How to Identify Your Computer's IP Address

If you need to know your computer’s IP address, there are a few simple steps to take. The process will be a little different, depending on whether you are running a Windows or Apple operating system.

Windows

All Windows operating systems have a command prompt available to run commands without the GUI (graphical user interface). To access the command prompt, click on your "Start" menu (or Windows symbol for Vista and Windows 7 users). To view all your programs, click 'All Programs.' Near the top of this list is a folder labeled "Accessories."

Click this, and within the menu that pops up is the "Command Prompt." Type "ipconfig" into the command prompt box and a list will appear almost instantly. Within this list is the IP Address, and it will look something like this: IP Address.......192.168.1.12

Mac OS X

If you have a Mac, click on the Apple logo in the top left of the screen and click "System Preferences." Then, under "Internet and Network" click "Network." In the drop-down menu labeled "Show," you can select your different connections to check. If you are hard-wired, select "Built In Ethernet." If you have a wireless network, select "AirPort." Then, choose "TCP/IP" on the "Network" screen to display your local IP address.