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How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 10 and 11

How to Change Your IP Address on Windows 10 and 11

26.09.2026
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If you want to change your IP address on Windows 10 or 11, you have three main options: adjust your network settings manually, use the Command Prompt for quick changes, or route your connection through a VPN or proxy. The method you choose depends on whether you need a local network change or want to appear from a different location online. For users who need their device to show a different IP globally – such as bypassing local restrictions or securing traffic on public Wi-Fi – a VPN like Hide Expert VPN, which supports custom protocols for stable access even where standard VPNs are blocked, is also an option.

Why you might want to change your IP address on Windows

  • Accessing restricted content: Some websites or apps are blocked based on your IP, so changing it can help you get access.
  • Resolving connectivity issues: Sometimes, network problems are fixed by refreshing your IP.
  • Protecting privacy: Changing your IP can make tracking harder, especially on public networks.
  • Testing networks or services: Developers or admins may need to simulate connections from another address.

For more about how IP addresses work and their impact on your privacy, see this guide.

How to change IP address using Windows settings

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
  3. Click on your network name, then select Properties.
  4. Scroll to IP settings and click Edit.
  5. Switch from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
  6. Enable IPv4 (and/or IPv6 if needed).
  7. Enter the new IP address, subnet prefix length, gateway, and DNS server. These values must fit your network – ask your network admin or check your router if unsure.
  8. Click Save. Your connection will reset and use the new IP.

Note: This changes your IP only within your local network. For most home users, your public IP (the one seen by websites) is still assigned by your internet provider.

How to change IP address using Command Prompt (CMD)

  1. Type cmd in the Start menu, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. To see your current adapter name, enter: netsh interface ip show config
  3. To set a new static IP, use:
    netsh interface ip set address name="YOUR_ADAPTER" static NEW_IP SUBNET_MASK GATEWAY
    Replace YOUR_ADAPTER with your adapter name (e.g., "Wi-Fi"), NEW_IP with your chosen address, SUBNET_MASK (often 255.255.255.0), and GATEWAY with your router’s IP.
  4. To return to automatic IP assignment, use:
    netsh interface ip set address name="YOUR_ADAPTER" dhcp

Check your IP change with ipconfig. Like the settings method, this affects only your device’s local network IP.

How to change your public IP address with a VPN

If you want websites and apps to see your device as coming from a different country or region, use a VPN. This encrypts your traffic and assigns you a new public IP. Services like Hide Expert VPN let you choose among servers worldwide and support protocols that work even on networks that block standard VPNs.

  • Download and install the VPN app on your Windows device.
  • Open the app and select a server in your desired location.
  • Connect. Your public IP will change to match the VPN server.
  • Check your new IP with sites like whatismyip.com or similar.

This method is easiest for most users who want to change their public-facing IP address for privacy or access reasons.

Common issues and how to fix them when changing IP

  • Cannot save new IP: Double-check that your chosen address is in the correct range and not already used. If unsure, use ipconfig to see other devices or let your router assign an address automatically (DHCP).
  • No internet after change: Make sure gateway and DNS fields are correct. Try switching back to automatic settings to restore connectivity.
  • Public IP does not change: Changing local settings does not alter your public IP. Use a VPN or restart your router; some ISPs assign a new IP after a reboot, but this is not guaranteed.
  • VPN is blocked or unstable: On some networks, VPN traffic is restricted. Protocols like VLESS Reality (supported in Hide Expert VPN) may help maintain connection where others fail.
  • IP conflict error: If two devices share the same local IP, assign a different address or set both to automatic (DHCP).

If problems persist, contact your network administrator or see your VPN provider’s support resources.