How To Change IP Address On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

6 min. read

Published on November 5, 2025

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Changing your IP address on Windows 11 can be useful for various reasons, from troubleshooting network connectivity issues to enhancing your online privacy. Your IP address is a unique identifier that your computer uses to communicate with the internet, and sometimes, altering it can resolve conflicts or provide a new level of security. This guide will walk you through the different methods available on Windows 11 to change your IP address.

Whether you want to obtain a new IP address automatically or manually configure one, Windows 11 offers several straightforward options. By following the steps outlined below, you can easily manage your IP address and customize your network settings to suit your specific needs. Let’s explore the methods to change your IP address on Windows 11.

How Do I Change My IP Address on Windows 11?

Changing Your IP Address Automatically (DHCP)

Most home networks use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to automatically assign IP addresses to devices. Here’s how to renew your IP address:

Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Network & Internet: Click on “Network & Internet” in the left sidebar.
Select Ethernet or Wi-Fi: Choose either “Ethernet” (for wired connections) or “Wi-Fi” (for wireless connections) depending on your current connection.
Click on Your Network: Click on the name of your connected network.
Scroll Down to IP Settings: Find the “IP settings” section.
Click Edit: Click the “Edit” button next to “IP assignment.”
Select Automatic (DHCP): In the dropdown menu, choose “Automatic (DHCP).”
Save Changes: Click “Save.” Your computer will request a new IP address from your router.
Release and Renew via Command Prompt (Alternative): If the above method doesn’t work, open Command Prompt as an administrator, type ipconfig /release, and press Enter. Then, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. This will release your current IP address and request a new one.

Manually Setting a Static IP Address

If you prefer to have a fixed IP address, you can manually configure it:

Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Network & Internet: Click on “Network & Internet” in the left sidebar.
Select Ethernet or Wi-Fi: Choose either “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi.”
Click on Your Network: Click on the name of your connected network.
Scroll Down to IP Settings: Find the “IP settings” section.
Click Edit: Click the “Edit” button next to “IP assignment.”
Select Manual: In the dropdown menu, choose “Manual.”
Enable IPv4 or IPv6: Toggle the switch for either IPv4 or IPv6 (most commonly IPv4).
Enter IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway: Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. You may need to obtain this information from your network administrator or router settings.
Enter DNS Server Addresses: Enter your preferred DNS server addresses. Google’s public DNS servers are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Save Changes: Click “Save.”

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a different location, effectively changing your public IP address:

Choose a VPN Provider: Select a reputable VPN provider (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark).
Download and Install the VPN App: Download and install the VPN application on your Windows 11 computer.
Create an Account and Log In: Create an account with the VPN provider and log in to the app.
Connect to a Server: Choose a server location from the list provided by the VPN app and connect to it.
Verify Your IP Address: Once connected, your public IP address will be changed to the IP address of the VPN server. You can verify this by searching “what is my IP” on Google.

Tips For Managing Your IP Address

Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing network connectivity issues, try renewing your IP address first.
Security: Using a VPN can enhance your online privacy and security by masking your real IP address.
Static vs. Dynamic: Static IP addresses are useful for hosting servers or devices that require a consistent address, while dynamic IP addresses are more common for general internet browsing.
DNS Servers: Using reliable DNS servers (like Google’s) can improve your browsing speed and security.

Taking Control of Your Windows 11 IP Address

Changing your IP address on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through automatic settings, manual configuration, or the use of a VPN. Each method offers unique benefits, whether it’s resolving network issues or enhancing your online privacy. Understanding these options allows you to manage your network settings effectively.

FAQ

How often should I change my IP address? There’s no set rule. Changing your IP address is typically only necessary when troubleshooting network issues or enhancing privacy.

Will changing my IP address improve my internet speed? Not directly. However, using a faster DNS server or a VPN server closer to your location might improve speed.

Is it legal to change my IP address? Yes, it is perfectly legal to change your IP address through the methods described above.

What are the risks of using a free VPN to change my IP address? Free VPNs may log your data, display intrusive ads, or offer slower speeds. It’s generally safer to use a reputable paid VPN service.

How do I find my current IP address? You can find your current public IP address by searching “what is my IP” on Google or using websites like whatismyip.com. You can find your local IP address through Windows 11 settings under your network connection details.

Comparing IP Address Change Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Use Case
Automatic (DHCP)	Easy, requires no manual configuration.	IP address can change periodically.	General home network use.
Manual (Static)	Provides a consistent IP address.	Requires manual configuration, can cause conflicts if not done correctly.	Hosting servers, devices needing a fixed address.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)	Enhances privacy, bypasses geo-restrictions.	Can slow down internet speed, requires subscription.	Protecting online privacy, accessing region-locked content.

Windows 11 IP Address Management Complete

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to change your IP address on Windows 11 using various methods. Whether you choose to renew your IP automatically, set a static IP, or use a VPN, you now have the knowledge to manage your network settings effectively.