Computers across the Internet are assigned a unique identifier called an IP (Internet Protocol) address. IP addresses are significant because it allows computers to recognize and locate each other. IP addresses are a set of 4 numerical numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods. There are two ways users can find their IP address: Through the Network and Sharing Center or the Command Prompt. This article will show users how to do both.

How to find an IP address through the Network and Sharing Center: 

1. From the Start Menu, right-click on Network and click Properties.
 


2. A Network and Sharing Center window will open. Click View status to the right of Local Area Connection. 

3. In the new Local Area Connection Status window that opens, click Details. Your IP Address will be listed among the other connection details.

     

How to find an IP address through the Command Prompt:

1. From the Start Menu, type Command Prompt in the search field then click Command Prompt once it appears.



2. At the "Command Prompt" screen type ipconfig then press Enter.  If this doesn't work type in ipconfig/all.



3. The IP address should appear along with other LAN details in the readout.



Note: For some computers, instead of typing 'ipconfig', users may have to type 'ipconfig/all' in the Command Prompt. Typically, 'ipconfig/all' shows more detailed information such as defualt gateways and subnet masks.