How to Assign an IP Address on a Windows Computer

Changing the IP address on your Windows computer is an easy process once you know where to look, but with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 in wide circulation, you may not know where the settings are. When changing your IP address, be sure to consult with your network administrator to determine the proper settings you should be using. Note that often, networks will utilize DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which will automatically set all of the necessary IP settings for you.

Windows XP

Click on Start->Settings->Control Panel, set your view to Classic and select Network Connections. Now determine the connection you wish to set the IP address for (Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection), right-click on it, and select Properties.

In the Connection Properties window, select the General tab, then select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button to open the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window and select the General tab.

If you wish to have the IP address assigned automatically using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), select Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK. If, on the other hand, you wish to set your own static IP address, select Use the following IP address and enter the appropriate information, which can be obtained from your network administrator.

Windows Vista

Click on Start-> Control Panel, set your view to Classic and select Network and Sharing Center. Now click Manage Network Connections on the left side of the screen. Determine the connection you wish to set the IP address for (Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection), right-click on it, and select Properties.

In the Network Status Window click Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click on the Properties button. If you wish to have the IP address assigned automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK. If, on the other hand, you wish to set your own static IP address, select Use the following IP address and enter the appropriate information, which can be obtained from your network administrator.

Windows 7

Click on Start-> Control Panel, then set View By to either Small or Large Icons, then select Network and Sharing Center. Now click Manage Network Connections on the left side of the screen. Determine the connection you wish to set the IP address for, right-click on it, and select Properties.

In the Network Status Window click Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click on the Properties button. If you wish to have the IP address assigned automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK. If, on the other hand, you wish to set your own static IP address, select Use the following IP address and enter the appropriate information, which can be obtained from your network administrator.