How to configure a static IP on Windows 10 or 11
Do you need to switch from a dynamic to a static IP address configuration on Windows 11 or 10? Here’s how.
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On Windows, the router’s Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is (usually) responsible for assigning a dynamic Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) configuration to every device in the network, including to your computer runningWindows 11or Windows 10.
Although a dynamic IP address is the recommended configuration for most situations, you may need to change to a static IP address if you’re thinking about setting up a printer or file sharing, or you have to configure port forwarding on the router to your computer.
The reason is that a dynamic network configuration can change at any time after the lease from the DHCP expires and if the address changes, network resources you may have configured will stop working. Setting a static IP address will always stay the same on the computer, allowing a more reliable experience sharing resources in the network or forwarding ports.
Whatever the reason, onWindows 10and 11, you have many ways to configure a static TCP/IP address, including using the Settings app and Command Prompt.
Thisguidewill walk you through the different ways to configure a static network configuration on Windows 11 and 10.
How to set a static TCP/IP network configuration on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you can change your computer’s dynamic IP configuration to static in at least two ways through the Settings app or commands.
Configure IP from Settings app
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To assign a permanent TCP/IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the computer will start using the static network configuration. If everything has been configured correctly, you should be able to open the web browser to access the internet.
If you entered an address (such as the DNS address) and then changed it, you probably won’t be able to save the settings. If this is the case, cancel the configuration, start over, enter the correct configuration, and then try to save the settings.
Configure IP from Command Prompt
To set a static TCP/IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps:
In the above command, replaceADAPTER-NAMEwith the name of your network adapter. ChangeIP-ADDRESS SUBNET-ADDRESSDEFAULT-GATEWAY-ADDRESSwith the device IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway addresses you want. For example, this command sets the 10.1.4.90, 255.255.255.0, 10.1.4.1 configuration:netsh interface ip set address name=“Ethernet 10Gb” static 10.1.4.90 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1
In the command, changeADAPTER-NAMEwith your adapter’s name andDNS-ADDRESSwith the DNS server address of the network. For example, this command sets the local router as the DNS server:netsh interface ip set dns name=“Ethernet 10Gb” static 10.1.4.1
In the command, changeADAPTER-NAMEwith the adapter’s name andDNS-ADDRESSwith an alternate DNS server address. For example,netsh interface ip add dns name=“Ethernet 10Gb” 1.1.1.1 index=2
After you complete the steps, the commands will set a static network configuration on Windows 11.
How to set a static TCP/IP network configuration on Windows 10
On Windows 10, you can also use the Settings app and Command Prompt to set up a static IP network configuration.
Configure IP from Settings app
To assign a permanent TCP/IP configuration on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will start using the static IP configuration. If you lose network connectivity, restart the computer to regain access to the local network and internet.
Configure IP from Command Prompt
To change from dynamic to static IP address with commands on Windows 10, use these steps:
In the above command, replaceADAPTER-NAMEwith the name of your network adapter. ChangeIP-ADDRESS SUBNET-ADDRESSDEFAULT-GATEWAY-ADDRESSwith the device IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway addresses you want. For example, this command sets the 10.1.4.90, 255.255.255.0, 10.1.4.1 configuration:netsh interface ip set address name=“Ethernet 10Gb” static 10.1.4.90 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1
In the command, changeADAPTER-NAMEwith your adapter’s name andDNS-ADDRESSwith the DNS server address of the network. For example, this command sets the local router as the DNS server:netsh interface ip set dns name=" Ethernet 10Gb" static 10.1.4.1
In the command, changeADAPTER-NAMEwith the adapter’s name andDNS-ADDRESSwith an alternate DNS server address. For example,netsh interface ip add dns name=“Ethernet0” 1.1.1.1 index=2
After you complete the steps, the network configuration will switch from dynamic to static on Windows 10.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
