How to Change Your IP Address on a Computer

This article will present 3 methods to alter IP addresses in Windows 10.

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An IP address is a unique string of numbers that identifies a device on a network. Computers utilize IP addresses for communication and to convey location information, enabling routers and websites to recognize each other and exchange data.

Changing your IP address isn't illegal, contrary to some beliefs; in fact, it improves your system's security. Whether or not you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), it's advantageous to know how to change it yourself.

With just a few simple steps, you can save a considerable amount of money and refrain from paying computer professionals for trivial tasks. As you continue reading, you will learn how to change the IP address in Windows 10.

Let's start with how to change the IP address on Windows.

Method 1: How to Change IP Address on Windows through the Control Panel Step 1: Access the Control Panel Click on the Start menu, type "Control Panel" in the search bar, and open it. Step 2: Open Network and Sharing Center In the Control Panel, choose "Network and Sharing Center." This is usually represented by an icon depicting two computers with a heart between them. Step 3: View Your Current Network Connection On the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window, click on "Change adapter options." Step 4: Identify Your Network Connection A new window will open showing all network connections. Right-click on the connection you want to change (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties." Step 5: Modify IP Settings In the network connection properties, double-click on "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" or "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" depending on which one you want to configure. Step 6: Choose Between Automatic or Static IP In the IPv4 or IPv6 Properties window, you can choose between "Obtain an IP address automatically" (DHCP) or "Use the following IP address" (Static). To change your IP, select the "Use the following IP address" option. Step 7: Input New IP Address Details Enter the new IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses if using a static IP. Make sure the IP address is within the range of your network's IP addresses. Step 8: Save Your Changes Click "OK" to save your new IP settings. A confirmation message may appear, indicating that your changes have been applied. Step 9: Restart Your Network Adapter To apply the new IP address, right-click the network connection again and select "Disable." Then, enable it again to activate the new settings. Step 10: Verify the New IP Address Open Command Prompt by typing "cmd" in the Start menu search bar, then run the command "ipconfig" to view your new IP address. Please note that changing your IP address might require administrative privileges, and you should have the correct details for the static configuration, especially if you're in a corporate environment.

Some Windows computers have a fixed IP address, which might not be ideal when you need heightened security or access to apps that are hard to reach from your location.

Here's how to approach it:

Step 1. Open the Control Panel, and choose 'Networking and Sharing Center'. If you don't find it, select 'Network and Internet'.

Step 2. Choose 'Change adapter settings'.

Step 3. Double-click on the specific connection for which you want to change the IP address.

Step 4. Next, choose Properties.

Step 5. Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Step 6. Next, choose 'Obtain an IP address automatically' or configure it manually. Selecting the automatic option allows the router to assign an IP address to the computer automatically, whereas manual configuration makes the IP address static.

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Method 2: How to Change IP Address in Windows 10 Through Settings Step 1: Access the Settings Click on the Start menu and select the "Settings" icon, which resembles a gear. Step 2: Open Network & Internet Settings In the Settings window, choose "Network & Internet." Step 3: View Network Status On the left-hand side, click on "Status" and then click on "View network properties" under your current network connection. Step 4: Open Network Connections This will open the "Network and Sharing Center." Locate and click on "Change adapter options" located in the left pane. Step 5: Select Your Network Adapter In the new window, right-click on the network adapter you're currently using (usually named "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet") and choose "Properties." Step 6: Configure TCP/IP In the "Network Connection Properties" window, find "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" or "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and double-click on it. Step 7: Set a Static IP Address In the "Internet Protocol Properties" window, select "Use the following IP address" and enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. If you need a DNS server, select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Step 8: Save the Changes Click "OK" to save the changes and close all windows. Your computer will now use the new IP address. Remember that changing your IP address manually requires knowledge of the correct settings for your network environment. If unsure, consult your network administrator or Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.

You can also alter your IP address using the Settings app. To change IP addresses through Settings, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press the Windows key and I to open the Settings application. Then, select 'Network & Internet'.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then select Network & Internet.

Step 2. Choose Wi-Fi, as shown in the screenshot below, and select the network you are currently connected to.

Step 3. Under 'IP assignment', click on 'Edit', and you can also change DNS settings here.

Click on "Edit".

Step 4. To set the IP address automatically, select 'Automatic (DHCP)' from the drop-down menu in 'Edit Network IP Settings.' Then, click Save.

Step 5. Turn on the IPv4 switch.

Step 6. Enter the details of your new IP address, which include your current IP address, subnet mask, and gateway (router IP). Then click Save.

Method 3: How to Change IP Address in CMD (Command Prompt)

Alternatively, if you prefer the black screen, you can also modify your IP address using the Command Prompt. You can boot Command Prompt in Windows 10 and alter the IP address through the command line interface. Follow the steps below to accomplish this successfully.

Step 1. Press the Windows key and R, then type 'cmd' in the box that appears. After that, hit Enter. A black screen will appear.

Step 2. Type 'ipconfig', and then press Enter to check the current IP address of your computer.

Step 3. Type 'Netsh' to assign an IP to your computer and hit Enter. Next, type 'Interface IP' to switch the console from 'netsh>' to 'netsh interface ipv4'.

Step 4. Enter 'set address "Ethernet0" static 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1'. The general syntax is 'set address "Ethernet0" static IP_address Subnet_mask Gateway'.

Step 5. Furthermore, type 'set dnsservers "Ethernet0" static 192.168.1.10 primary' to specify the DNS information.

Step 6. Type 'Exit', then press Enter to leave the netsh interface. This translates to: Step 6. Type 'Exit', and then press Enter to exit the netsh interface.

Step 7. Type 'ipconfig/all' to verify that the static IP address, gateway, subnet mask, and DNS server IP have been updated.

Conclusion

Until now, altering your IP address might have seemed like a superhuman feat. As you can now see, changing your IP address is a straightforward task. This skill proves invaluable in bolstering your security and preserving your privacy. Furthermore, understanding how to change an IP address on a computer safeguards and conceals your online activities from potential hackers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Perhaps you have more questions on how to change an IP address on a computer; our FAQ section might be of assistance.

1. Can you change your IP address's location?

Yes, but you can only accomplish this by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is because a VPN provides you with a unique IP address from anywhere in the world.

2. Is changing an IP address risky or illegal?

Changing an IP address is not unlawful. Individuals often alter their IP addresses for legitimate purposes, such as enhancing their online security. However, without proper guidance, configuring this can lead to difficulties. To avoid complications, it's essential to familiarize yourself with our guide on manipulating system-specific IP addresses.