How to find your IP address on Windows 10? | Malwarebytes (2024)

What is an IP address and what does it do?

An IP address is a unique string of characters that helps identify any device on a network. It’s similar to any address, but it’s for the Internet or a WiFi connection. You might need to check your IP address for gaming, cybersecurity, remote desktop computing, or just out of curiosity. There are a few ways to check your IP address:

Use a search engine

One of the quickest ways to check your public IP address is to simply Google it. You can also try other search engines like Bing or Yahoo. We recommend Duck Duck Go to people with privacy concerns.

1. Type “What’s my IP address” in the Google search bar.
2. Hit Enter.
3. You should now see your public IP address.

If you’re asking questions like “what is an IP address?,” then you’re probably also wondering what the difference between a public and a private IP address is. Your public IP address is assigned to your network router by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is accessible over the Internet. Meanwhile, a private or local IP address is assigned to your computer or device within your network by your router.

Check Malwarebytes

You can also find your IP address by visiting the Malwarebytes Privacy VPN page. You should see your IP address near the top of the screen. We also show you your ISP and your general location on the page.

Use Command Prompt to see your public IP address

Your Windows 10 Command Prompt is a command line interpreter app with a text-based user interface screen. Many purists prefer to use it for old-school thrills (hey, we don’t judge). You can quickly find your IP address by using the Command Prompt app.

1. Hit the Windows key and type “Command Prompt” in the search bar.
2. Open the Command Prompt app.
3. Type: “nslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com” without the quotes.
4. Hit Enter.
5. You should now see your public IP address.

Use Command Prompt to see your private IP address

1. Hit the Windows key and type “Command Prompt” in the search bar.
2. Open the Command Prompt app.
3. Type “ipconfig” and hit the enter key.
4. You should now see your private IP address.

How to find your IP Address through the Control Panel

Although the Control Panel app is slowly being phased out in favor of the Settings app, it can still help you view your IP address.

1. Hit the Windows key and type “Control Panel” in the search bar.
2. Open the Control Panel app.
3. Click Network and Internet.
4. Click Network and Sharing Center.
5. Click Change adapter settings.
6. Right-click Ethernet and go to Details.
7. You can see your computer’s IP address.

How to find your IP address through the Settings app

1. Hit the Windows key and type “Settings” in the search bar without the quotes.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Click Network & Internet.
4. Click Properties under Ethernet
5. Scroll down to see your IP address.

Should I hide my IP address?

Your IP address identifies your general location to the world. With your IP address, threat actors can initiate scams or uncover more of your information. You can mask your IP address by using a Privacy VPN (Virtual Private Network) that assigns a virtual IP address. Please also visit Malwarebytes Labs to learn how to protect your IP address and other network security tips.

In addition to a VPN, you should download Windows 10 antivirus software with anti-malware technology to protect your privacy. Anti-malware software can shield your system from spyware, keyloggers, stalkerware, adware, and other snoopy threats.