Every device connected to your home network, including your laptop, has a unique identifier called an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Think of it like your computer’s digital mailing address, allowing information to find its way to you and not your roommate’s phone. There are times when you might need to find this number, whether you’re troubleshooting a connection issue, setting up a printer, or just satisfying your curiosity.
It’s simpler than you might think, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to do it. The process varies slightly depending on whether you’re using Windows or macOS, but both methods are straightforward and only take a minute.
Finding Your IP Address on Windows
For Windows 10 and 11 users, the quickest method is through the command prompt. Simply type cmd into your Windows search bar and open the Command Prompt app. Then, type ipconfig and press Enter. A bunch of text will appear. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address—the number next to it (for example, 192.168.1.25) is your laptop’s local IP address on the network.
If you prefer a visual method, you can also find it in your network settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet, select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and then click on Properties. Scroll down, and you’ll see your IPv4 address listed there.
Locating Your IP Address on a Mac
On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and go to System Settings. From there, click on Network in the sidebar. Select the network connection you are currently using (it will have a green dot next to it), and then click Details. In the new window, click on the TCP/IP tab. You will see your computer’s IP address listed right there.
Why You Have Two Different IP Addresses
You may have noticed that the IP address you found using these methods is different from the one you see when you search “what is my IP” on Google. This is completely normal! The address you found on your laptop is your private IP address, which is used for communication within your own local network. The address Google shows you is your public IP address, which is the shared address for your entire home network as seen by the wider internet.
Knowing how to find your laptop’s IP address is a handy piece of digital knowledge. Whether you’re fixing a connection or configuring a new device, these simple steps give you a clear view of your computer’s place on the network, putting you in greater control of your technology.
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