This article explains how to set a static IP address on a computer connected to a Wi-Fi network. A static IP address, unlike a dynamic one, does not change over time, even when the network router or device is restarted. This configuration is very useful when you need to host a web server or perform remote operations. Using static IP addresses can also be useful to avoid connection problems when many devices are connected to a network router.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Network Address in Windows
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. The Windows "Start" menu will appear.
Step 2. Click on "Settings"
It has a gear icon and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Click on the "Network and Internet" icon
It is displayed in the center of the "Settings" window.
Step 4. Click the View Network Properties link
It is located at the bottom of the page.
If you can't find the link indicated, scroll down the page. You may need to click on the tab Information visible in the upper right corner of the window.
Step 5. Scroll down the page to locate the "Wi-Fi" network connection
It should be last on the list. You will find information about your computer's wireless connection.
Step 6. Make a note of the address displayed under "Default Gateway"
The address located on the right of the "Default gateway" field is the one you will need to enter in the address bar of your internet browser in order to access the configuration page of your network router.
Step 7. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + X
The context menu of the "Start" button will be displayed.
Alternatively you can click on the "Start" menu icon with the right mouse button. It is located in the lower left corner of the desktop
Step 8. Click on the System item
It is one of the options listed in the context menu that appeared. A new window will appear listing your computer's specifications (processor, RAM, operating system, and so on).
Step 9. Make a note of the computer name
It is displayed in the center of the page, next to "Device Name". It is usually made up of a series of letters and numbers. At this point you are ready to configure a static IP address.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Network Address on Mac
Step 1. Access the "Apple" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Click on System Preferences…
It is one of the options listed in the "Apple" menu.
Step 3. Click the Network icon
It is displayed in the "System Preferences" window.
Step 4. Click on the Advanced… button
It is located in the lower right part of the "Network" window. A new window will appear.
Step 5. Click on the TCP / IP tab
It is displayed at the top of the window.
Step 6. Make a note of the IP address displayed under "Router"
This is the address you will use to access the configuration page of your network router. Normally it will have one of the forms "192.168. X. X" or "10.0.0. X".
Step 7. Find the name of your Mac
You will need this information to be able to locate the Mac in the network router configuration page. After obtaining this information you will be ready to set up an IP address:
- Close the window Advanced.
- Click on the button ⋮⋮⋮⋮ located in the upper left of the "System Preferences" window.
- Click on the icon Sharing.
- Make a note of the Mac name displayed next to "Computer Name" located at the top of the window.
Part 3 of 3: Setting a Static IP Address
Step 1. Launch an internet browser
Click on the browser icon you usually use (for example this icon
in the case of Google Chrome).
Step 2. Enter the IP address of the router
Type it in the browser address bar located at the top of the window, then press the Enter key. The network router configuration page will be displayed.
Step 3. Log in if necessary
If you are prompted for a username and password, type your router login credentials and press the Enter key.
If you have not customized your username and password, you will most likely be able to use the default ones set by the manufacturer that you find in the instruction manual or on the router itself
Step 4. Find the list of all devices connected to the router
Since the layout of a router's configuration page varies by model, you may need to go through several sections of the menu before you find the correct one.
For example, in some cases the button will be present Connected Devices directly on the main page of the router interface, while in others you will have to click on the tab Settings or Advanced to access the list of connected devices.
Step 5. Find your computer name
Look for your computer name in the list of all devices currently connected to the router.
Step 6. Click the Reserve button
It is most likely placed next to or below your computer name and address. However, you may need to first click on the device name to bring up the indicated option.
- Remember that the layout of a router's configuration page varies based on the make and model of the network device, so the options listed in the article in your case may have a different name and location.
- If you are asked to confirm your choice or to specify a free IP address, do so before continuing.
Step 7. Click the Save button or Apply.
It is usually placed at the bottom of the page. The new configuration settings will be saved and applied, then the IP address indicated (or currently in use by your computer) will change from being dynamic to static.
