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This guide explains how to modify both your public and private IP addresses on a Windows computer. The public IP address is used by your computer to communicate with external networks, while the private IP address identifies your device within a local wireless network. Adjusting these settings can help resolve connectivity issues.
Steps
Public IP Address
Disconnect your router and modem. Most internet service providers assign dynamic IP addresses, which change periodically. By disconnecting your modem for an extended period, you can obtain a new IP address upon reconnecting.
- Check your current IP address before proceeding.
- Simply unplug the router and modem from the power source.
Turn off your computer's Wi-Fi.
Wait for 5 minutes. Some internet providers assign a new IP address after approximately 5 minutes; however, if this doesn’t work, you’ll need to disconnect your router overnight (or for about 8 hours).
Reconnect the router to the power source. As long as another device (such as a phone, gaming console, or another computer) is connected to Wi-Fi; otherwise, the router and the second device will retain the old IP address.
Re-enable Wi-Fi on your computer. Doing this after other devices have established a connection will change your computer’s public IP address.
- Check the IP address again to confirm it has been updated.
Contact your internet service provider. In rare cases, your provider may assign you a static IP address. To change it, you’ll need to reach out to their technical support team directly. Typically, you’re allowed only one change.
Use a proxy network. This will display a different IP address for your connection, often from a different location within the country or globally. Reliable proxies and VPNs usually require a monthly fee.
Private IP
Refresh the address
Type command prompt into Start. This action helps you locate the Command Prompt on your computer.
Click on Run as administrator. This option is located below the displayed menu.
- If you are not an administrator on the current computer, this option will not be available, and you won’t be able to refresh the computer’s IP address.
Click Yes when prompted. The Command Prompt window will appear on your screen.
Type ipconfig /release and press ↵ Enter. This will "forget" the current IP address.
Type ipconfig /renew and press ↵ Enter. This renews the IP address. Performing this action can resolve certain connectivity issues but won’t change the computer’s actual IP address.
Change the address
Open the Settings app.
Select the Network & Internet option.
Ensure the Status tab is selected. This is the first tab in the left-hand panel.
Click on the "Change connection properties" link.
Click Edit under "IP assignment." Scroll down to access this section.
Switch to manual IP configuration. Click the dropdown menu in the displayed dialog box and select "Manual."
Toggle the IPv4 switch to the on position. Several input fields will appear here.
Fill in the required fields. Here’s what each field means:
- IP address - Typically, the device’s IP address will be "192.168.1.X" (or a similar sequence), where "X" is a unique number for the device. Replace "X" with a number between 1 and 100. Ensure it doesn’t conflict with another device’s IP on the network (e.g., your phone).
- Subnet prefix length - This depends on your IP address but is often "255.255.255.X."
- Gateway - This is your router’s IP address.
- Preferred DNS - The DNS address you prefer (e.g., "208.67.222.222" for OpenDNS or "8.8.8.8" for Google).
- Alternate DNS - A secondary DNS address (e.g., "208.67.220.220" for OpenDNS or "8.8.4.4" for Google).
Click Save. Your new network settings will be saved and applied.
Tips
- You may change your public IP address if you’ve been banned from a gaming service (e.g., Steam), and modify your private IP address to resolve website loading issues.
- Using a proxy server typically doesn’t change your actual IP address but alters the IP address visible to others.
- Browsers like Tor can hide your IP address, but they may pose security risks and are often slower than standard browsers.
Warnings
- When changing your computer’s private IP address, using another device’s IP will disconnect that device from the network.
