This article explains how to change the public and private IP address of a Windows computer. The public address is what your computer broadcasts to other networks, while the private address is specific to your device within the wireless home network. This procedure can fix some connection problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Public IP address
Step 1. Unplug the router and modem
Most internet service providers assign dynamic addresses that change from time to time. By unplugging the modem for a long time, you are likely to be assigned a new IP when you turn it on again.
- Before proceeding you should check your current address;
- It should be enough to unplug the modem and rotate it from the wall plug.
Step 2. Turn off your computer's Wi-Fi connection
That way, you don't want it to connect to your router right away as soon as you turn it back on. Here's how to do it:
-
Click on the icon
Windowswifi located in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Click on the button Wifi found in the next window.
Step 3. Wait five minutes
Some ISPs assign a new address in as little as five minutes; if this method doesn't work, you have to leave the router unplugged overnight (or about eight hours).
Step 4. Plug the router back in
As long as you have a different device (a mobile phone, game console or other computer) connected via Wi-Fi, the router and this second device "claim" the old IP address.
Step 5. Restore the Wi-Fi connection on the computer
By doing this, once other devices have been able to establish their own connections, you are more likely to have your public IP address changed.
You should check it again to make sure it is no longer the same
Step 6. Contact your ISP
In rare cases, the network service provider assigns a static address. To be able to change it, you must contact the technical support service directly; usually only one change is allowed.
Step 7. Use a proxy server
This shows a different address for the connection, which is typically associated with another part of the country or the world. Trusted proxy server and VPN connection services usually require a monthly paid membership.
Method 2 of 2: Private IP address
Renew Address
Step 1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the icon
You can find it in the lower left corner of the screen. If you are trying to change the IP address to troubleshoot connection problems, this procedure is easier than changing manually.
Step 2. Type command prompt in the Start menu search bar
In this way, the device searches for the Command Prompt application.
Step 3. Right click on the icon
It should appear at the top of the list of proposed results in the Start menu.
Step 4. Click on the Run as administrator option
It should be the first proposal from the drop-down menu.
If you are not the current administrator of the computer, this option is not visible and you cannot renew the IP address
Step 5. Click the Yes button when prompted
By doing so, open the Command Prompt interface.
Step 6. Type the command ipconfig / release and press Enter
This command "makes the computer forget" the current IP address.
Step 7. Type ipconfig / renew and press Enter
With this last step you reload the address; it is very likely that this procedure alone will solve some connection problems, although it will not change the current IP address of the computer.
Change the address
Step 1. Launch the Windows settings app
Click on the Start button
and then select the settings icon
Step 2. Select the Network & Internet category
Step 3. Make sure the Status section is checked
This is the first tab on the left panel.
Step 4. Click on the "Change connection properties" link
Step 5. Click the Edit button under "IP Assignment"
Scroll down to access this section.
Step 6. Switch to manual IP assignment
Click on the drop-down menu from the dialog that appears and choose the "Manual" option.
Step 7. Operate the switch
to switch to IPv4.
Several text boxes will appear.
Step 8. Enter the data in the boxes
Here is the meaning:
- IP address: usually the device's is "192.168.1. X" (or a similar series of numbers), where "X" is a computer-specific value. Change the number associated with "X" by choosing one between 1 and 100. Do not use the same address of another device connected to the network (for example your mobile phone).
- Subnet mask: this information depends on your IP address, but is usually "255.255.255. X";
- Default gateway: is the IP address of the router;
- Preferred DNS server: it is the preferred address (for example: "208.67.222.222" for the OpenDNS server or "8.8.8.8" for the Google server);
- Alternate DNS Server: is the secondary address (for example: "208.67.220.220" for the OpenDNS server or "8.8.4.4" for the Google server).
Step 9. Click Save
The changes and the new IP address will be applied.
Advice
- You should change the public address if you are banned from a video game service (e.g. Steam); you should change the private one when you want to solve some website loading problems.
- Using a proxy server does not change the IP address in the true sense of the term, but it does change what others can see.
- You can use a browser like Tor to hide the address, although these types of programs are dangerous and often slower than average.
