how to check ip address of my laptop

Every device connected to a network, including your laptop, has a unique identifier called an Internet Protocol (IP) address. It’s like your computer’s digital mailing address, allowing information to find its way to you and back out to the world. Knowing how to find this address is a simple but essential tech skill, whether you’re troubleshooting a connection issue or setting up a new printer.

Finding Your IP Address on Windows

If you’re using a Windows laptop, the process is quick. Simply click on the Start menu and type cmd to open the Command Prompt. In the black window that appears, type the command ipconfig and press Enter. You’ll see a list of information. Look for the line labeled “IPv4 Address” next to your active connection—that string of numbers is your laptop’s local IP address on your home or office network.

Locating Your IP Address on a Mac

For Mac users, the steps are just as straightforward. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and go to System Settings. From there, navigate to Network. Select your active network connection (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and then click the Details button. Your local IP address will be clearly displayed in the window that opens.

Your Public IP Address Versus Your Local One

It’s helpful to know there are two main types of IP addresses. The local address we just found is for your internal network. Your public IP address is the one the entire internet sees, assigned to your router by your Internet Service Provider. To find your public IP, you can simply open a web browser and visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com. This is the address that websites see when you visit them.

Why Knowing Your IP Address Matters

You might need this information for various everyday tasks. Setting up a network printer, allowing a friend to join your gaming server, or troubleshooting why your smart speaker won’t connect all require you to know your laptop’s local IP address. It’s a small piece of information that gives you more control over your home network and devices.

Checking your laptop’s IP address is a simple process that takes just a moment. Whether you use the command line or your system settings, you now have the knowledge to find this key piece of network information whenever you need it.