How to Change IP Address on Windows 11 (2025 Guide)

Need to change your IP address on Windows 11? This guide walks you through every method – from the Settings app to PowerShell commands – with step-by-step instructions for 2025.

Quick Answer

Open Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi (or Ethernet) → Your Connection → Edit IP Assignment → Manual. Toggle IPv4 on, enter your new IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, then click Save.

Method 1: Using Windows 11 Settings (Easiest)

The Settings app is the most straightforward way to change your IP address on Windows 11. This method works for both WiFi and Ethernet connections.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Settings – Press Windows + I or click the Start menu and select Settings
  2. Go to Network & Internet – Click on “Network & internet” in the left sidebar
  3. Select your connection type – Click on “WiFi” or “Ethernet” depending on your connection
  4. Click your network name – For WiFi, click on your connected network. For Ethernet, click on your adapter
  5. Find IP assignment – Scroll down to “IP assignment” and click the “Edit” button
  6. Change to Manual – In the dropdown, select “Manual” instead of “Automatic (DHCP)”
  7. Enable IPv4 – Toggle the IPv4 switch to “On”
  8. Enter your IP settings:
    • IP address: Enter your desired IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
    • Subnet mask: Usually 255.255.255.0
    • Gateway: Your router’s IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
    • Preferred DNS: Optional (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS)
  9. Click Save – Your new IP address is now active

How to Choose an IP Address

When setting a static IP, choose an address that:

  • Is within your network range (same first three number groups as your gateway)
  • Is not already used by another device
  • Is outside your router’s DHCP range (usually above .100)

Example: If your router is at 192.168.1.1, you could use 192.168.1.150 as your static IP.

Method 2: Using Control Panel

The classic Control Panel method still works in Windows 11 and offers a familiar interface for users upgrading from older Windows versions.

  1. Open Control Panel – Press Windows + R, type control, press Enter
  2. Go to Network and Sharing Center – Click “Network and Internet” → “Network and Sharing Center”
  3. Click your connection – Click on your network name next to “Connections”
  4. Open Properties – Click the “Properties” button
  5. Select IPv4 – Double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
  6. Configure your IP – Select “Use the following IP address” and enter your settings
  7. Click OK on all windows to apply

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

For power users, Command Prompt provides quick IP configuration using the netsh command.

View Your Current IP

ipconfig

This shows all your network adapters and their current IP configurations.

Set a Static IP Address

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin)) and run:

netsh interface ip set address name="Wi-Fi" static 192.168.1.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1

Replace “Wi-Fi” with your adapter name (use netsh interface show interface to find it), and adjust the IP, subnet, and gateway as needed.

Set DNS Servers

netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8
netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2

Switch Back to DHCP (Automatic)

netsh interface ip set address name="Wi-Fi" dhcp
netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" dhcp

Method 4: Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers more modern cmdlets for network configuration.

View Current Configuration

Get-NetIPConfiguration

Set a Static IP

# Remove existing IP (if any)
Remove-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -Confirm:$false

# Set new static IP
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -IPAddress 192.168.1.100 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1

# Set DNS
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

Switch Back to DHCP

Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -Dhcp Enabled
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ResetServerAddresses

Change Your Public IP on Windows 11

The methods above change your local (private) IP address. To change your public IP address – the one that websites and online services see – you have different options:

Use a VPN (Recommended)

A VPN instantly changes your public IP by routing your traffic through a server in another location. This is the most reliable method and also encrypts your connection for privacy.

  1. Download a VPN app (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN)
  2. Install and sign in
  3. Connect to a server in any country
  4. Your public IP changes immediately

Restart Your Router

If you have a dynamic IP from your ISP, restarting your router may assign a new public IP. Unplug your router for 5-10 minutes, then plug it back in.

Release and Renew IP via Command Prompt

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

This requests a new IP from your router’s DHCP server. Note: This changes your local IP, not your public IP (your public IP is assigned by your ISP, not your router).

When to Use a Static IP

Most users should leave their IP on automatic (DHCP). However, a static IP is useful for:

  • Running a server – Web servers, game servers, or file shares need a consistent address
  • Port forwarding – Router rules work best with static IPs
  • Network printers – So other devices always know where to send print jobs
  • Remote desktop – Easier to connect when the IP doesn’t change
  • Smart home devices – Some IoT devices work better with fixed IPs

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“No Internet” After Changing IP

Cause: Incorrect gateway or subnet mask

Fix: Make sure your gateway matches your router’s IP (check on another device or the router itself). The subnet mask should usually be 255.255.255.0.

IP Address Conflict

Cause: Another device already uses that IP

Fix: Choose a different IP address. Check your router’s admin panel to see which IPs are in use, or use a higher number (like .200).

Changes Don’t Stick After Reboot

Cause: Network adapter settings were reset or not saved properly

Fix: Ensure you clicked Save/OK on all dialogs. Some VPN or network management software can override settings – check for conflicting software.

Can’t Find the IP Assignment Option

Cause: You may be looking at the wrong network adapter

Fix: Make sure you’re editing the adapter you’re actually using. If connected via WiFi, don’t edit Ethernet settings and vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my IP address affect my internet speed?

No, your local IP address has no effect on internet speed. Speed is determined by your internet plan and network conditions. However, if you’re using a VPN to change your public IP, that may slightly affect speed due to encryption overhead.

What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 in Windows 11?

IPv4 uses the familiar 192.168.x.x format, while IPv6 uses longer addresses like 2001:db8::1. Most home networks primarily use IPv4. Windows 11 supports both, and you can configure either in the same settings. For most users, configuring IPv4 is sufficient.

Can I have different IPs for WiFi and Ethernet?

Yes, each network adapter has its own IP configuration. You can set a static IP for Ethernet while leaving WiFi on automatic, or configure both differently. Windows 11 treats each adapter independently.

Will changing my IP address disconnect me from the internet?

Briefly, yes. When you apply new IP settings, there’s a momentary disconnection while Windows applies the changes. This usually lasts only a few seconds. Active downloads or video calls may be interrupted.

Summary

  • Settings app is the easiest method for most users
  • Control Panel offers a familiar interface from older Windows versions
  • Command Prompt/PowerShell are best for automation and scripting
  • To change your public IP, use a VPN or restart your router
  • Most users should keep automatic (DHCP) unless they have a specific reason for a static IP

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