guide if you want the clear meaning of local IP, private IP and how it fits inside your network.
Compare it with your public IP
Useful when Windows shows one address and a website shows another one.
Understand why it changes
DHCP is what usually assigns your local IP and explains why the address can change over time.
Stop it from changing
If you use printers, NAS devices or cameras, a fixed local IP often makes life easier.
Open your router
If you need DHCP settings, IP reservations or basic network configuration, the next step is often your router.
Find it on another device
If you also need the local IP on mobile, start with Android and then check iPhone or macOS.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my local IP address on Windows quickly?
Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal, run ipconfig and look for the IPv4 Address under your active adapter.
Where can I find my local IP on Windows 11 without using commands?
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi or Ethernet → Properties and look for IPv4 address.
Is 192.168.1.1 my local IP address?
Usually no. 192.168.1.1 is often your router or gateway. Your Windows PC usually has another local IP, such as 192.168.1.23.
Which IP address should I use for a printer, NAS or camera?
Usually the local IPv4 address of that device inside your network. If you need it to stay the same, a DHCP reservation or fixed local IP helps.
Can my local IP address change?
Yes. Routers usually assign local addresses through DHCP, so the IP can change when the device reconnects, the router restarts or the lease is renewed.