How to change the IP of my PC

Sergio Caballero

17/11/2018 - Updated: 11/12/2018

How to change the IP of my PC

Table of Contents
  1. Using the command prompt
  2. Restarting the home network
  • Tips

    • This wikiHow will teach you how to change the local IP (Internet Protocol) address of your Windows computer. Doing this can help troubleshoot network and connection problems when switching to a new network or router. If changing the IP is not enough to solve the connection problem, you can also reboot your home network.

    Using the command prompt

    1. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 1
      1

      Open Home 
      Image titled Windowsstart.png

      . Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.

    2. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 2
      2

      Write command prompt. This will search for the "Command Prompt" application on the computer.
    3. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 3
      3

      Click on 
      Image titled Windowscmd1.png

      Command Prompt. It is located at the top of the "Start" window. Doing so will open the "Command Prompt".

    4. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 4
      4

      Write ipconfig. This command will search for and display the computer's IP information.
    5. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 5
      5

      Press Intro. The command will be executed. After a few moments the information will appear in the "Command Prompt" window.
    6. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 6
      6

      Check the current IP address. To the right of the "IPv4 Address" header a number will appear (e.g. 123.456.7.8). This is the computer's current IP address and the last number represents the computer's location on the network.
      • When you change the IP address of the computer, it is only possible to change the last number, and even then it may not change.
    7. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 7
      7Type the "release" command. Write ipconfig /release and press Intro. This will remove the IP address from the computer and disconnect it from the Internet.

    8. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 8
      8

      Wait a few minutes. In order to maximize the chances that the router will reorganize the devices connected to it, wait at least five minutes before renewing the IP address of the computer.
      • Skip this step if you are in a hurry.
    9. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 9
      9

      Type the "renew" command. Write ipconfig /renew. After a few seconds the IP address will be restored along with the Internet connection.
      • Do not be afraid in case the IP address is the same as before. This simply means that the best possible IP address for the computer is the one that was set before.
      • You can exit the "Command Prompt" now.

    2

    Restarting the home network

    1. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 10
      1

      Turn off the computer. Open Home
      Image titled Windowsstart.png

      click on Start or shutdown

      Image titled Windowspower.png

      and click on Shutdown in the menu that appears.

      • The computer must be completely turned off for this method to work.
    2. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 8
      2

      Unplug the power cord from the modem for at least 10 seconds. Experts recommend unplugging the modem (rather than pressing a button on the device) as the best method to turn it off.[1]
    3. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 9
      3

      Unplug the router. In case you use a router with the modem, be sure to unplug it from the modem and the power supply at the wall.
    4. 4

      Leave everything unplugged for as long as possible. If you can leave the modem and router unplugged overnight, do so. Otherwise, wait about two hours whenever possible.
      • This process is known as power-cycling and is very common for troubleshooting network problems.
    5. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 10
      5

      Plug the modem and router back in. It may take several minutes for the router and modem to reconnect to the Internet, so be patient.
    6. Image titled Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer Step 12
      6

      Turn on the computer. Press the "On" button
      Image titled Windowspower.png

      and wait for the computer to turn on.

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      7

      Connect to a network. You may need to use the default password and network name of the router or modem which can be found on the bottom or back of the router or modem. Once you connect, a new local IP address will be assigned to the computer.

    Tips

    • These methods will only change the local IP address of the computer. The rest of the world cannot see it as it is assigned by the router or gateway. Changing the address that the outside world sees requires specific configuration by your service provider or ISP. If you try to access a blocked website, you will need to use a VPN or proxy server.
    • Some ISPs assign static IP addresses based on your MAC address. If you want to change a static IP address you will need to contact your ISP.

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