Every device connected to a network, including your laptop, has a unique identifier called an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Think of it as your computer’s digital mailing address, allowing information to find its way to you and back out to the world. There are times when you might need to find this number, perhaps to set up a printer, troubleshoot your internet connection, or allow a friend to connect to a game server you’re hosting.
Your Two Types of IP Addresses
Before you start looking, it helps to know that your laptop has two primary IP addresses. The first is your local IP address, used for communication within your home or office network. The second is your public IP address, which is how the rest of the internet sees your entire network. We will focus on finding the local one, as it’s the most common need and is found directly on your laptop.
Finding Your IP Address on Windows
If you are using a Windows computer, the quickest way is through the Command Prompt. Simply type “cmd” in the Windows search bar and open the application. In the black window that appears, type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet adapter” section and find the line that says “IPv4 Address.” The number next to it is your local IP address.
Locating Your IP Address on a Mac
For Mac users, the process is just as simple. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and go to System Settings. Navigate to Network, select your active connection (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and then click the ‘Details’ button. Your IP address will be listed right there on the main screen.
A Quick Lookup for Your Public IP
To find the public IP address that your router shows to the internet, you can use a web browser. Simply open your preferred browser and type “what is my IP address” into the search bar. Google and other search engines will display your public IP address right at the top of the results page.
Knowing how to find your laptop’s IP address is a useful skill for any computer user. Whether you are fixing a connection issue or configuring a device, these simple steps will help you get the information you need quickly.
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