Ever wondered what your IP address is? Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, setting up a game server, or configuring a router, knowing your IP address is essential. If you’re using Windows 11, one of the quickest ways to find it is through the Command Prompt (CMD).

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to find your IP address on Windows 11 using CMD, along with tips to understand the difference between public and private IPs.

Table of Contents

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is like a digital home address for your device. It allows your computer to send and receive data on the internet or local network.

There are two main types:

IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) – the most common format.
IPv6 (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334) – a newer format for modern networks.

Why Do You Need to Know Your IP Address?

You might want to find your IP address to:

Troubleshoot internet connectivity problems.
Configure a router or firewall.
Host multiplayer games or remote desktop connections.
Share files over a local network.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt on Windows 11

Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
Type cmd.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Use the ipconfig Command

In the Command Prompt window, type:

ipconfig
Press Enter.
Windows will display a list of network details.

Step 3: Locate Your IP Address

Look for the section under your active network connection:

If you’re connected via Wi-Fi → check Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi.
If you’re connected via Ethernet → check Ethernet adapter Ethernet.

Within that section, find:

IPv4 Address → Your local/private IP (e.g., 192.168.0.105).
IPv6 Address → Your newer internet protocol address.

Step 4: Alternative CMD Commands to Find IP Address

Apart from ipconfig, there are other useful commands:

Using getmac

This displays your device’s MAC address and associated network details.

Using netstat

Shows active network connections and routing details.

Using nslookup

This command reveals your public IP address.

Step 5: Understanding Private vs Public IP

Private IP: Assigned by your router for devices within your local network. (e.g., 192.168.x.x)
Public IP: Assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for communication on the internet.

👉 CMD mainly shows your private IP, but you can use tools like nslookup or visit sites like whatismyip.com for your public IP.

Step 6: Find IP Address of Another Device on the Network

You can even check other devices on your network using CMD:

Type:

arp -a
This lists all active IP addresses and their associated MAC addresses on your network.

Troubleshooting: CMD Not Showing IP Address

If you don’t see an IP address:

Ensure your PC is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Update your network adapter drivers.
Restart your router and reconnect.

Conclusion

Finding your IP address on Windows 11 using CMD is simple and quick. Just open Command Prompt, run the ipconfig command, and you’ll instantly see your IP details. Whether you need it for troubleshooting, networking, or gaming, CMD gives you the fastest way to retrieve both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

FAQs

Q1: What command shows my IP address in Windows 11?
The simplest command is ipconfig.

Q2: Can CMD show my public IP address?
Yes, using nslookup or third-party services, but ipconfig only shows your private IP.

Q3: Do I need admin rights to check my IP in CMD?
No, but running CMD as administrator ensures full access to network details.

Q4: What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 in CMD results?
IPv4 is the older, widely used format; IPv6 is the newer protocol designed for future internet growth.

Q5: How can I find the IP of other devices on my Wi-Fi?
Use arp -a in CMD to list active IP addresses on your local network.

How to Find IP Address Windows 11 CMD: A Step-by-Step Guide