When working with Windows 11, there are times when you might need to change your computer's IP address. Whether it's for network security, accessing a specific resource, or troubleshooting network issues, understanding how to make this change is crucial. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to change your IP address in Windows 11.

Why Change an IP Address?

Before we dive into the steps, it's important to understand why you might want to change your IP address. IP addresses are unique identifiers for devices on a network. Sometimes, you might need to change your IP address to access a certain resource or avoid IP-based restrictions. Additionally, changing your IP address can help troubleshoot network issues or improve security.

Steps to Change the IP Address in Windows 11

1. Accessing Network Settings

To begin, you'll need to access the network settings in Windows 11. Click the Start button and search for "Settings." Open the Settings app and navigate to "Network & internet."

2. Selecting Your Network Connection

In the Network & internet settings, you'll see a list of network connections. Select the connection you want to modify, whether it's Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

3. Accessing Network Properties

Once you've selected your network connection, click on the "Properties" button. This will bring up a new window with detailed settings for your network.

4. Changing the IP Settings

In the properties window, scroll down to the "IP settings" section. You'll see two options: "DHCP" (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and "IPv4."

• DHCP: If your network uses DHCP to automatically assign IP addresses, you'll need to disable DHCP to manually set an IP address. Toggle the "Use the following IP address" option to "On."

• IPv4: If you're using a static IP address, you'll see fields for entering your IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers. Fill in the desired values.

5. Entering Your New IP Address

If you've chosen to use a static IP address, enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and gateway in the appropriate fields. Make sure to enter valid values that are compatible with your network's configuration.

6. Setting DNS Servers

You can also set custom DNS servers if needed. Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses in the provided fields.

7. Saving Your Changes

Once you've entered all the necessary information, click the "Save" button to apply your changes. Windows 11 will update your network settings with the new IP address.

Testing Your New IP Address

After making the changes, it's a good practice to test your new IP address to ensure it's working correctly. You can do this by pinging a known IP address or visiting a website that displays your public IP address.

Changing the IP address in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that involves accessing network settings, selecting your network connection, and modifying the IP settings. Whether you're changing your IP address for security, troubleshooting, or accessing a specific resource, knowing how to make this change can be invaluable. Remember to test your new IP address to ensure it's working as expected.