How do I find the IP address on my computer?

As an expert in network technology, I can guide you through the process of finding the IP address on your computer. The IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It's crucial for identifying and locating computers on networks and the internet. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find your IP address:

### For Windows Users

#### Step 1: Access Network and Sharing Center
- Right-click on the Network icon located in the system tray (bottom right corner of your screen). If you can't find it, you can also access it through the Control Panel. For Windows 10, you can search for "Network and Sharing Center" in the Start Menu.

#### Step 2: Navigate to the Correct Adapter
- Once you're in the Network and Sharing Center, look for the section that says "Change adapter settings" and click on it.

#### Step 3: Identify Your Connection Type
- You'll see a list of network connections.
Identify which one you're currently using. If you're connected via an Ethernet cable, it will typically be labeled as "Ethernet" or something similar. If you're connected wirelessly, it will be labeled as "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Network Connection".

#### Step 4: Access the Status and Details
- Right-click on the network connection you're using, and select "Status" from the context menu. A new window will open; from here, select "Details...".

#### Step 5: Locate Your IP Address
- In the "Network Connection Details" window, look for the line that says "IPv4 Address". The number following this label is your IP address.

### For Mac Users

#### Step 1: Open System Preferences
- Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences".

#### Step 2: Access Network Settings
- In the System Preferences window, click on "Network".

#### Step 3: Choose Your Active Network Connection
- You'll see a list of network connections on the left side. Select the one that is currently active (the one with a green dot next to it).

#### Step 4: View Advanced Settings
- Once you've selected the active connection, click on the "Advanced" button.

#### Step 5: Check the TCP/IP Tab
- In the Advanced settings window, go to the "TCP/IP" tab. Your IP address will be displayed there.

### Additional Tips

- Static vs. Dynamic IP: If your IP address is dynamic, it may change periodically. If it's static, it remains the same unless manually changed.
- Public vs. Private IP: The IP address you find using the above steps is your private IP address assigned by your router. Your public IP address, which is how you're identified on the internet, can be different. To find your public IP address, you can use online services like "WhatIsMyIP.com".
- IP Address Conflicts: If you're having issues with your network, it could be due to an IP address conflict. In such cases, you might need to reset your router or change your IP settings.

Remember, the process can vary slightly depending on the version of your operating system, but the general steps remain the same.

Click on Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings on the left side. Highlight and right click on Ethernet, go to Status -> Details. The IP address will display. Note: If your computer is connected to a wireless network please click Wi-Fi icon.Jan 25, 2018