> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://elevendecoded.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Change My IP Address in Windows 11 and Take Control Today - URL: https://elevendecoded.com/change-ip-address-windows-11/ - Published: 2026-09-11T12:45:28.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T13:34:03.000Z - Author: Md Fakharuddin - Tags: Network Settings, #Ip Address, Windows 11, Network Troubleshooting Before changing an IP address in Windows 11, decide which address you mean. A local address identifies your PC on its connected network. The public address seen by websites is usually provided through your router, ISP or a VPN/proxy path. Changing the PC's private IPv4 address does not normally change that public address or make browsing anonymous. ### Record the Current Configuration Open Command Prompt and run: ```cmd ipconfig /all ``` Find the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and record its IPv4 address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers and whether DHCP is enabled. Ignore disconnected or unrelated virtual adapters when identifying the connection you want to change. This output does not show your router's complete DHCP allocation pool or prove that an address is unused. Check the router's administration interface or ask the network administrator for those details. Microsoft's [ipconfig reference](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/ipconfig?ref=elevendecoded.com) describes the command's output and options. ### For a Stable Local Address, Consider a Reservation If you manage the router, a DHCP/address reservation can give the PC a consistent address while Windows remains set to automatic configuration. The reservation is configured on the DHCP server rather than by entering a static address in Windows. Follow the router's own instructions and account for the device identifier it uses. TP-Link's [address-reservation guide](https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/182/?ref=elevendecoded.com) illustrates this approach. On a work or school network, request an approved address instead of guessing one. ### Set a Manual IPv4 Address in Settings 1. Open **Settings > Network & internet**. 2. Open **Ethernet** for the wired connection, or the properties of the connected **Wi-Fi** network. 3. Next to **IP assignment**, choose **Edit**. 4. Choose **Manual** and enable **IPv4**. 5. Enter the approved IP address, subnet information and default gateway. Enter DNS settings as required by your network and the controls shown. 6. Save and test the connection. Use the exact values and field labels shown by your Windows build. A prefix length and a subnet mask are different notations; for example, /24 corresponds to 255.255.255.0, but not every network uses /24\. Microsoft documents [manual and automatic network configuration](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/essential-network-settings-and-tasks-in-windows?ref=elevendecoded.com). ### Use the Traditional IPv4 Dialog If Needed Press **Windows + R**, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter. Right-click the intended adapter, select **Properties**, then open **Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)**. Choose **Use the following IP address** and enter the approved address, subnet mask and gateway. For this traditional manual configuration, provide suitable DNS server values rather than assuming automatic DNS will remain available. Complete any authorized administrator prompt and save the change. To undo it, restore **Obtain an IP address automatically** and **Obtain DNS server address automatically** if the network originally used those settings. Do not restore DHCP on a network that intentionally requires a static configuration. ### Avoid Conflicts and Incorrect Subnets A manually assigned address must belong to the intended subnet, be unique and avoid addresses reserved for the router or other devices. If selecting outside a DHCP pool is the router's recommended method, also verify existing static assignments and reserved ranges. Being outside the pool alone does not prove an address is free. For example, 192.168.1.50 and 192.168.2.50 are in different subnets with a /24 mask, but that conclusion depends on the actual prefix. Do not infer the subnet from the first three numbers without checking its mask. A successful ping to an address suggests a device responded. No response does not prove the address is unused: the device might be offline or block ICMP. Router records and administrator-approved allocation are more reliable than a single ping test. ### Renew a DHCP Lease Without Promising a New Address For a DHCP-enabled IPv4 connection, renewing its lease can help some configuration problems. In an administrator Command Prompt, run these commands one at a time: ```cmd ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ``` Release temporarily removes DHCP configuration and interrupts connectivity. Without an adapter argument, it can affect multiple DHCP-enabled adapters. Do not use it casually during a remote session that depends on that connection. The server may assign the same address again. These commands do not guarantee a different local IP and do not request a new public address from the ISP. They are not the method for changing an intentionally static address. ### Test Addressing, DNS and Real Connectivity Check ipconfig again after the change. Test a service you actually need, such as opening a known website. You can ping the configured gateway if it responds to ICMP, but a timeout alone does not establish a broken connection. For a separate DNS check, run: ```cmd nslookup example.com ``` A failure to ping a domain name can reflect blocked ICMP or a routing issue even when DNS works. Microsoft explains [DNS client diagnostics and ICMP limitations](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/dns/troubleshoot/troubleshoot-dns-client?ref=elevendecoded.com). If connectivity fails after a manual change, compare the saved original values and restore them where appropriate. Do not change unrelated adapters, disable the firewall or repeatedly choose random IP addresses. Public-address changes require a separate decision about your ISP connection or VPN service; local adapter editing is not a substitute.