How do I determine my computer's IP address?

On this page:

• Windows
  • Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, using the command prompt
  • Windows Vista, without using the command prompt
  • Windows XP, without using the command prompt
• Mac OS X
  • OS X 10.5
  • OS X 10.3 or 10.4
• Via the web
• In IU housing, offices, or labs

Windows

Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, using the command prompt

Note: The Windows XP default desktop view and Start menu are different from the Windows Classic View (e.g., in Windows 2000). Therefore, navigating to certain items can be different. In the interest of broad applicability, most Knowledge Base instructions assume you are using Classic View. For details about switching views, see In Windows XP, how do I switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel?

1. Click Start, and then select All Programs (XP and Vista) or Programs (2000).
   
   
2. Click Accessories, and then Command Prompt.
   
   
3. At the command prompt, enter: ipconfig

   The IP address (or IPv4 address, if you are using Windows Vista) will be a series of numbers following the pattern xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (i.e., 156.56.27.32).

Note: If you are using PPP with a modem at home, your IP address will change each time you log in.

Windows Vista, without using the command prompt

1. From the Start menu, right-click Network, and then select Properties. This opens the Network and Sharing Center.
   
   
2. If you want to view the IP address of a wired connection, click View Status to the right of Local Area Connection.

   If you want to view the IP address of a wireless adapter, click View Status to the right of Wireless Network Connection.

3. Click Details... . Look for the address next to "IPv4 IP Address".

Windows XP, without using the command prompt

1. From the Start menu, right-click My Network Places, and then click Properties.
   
   
2. If you want to view the IP address of a wired connection, double-click Local Area Connection.

   If you want to view the IP address of a wireless adapter, double-click Wireless Network Connection.

3. Click the Support tab, and then click Details... . The window that appears will display the IP address.

Mac OS X

To find the IP address of a Mac OS or Mac OS X computer:

OS X 10.5

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... . In System Preferences, from the View menu, select Network.
   
   
2. In the Network preference window, click a network port (e.g., Ethernet, AirPort, modem). If you are connected, you'll see its IP address under "Status:".

OS X 10.3 or 10.4

1. From the Apple menu, select Location, and then Network Preferences... .
   
   
2. In the Network Preference window, next to "Show:", select Network Status. You'll see your network status and your IP address displayed.

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Via the web

If you are connected to the Internet, visit ShowIPAddress.com. The site will display your IP address and other information about your system. If the page does not display, you may not have a working Internet connection and should try one of the above methods.

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In IU housing, offices, or labs

In Indiana University housing, UITS uses DHCP to assign a different (i.e., dynamic) IP address to your computer each time you turn it on. If you have a problem connecting to Internet resources, or otherwise suspect a problem with DHCP or DNS, contact your campus Support Center.

If your workstation is in a university office or lab, your computer should have an IP address that never changes (i.e., a static IP address). Usually, your local support provider (LSP) registers your computer and assigns the IP address. If this has not happened, email:

Include your computer's hostname, which can include letters, numbers, and hyphens (-); no other characters are allowed. For recommended IU naming conventions, see At IU, what naming conventions does UITS recommend for Windows computers and groups?

Also include:

• The primary user or administrative contact; include the full name, and IU username or email address (if it's your workstation, you are the primary user)
• Your department
• Your computer's manufacturer and model, and the operating system installed (e.g., Windows XP)
• The building and room number where your computer is located

If UITS receives your request before 3pm on a business day, your computer should be in the name server the following morning. If requests arrive after 3pm, UITS will process them the following business day.

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Also see:

• What is an IP address?
• What does TCP/IP mean?