Configuring a Static IP Address on Windows 11
Setting a static IP address on Windows 11 can be a valuable configuration for users who require a stable network connection for tasks such as file sharing, printer access, and port forwarding. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for configuring a static IP address through different methods, including the Settings app, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Control Panel.
Updated July 24, 2025: A static IP address is integral to maintaining consistent network settings, unlike dynamic IP addresses, which are assigned by a DHCP server and can change frequently. Such fluidity can disrupt services requiring stable connections, like remote desktop or external network access.
Setting a Static IP via Command Prompt
Follow these steps to configure a static IP address using Command Prompt:
-
Launch Start, find Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
-
Type the command below to review your current network settings, then press Enter:
ipconfig /all -
Identify your network adapter’s name along with its IPv4 address, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Servers.
-
To set your static IP address, enter the command below, adjusting the placeholders accordingly:
netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet0"static 10.1.4.119 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1Replace “Ethernet0” with your adapter’s name and adjust the IP, subnet mask, and gateway to match your network settings.
-
To configure the DNS server address, type the following and press Enter:
netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet0"static 10.1.4.1Change “10.1.4.1” to match your DNS server address.
-
For a secondary DNS server, use this command:
netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet0"8.8.8.8 index=2Be sure to adjust the “8.8.8.8” value.
Once completed, check connectivity with the ping command, for example: ping bing.com.
Configuring a Static IP with PowerShell
Utilizing PowerShell can also be effective for network management. Here’s how to set a static IP address:
-
Open Start, search for PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
-
To view your existing network configuration, input the following command:
Get-NetIPConfiguration
-
Confirm your adapter details including InterfaceIndex and network addresses.
-
Set your static IP with the command below, modifying the placeholder values as needed:
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex 10 -IPAddress 10.1.4.119 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 10.1.4.1Ensure the InterfaceIndex corresponds to your adapter and the other values suit your network.
-
For the DNS configuration, enter:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex 10 -ServerAddresses 10.1.4.1Include a secondary DNS by adding it to the same command, for example:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex 10 -ServerAddresses 10.1.4.1, 8.8.8.8
Once done, the new settings will be applied to your network connection.
Using Settings to Assign a Static IP Address
The Settings app in Windows 11 allows for configurations on both Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters.
Wi-Fi Adapter Configuration
-
Open Settings.
-
Navigate to Network & Internet.
-
Access the Wi-Fi section.
-
Choose your current network connection.
-
In the “IP assignment” setting, click the Edit button.
-
Select the Manual option and activate the IPv4 toggle.
-
Enter your preferred IP address, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, and Preferred DNS address.
-
(Optional) Fill out the Alternate DNS address.
-
Use the DNS over HTTPS menu to configure encryption settings as necessary.
- Off: All DNS queries sent unencrypted.
- On (automatic template): Encrypt all DNS queries.
- On (manual template): Set a custom encryption template.
-
Finalize your changes by clicking Save.
Ethernet Adapter Configuration
-
Open Settings.
-
Go to Network & Internet.
-
Select the Ethernet section.
-
Click on the Edit button within “IP assignment.”
-
Select Manual and then toggle on the IPv4 switch.
-
Fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, and DNS addresses.
-
(Optional) Add an Alternate DNS address.
-
Adjust the settings for DNS over HTTPS as needed.
-
Save your adjustments.
Setting a Static IP via Control Panel
For those who prefer the Control Panel layout for network configurations, here’s how to set a static IP address:
-
Open Control Panel.
-
Select Network and Internet.
-
Click on Network and Sharing Center.
-
In the left pane, choose Change adapter settings.
-
Right-click the relevant adapter and select Properties.
-
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list.
-
Click Properties.
-
Enable Use the following IP address, and enter your desired IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway.
-
Specify your Preferred DNS Server and an optional Alternative DNS Server.
-
Click OK, then close the properties window.
To test your new configuration, open a browser and navigate to a website of your choice.
Update July 24, 2025: The content has been revised to enhance accuracy and incorporate recent changes in the Windows 11 environment.
Leave a Reply