How to Get a New IP Address on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

Quick Summary — Key Takeaways

  • Want a fresh IP? First decide: local (private) IP or public (Internet-facing) IP.

  • Fastest methods for local IP: ipconfig /release → ipconfig /renew, disable/enable the adapter, or set a static IP.

  • Fastest methods for public IP: reboot your modem/router, use a VPN/proxy, or tether to mobile data. ISP policies may prevent automatic public-IP changes.

  • Always check your IP before and after (use ipconfig for local, and a “what is my IP” web service for public).

  • Use caution: changing public IP doesn’t hide all activity. For privacy use a reputable VPN and good security practices.

Introduction — what this guide covers (and why it matters)

Need to know how-to-get-a-new-ip-address-on-windows-11-a-step-by-step-guide? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re troubleshooting a network conflict, testing a site, or trying to solve a connectivity issue, getting a new IP address on Windows 11 can be quick and painless — if you pick the right method. In this guide we’ll show you simple, safe, and legal ways to change both local (private) and public IP addresses, with clear commands and screenshots-equivalent steps you can follow right now.

1. What is an IP address? (public vs private)

An IP address is like your device’s mailing address on the network. There are two addresses to keep in mind:

  • Private (local) IP — assigned by your router to each device (e.g., 192.168.1.12). This is what ipconfig shows on your PC.

  • Public (external) IP — assigned by your ISP to your router/modem (what websites see). You can view it with a “what is my IP” web page.

Why this matters: changing your local IP helps internal network conflicts; changing your public IP affects what sites and services see.

2. Why would you get a new IP address?

Common reasons:

  • Fix IP conflict with another device.

  • Reset a troublesome network connection.

  • Bypass a soft ban or IP-based rate limit (only if allowed).

  • Test geo-based behavior (developers/testers).

  • Improve privacy (use a VPN to mask public IP).

3. Before you start — precautions and backups

  • Note current IPs: write down your public and private IP before changes.

  • Admin rights: many commands require administrator privileges.

  • Back up settings: if you edit router settings or set a static IP, keep a copy of the original values (gateway, DNS, subnet).

  • Don’t break network: if you’re on an office network, check with IT first.

4. How to check your current IP (local & public) — quick steps

Check local IP on Windows 11 (Command Prompt)

  1. Press Win, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator.

  2. Type: ipconfig /all and press Enter.

  • Look for the adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). The IPv4 Address is your local IP.

Check public IP

  • Open a browser and visit a service like whatismyipaddress.com or ifconfig.me. That page shows your public IP.

5. Method A — Release and renew your IP via Command Prompt (DHCP)

This is the classic, first-step method when your PC gets its IP from the router (DHCP).

When to use it:

  • You want a quick local IP change or to request a new DHCP lease.

Steps (numbered):

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win, type cmd, right-click, Run as administrator.

  2. Type: ipconfig /release and press Enter.

    • This tells your PC to drop its current DHCP lease. Your network may briefly go offline.

  3. Type: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. (optional — clears DNS cache)

  4. Type: ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

    • This asks the DHCP server (router) for a new address.

  5. Confirm: run ipconfig and check the IPv4 Address.

Notes: If DHCP is used and the router chooses a different free address, you’ll get a new local IP. The router may reassign the same one if the lease is still available.

6. Method B — Disable then enable the network adapter (quick local change)

Sometimes releasing/renewing isn’t necessary — a disable/enable cycle forces reinitialization.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X → select Network Connections.

  2. Click Change adapter options.

  3. Right-click your adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Disable.

  4. Wait 5–10 seconds → right-click → Enable.

  5. Check with ipconfig again.

This is the “turn it off and on again” of network adapters — fast and effective.

7. Method C — Restart your router or modem (common public IP fix)

If you need a new public IP, rebooting the modem (or modem+router) often works.

Steps:

  1. Power off your router and modem (if separate).

  2. Unplug the modem’s power cable — leave it unplugged 30–120 seconds.

  3. Plug it back in and wait until the modem shows it’s online.

  4. Reboot the router if needed.

  5. Verify public IP with a “what is my IP” site.

Why wait longer? Some ISPs use “sticky” DHCP leases — the DHCP server may reassign the same IP if the lease is still valid. Longer power-off increases the chance your ISP gives you a different public IP.

8. Method D — Use a VPN or proxy (change public IP instantly)

Want to appear from a different city or country? VPNs and proxies change the public IP that websites see.

Pros:

  • Instant change.

  • Strong privacy features if you choose a reputable VPN.

  • Easy to toggle on/off.

Cons:

  • Can slow down connection.

  • Free VPNs often have limits and privacy risks.

How to use (basic):

  1. Choose a reputable VPN (e.g., paid providers with good privacy policies).

  2. Install the Windows 11 client.

  3. Connect to a server location — your public IP will now match that server’s IP.

  4. Disconnect to revert to your original public IP.

9. Method E — Use mobile hotspot / tethering (temporary public IP)

If you need a quick different public IP, tethering to your phone assigns the phone carrier’s public IP.

Steps:

  1. On your phone, enable Mobile Hotspot.

  2. Connect your Windows 11 laptop via Wi-Fi (or USB tethering).

  3. Check your public IP — it’s now your carrier’s IP.

Great for quick tests or bypassing an ISP-assigned IP temporarily.

