How to Find Your Computer’s IP Address Using Command Prompt (CMD)

 

If you need to find your computer's IP address, using the Command Prompt (CMD) is a straight forward method that works on both Windows and macOS systems. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it.

What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique set of numbers assigned to each device connected to a network. It's essential for identifying devices on a local network or the internet. You may need to know your IP address for troubleshooting, connecting to other devices, or securing your network.

Method 1: Using CMD to Find Your IP Address on Windows

1. Open Command Prompt:

   • Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type cmd and hit Enter. This opens the Command Prompt.

2. Run the IP Config Command:

   • In the Command Prompt, type:

     shell
     ipconfig

   • Press Enter. This will display information about your network connections.

3. Find Your IP Address:

   • Look for the section labeled Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection, depending on whether you're using Wi-Fi or a wired connection.
   • The IPv4 Address is your local IP address. It usually looks like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x.

Additional Information:

• Subnet Mask: This shows the range of IP addresses on your network.
• Default Gateway: This is usually the IP address of your router, which allows you to access the internet.

Method 2: Finding Your Public IP Address (Windows)

If you’re looking to find your public IP address (the one visible to the internet), you can use these quick steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as described above.
2. Use NSLookup or curl command:
   • Type:

     shell
     nslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com

   • Another option is to use:

     shell
     curl ifconfig.me

   • You’ll see a response with your public IP address, provided your DNS or curl service is functioning.

Method 3: Using CMD on macOS to Get IP Address

1. Open Terminal:

   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

2. Run the IFConfig Command:

   • Type:

     shell
     
     ifconfig
     

   • Press Enter. This will display all network configurations.

3. Locate Your IP Address:

   • Look for en0 or en1 interfaces, depending on your network type. Find the line that begins with inet — this is your IP address.

Quick Tips

• IPv4 vs. IPv6: IPv4 addresses are the most common and look like 192.168.x.x, while IPv6 addresses are longer, such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
• Refreshing IP Address: You can renew your IP address using ipconfig /renew if you’re troubleshooting connectivity.

Finding your computer’s IP address through Command Prompt is a quick and easy process. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, following the above steps will help you locate your IP address in seconds. Understanding your IP address is essential for managing and troubleshooting network connections, securing devices, and allowing connections across your network.