How to find IP address on Windows or Mac: A step-by-step guide

In today's digital age, understanding how to find your computer's

IP address

is a valuable skill. Whether you're troubleshooting network issues, setting up a new device, or simply curious, knowing how to locate this essential piece of information can be quite handy. In this guide, we'll explain the process in simple terms so that anyone can follow along.
Step 1: Access Your Computer
Before we dive into finding the IP address, make sure your computer is up and running.

Ensure it is connected to the network you want to check.
Step 2: Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac)

For Windows:
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type "cmd" (without quotes) and press Enter. This opens the Command Prompt.
For Mac:
1. Click on the magnifying glass icon (Spotlight Search) in the top-right corner.
2. Type "Terminal" and press Enter. This opens the Terminal app.

Step 3: Finding Your IP Address
Now that you have the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) open, follow these steps:

For Windows:
1. In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and press Enter.
2. Look for the "IPv4 Address" or "IPv6 Address" under the network connection you are using. This is your computer's IP address.
For Mac:
1. In the Terminal window, type "ifconfig" and press Enter.
2. Locate the section that corresponds to your active network connection (usually labeled "en0" or "en1").
3. Look for the "inet" line; the number next to it is your computer's IP address.

Step 4: Note Your IP Address
Write down or remember the IP address you've found. It will be a series of numbers separated by periods or colons.
Step 5: Done!
Congratulations! You've successfully found your computer's IP address. You can use this information for various tasks, such as configuring network settings, setting up a printer, or troubleshooting network issues.
Remember, your IP address can change if you switch networks, so it's a good idea to check it whenever you need to use it for specific tasks.
(The content is generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence)

How to find IP address on Windows or Mac: A step-by-step guide - Times of India (2024)