Steps to follow to find your IP address on Windows or Mac

One of the first steps in setting up a network or troubleshooting a connection is often determining your computer’s IP address. Although it may seem intimidating at first, finding your computer’s IP address is actually quite simple.

What is an IP address?

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique set of numbers that identifies all devices connected to the Internet and your local network. Like a postal address, an IP address ensures that data packets are correctly routed to the devices they are intended for.

IP addresses are classified as either private or public. Private IP addresses are allocated to devices in your local network (e.g. your WiFi network), while public IP addresses are assigned to devices connected to a wider network, i.e. the Internet.

Finding your computer’s IP address doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you’re troubleshooting a network problem, installing a new device, or just curious, knowing where to look for this important information can come in handy. Finding your computer’s IP address is also an important skill in today’s digital age.

Before we start looking for an IP address, make sure your computer is turned on and connected to the network you want to check. Open a command prompt on a Windows computer by typing “cmd” (without the quotes) and pressing “Enter.” In the meantime, Mac users can open Terminal by clicking the magnifying glass icon (Spotlight Search) in the upper right corner and typing “Terminal.”

How to Find IP Address in Windows

– At the command prompt, type “ipconfig” and press Enter.

– Search for the “IPv4 address” or “IPv6 address” associated with the network connection you are using. This is the IP address assigned to your computer.

How to Find IP Address on Mac

– Type “ifconfig” in the Terminal window and press Enter.

– Find the partition (often labeled “en0” or “en1”) that corresponds to your active network connection.

– Now find the line “inet”; your computer’s IP address is the number that appears next to it.

Once you find your computer’s IP address, be sure to write it down or remember it.

Now that you know your computer’s IP address, you can use it for a variety of tasks, such as setting up a printer, troubleshooting network problems, or configuring network settings.

It’s important to note that when you change networks, your IP address can also change, so it’s a good idea to check it every time you need it for a specific purpose.