In Windows, how do I check my computer's IP address?

Note: The Windows XP default desktop view and Start menu are different from the Windows Classic View (e.g., in Windows 2000). Therefore, navigating to certain items can be different. In the interest of broad applicability, most Knowledge Base instructions assume you are using Classic View. For information about switching your Windows XP default view to Classic View, see In Windows XP, how do I switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel?

Windows 2000, XP, and Vista

To see what IP address your computer is using:

1. Click Start, and then select All Programs (XP and Vista) or Programs (2000).
   
   
2. Select Accessories, and then Command Prompt (2000, XP, and Vista).
   
   
3. At the command prompt, enter: ipconfig

   The IP address (or IPv4 address is you are using Windows Vista) will be a series of numbers following the pattern xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, for example, 156.56.27.32.

4. To close the command prompt, enter: exit

Windows Vista, without using the command prompt

Alternatively, in Windows Vista, to find your IP address using the graphic user interface:

1. From the Start menu, right-click Network, and select Properties. This opens the Network and Sharing Center.
   
   
2. If you are looking for the IP address of a wired connection, click View status to the right of "Local Area Connection".

   If you are looking for the IP address of a wireless adapter, click View status to the right of the wireless connection.

3. Click Details... . Look for the address next to "IPv4 IP Address".

Windows XP, without using the command prompt

Alternatively, in Windows XP, to find your IP address using the graphic user interface:

1. Right-click the My Network Places icon, and then select Properties.
   
   
2. If you are looking for the IP address of a wired connection, double-click the Local Area Connection icon. Occasionally, there will be a number on the end (e.g., Local Area Connection 2), depending on your computer's configuration.

   If you are looking for the IP address for a wireless adapter, the icon will normally be named Wireless Network Connection.

3. Click the Support tab.
   
   
4. Click Details... . The IP address will be listed in the window that appears.

Also see:

• In Windows, what are some networking commands I can use from the command prompt?
• What is WINS?
• At IUB or IUPUI, whom do I contact to change a Domain Name Services (DNS) entry?
• In Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, how do I find the MAC address of my network adapter?