How to Change Your IP Address in Windows
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Changing your IP address can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, with just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to change your IP address in no time. In this article, we’ll discuss how to manually set a new IP address in Windows.
1. Open the Control Panel:
To begin, click on the Start button and type “Control Panel” in the search box. Press Enter, and the Control Panel window should open.
2. Access Network Connections:
In the Control Panel, click on “Network and Internet,” then “Network and Sharing Center,” and finally “Change adapter settings” on the left sidebar.
3. Select the Network Adapter:
You’ll now see a list of network connections available on your computer. Find the connection you want to modify (usually the one labeled “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi”) and right-click on it. In the context menu that appears, choose “Properties.”
4. Adjust Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):
In the Properties window, scroll down until you locate “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Click on it to highlight and then click on the “Properties” button.
5. Change Your IP Address:
In this new window, select “Use the following IP address.” You’ll now need to provide your desired IP address in the IP address field.
NOTE: It’s crucial to ensure that your chosen IP address is unique within your local network and follows IPv4 addressing conventions (four sets of numbers separated by periods).
You also need to enter values for Subnet mask and Default gateway. Typically, these will already be filled out for you once you’ve entered an appropriate IP address.
6. Set DNS Server (Optional):
If required or advised by your network administrator, make sure to also set your Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server.
7. Finalize the Changes:
Click “OK” to exit the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, and then click “OK” again in the main Network Adapter Properties window. Your new IP address should now be active.
8. Verify your new IP address:
To ensure that your new IP address has been successfully applied, open a Command Prompt window by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Command Prompt.” Once the command prompt opens, type “ipconfig” and press Enter. This command will display your current network settings, including your new IP address.
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to change your IP address in Windows, you can easily take control of your online privacy or troubleshoot any networking issues. As always, when changing configuration settings like this, it’s essential to verify your internet connectivity afterward and make any adjustments to troubleshooting connectivity problems if necessary.