10. Method F — Change MAC address (MAC spoofing) — advanced

Some ISPs assign IPs based on device MAC address. Changing (spoofing) your NIC MAC can force a new IP in some setups.

Warning:

  • Advanced. Use only if you understand network implications and have permission on corporate networks.

Steps (Device Manager method):

  1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter → Properties.

  3. Go to Advanced tab → find Network Address or Locally Administered Address.

  4. Enter a new 12-hex-digit MAC (no dashes).

  5. Disable and enable the adapter or reboot the PC.

  6. Check ipconfig for a new local IP; public IP may also change after router/modem refresh.

If the option is missing, your driver may not support UI MAC change. Don’t invent random MACs that conflict with your network.

11. Method G — Assign a static (manual) IP on Windows 11

If you want a fixed local IP (useful for servers, printers, port forwarding):

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Network & internet.

  2. Click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then the connection name.

  3. Under IP assignment, click Edit.

  4. Choose Manual, enable IPv4, and enter:

    • IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.150)

    • Subnet prefix length (usually 24)

    • Gateway (your router, e.g., 192.168.1.1)

    • Preferred DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8)

  5. Save and test connectivity.

Tip: Pick an IP outside your router’s DHCP pool or reserve it on the router to avoid conflicts.

12. Method H — Router-side DHCP actions (reserve/release)

If you control the router, you can force changes centrally.

Steps (general):

  1. Log into your router admin page (common addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1).

  2. Login with admin credentials (check your router’s sticker).

  3. Locate LAN or DHCP settings.

  4. Option A — Release/renew WAN: find an option to release the WAN IP. Reconnect to get a new public IP.

  5. Option B — Reserve an IP: map a device’s MAC to a fixed local IP.

  6. Save and reboot router if needed.

Router interfaces vary — consult your router manual for exact menu names.

13. Advanced: PowerShell & netsh commands (for power users)

If you prefer PowerShell:

  • Release: Get-NetIPConfiguration | Foreach { Remove-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex $_.InterfaceIndex -Confirm:$false } (advanced — be careful).

  • Simpler: use the ipconfig commands in PowerShell the same as CMD.

netsh example to reset TCP/IP:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Reboot after running these.

14. Troubleshooting — common errors and fixes

“ipconfig /renew” hangs or fails

  • Check cable/Wi-Fi.

  • Restart router and PC.

  • Ensure DHCP is enabled on router and adapter.

Your public IP didn’t change after router reboot

  • ISP may use sticky DHCP leases. Try unplugging the modem longer (5–10 minutes) or contact ISP.

IP conflict persists after static IP change

  • Use arp -a to find conflicting MACs or check router’s DHCP table. Ensure the static IP is outside DHCP pool.

No internet after setting static IP

  • Check gateway and DNS entries. Use ping 8.8.8.8 to test connectivity.

15. Security & privacy considerations

  • Changing public IP doesn’t make you anonymous. Websites may use cookies, fingerprints, and logins.

  • For privacy, combine a trusted VPN with good browser hygiene (clear cookies, use private mode).

  • Don’t use shady free VPNs or proxies — they may log your traffic.

  • If changing IP to bypass bans or abuse policies, reconsider — legal consequences may follow.

16. Comparison table — which method to use?

Method Changes Local IP? Changes Public IP? Ease Best use case
ipconfig release/renew Yes Usually no Easy Fix local conflicts
Adapter disable/enable Yes No Very easy Quick local fix
Router/modem reboot Sometimes Often Easy Try for new public IP
VPN / Proxy No Yes (via VPN server) Very easy Geo/IP change, privacy
Mobile hotspot No Yes Easy Temporary public IP
MAC spoofing Yes (if DHCP based) Possibly Advanced Force new lease
Static IP (manual) Yes (fixed) No Medium Servers, port-forwarding
Router DHCP actions Yes/No Yes/No Medium Managed networks, reserved IPs

17. Conclusion — recommended approach and tips

So, how-to-get-a-new-ip-address-on-windows-11-a-step-by-step-guide — in short: start simple. If you need a new local IP, run ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew or disable/enable the adapter. If you need a new public IP, reboot your modem/router or use a reputable VPN. For long-term control, set a static IP or manage reservations in your router.

Remember: public IPs are assigned by your ISP and may not change just because you want them to. For privacy and geo-testing, a VPN is the easiest, most reliable method.

5 FAQs — short, precise answers

Q1 — Will ipconfig /renew change my public IP?
A: No. ipconfig /renew interacts with your router’s DHCP for your local IP. Public IP is assigned by your ISP to your router and may require a modem reboot or VPN to change.

Q2 — Can my ISP refuse to change my public IP?
A: Yes. Many ISPs use sticky DHCP leases or static assignments; only they can change it on request.

Q3 — Is changing my MAC address safe?
A: It’s generally safe on a home device, but don’t use it to impersonate other devices on a network. On managed networks, check policy first.

Q4 — Do I need admin rights to change my IP on Windows 11?
A: Yes — most commands and adapter changes require administrator privileges.

Q5 — Which method is best for privacy?
A: A reputable paid VPN is the best balance of privacy, reliability, and ease-of-use for changing your public IP and masking traffic.

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