Buzz
Set up a static IP address on your computer using this detailed guide.
This tutorial will walk you through the process of configuring a static IP address for your computer within your Wi-Fi network. A static IP address remains unchanged even when your router or computer reboots, which is particularly useful for remote operations and website hosting. Additionally, static IP addresses can help prevent connection issues on routers with multiple connected devices.
Key Points to Remember
- To begin, locate your addresses on either Windows or Mac. Look for the 'Default gateway' address on Windows and the 'Router' number on a Mac.
- Enter the obtained number into a web browser and log in if required. Then, locate your computer in the list of connected devices and click on it. Finally, click Reserve.
Procedures
Locating Your Addresses on Windows
Click Access your network properties. This link can be found towards the bottom of the page.
- If you cannot locate this link, scroll down. You may also have to select the About tab in the upper-left corner of the window.
Scroll down to the section labeled 'Wi-Fi.' It is situated towards the bottom of the page. You will find a list of details concerning your Wi-Fi connection in this section.
Take note of the 'Default gateway' address. The address listed next to the 'Default gateway' heading is the one you will input into a web browser to access your router's page.
Press ⊞ Win+X. This action will launch the advanced Start menu.
- Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start icon located in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Access System. This option is located in the advanced Start menu. Clicking on it will open a window displaying the specifications of your Windows computer.
Take note of your computer's name. You can find this name (usually a combination of letters and numbers) to the right of the 'Device name' heading in the center of the page. You are now ready to proceed with setting a static IP address.
Locating Your Addresses on Mac
Go to System Preferences…. You'll find this option in the drop-down menu.
Navigate to Network. This option is located in the System Preferences window.
Tap on Advanced…. You'll find this option located on the lower-right side of the window. This action will open a new window.
Select the TCP/IP tab. This tab is situated at the top of the window.
Make a note of the 'Router' address. The address positioned to the right of the 'Router' heading (typically appearing as '192.168.X.X' or '10.0.0.X') is the address you'll utilize to access your router's page.
Locate your Mac's name. You'll require the name of your Mac to locate it on your router's page; once you've done this, you'll be prepared to set a static IP address:
- Close the Advanced window.
- Click on ⋮⋮⋮⋮ in the upper-left corner of System Preferences.
- Select Sharing.
- Make a note of the 'Computer Name' entry at the top of the window.
Configuring a Static IP Address
Launch a web browser.
Input your router's address. Type the retrieved address for your router into the address bar at the top of the browser window, then hit ↵ Enter. This action will open your router's page.
Authenticate if needed. If asked for a username and/or password, enter the necessary credentials and hit ↵ Enter.
- If you haven't set a username and/or password, you'll likely need to use the default credentials found either in the router's manual or on the router itself.
Locate the roster of connected devices. As the arrangement and naming of items on each router's page differ, you might need to explore the router page or menu to find this section.
- For instance, some routers place the Connected Devices button on the main page, while others require you to click Settings or Advanced to access the list of connected devices.
Identify your computer's name. Scan the list of connected devices for the name you noted earlier.
Press the Reserve button. Look for this option near or below the computer's name and address. You might have to click your computer's name first.
- The wording may differ on your router's page.
- If asked to confirm your selection or specify an unused IP address, do so before proceeding.
Click Save or Apply. This option typically appears at the page's bottom. It will save your adjustments and implement the new IP address on the computer.
- Restart your computer and possibly your router for the changes to take effect.
Pointers
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You usually don't need to set a static IP address unless you're running a website, configuring a computer for remote access, or utilizing an FTP server.
Cautions
- Trying to utilize the IP address of another device connected to the network will either trigger an error or force the device off the network.
