Changing IP Settings of a Windows Computer

IP stands for Internet Protocol. It is the means by which you are able to use and surf through the internet. IP settings involve a spectrum of concepts so I will narrow it down to just IP addresses and how to change it on your personal computer.

IP address in the simplest term is your devices address in the world of internet. It seems weird to define and IP address as an address but that is literally what it is. Let’s say someone lives in 123 12th St S in Virginia, computers have the an address the same way as the person as it helps identify the computers location in the world of Internet. What makes IP addresses cool and different is that they can be changed whenever we want. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Go to the Start Menu

1. Press the window icon on your keyboard to display the start menu. (Or go ahead and click the window on your screen. It is the same thing)

Step 2: Search for Control Panel

Type out “Control Panel” and the Control panel should come up at the top of the start screen. Choose that. The screen above should come up.

Step 3: Network and Internet

Click on Network and Internet and another window that looks like the one above should show up.

Step 4: Network and Sharing Center

1.

Click Network and sharing center.

Step 5: Adapter Settings

The window above appears and choose “Change adapter settings”

Step 6: Choose Your Adapter

On the window that appears, the adapters on your computer will be listed. Network adapters are simply the devices that connect your computer to the internet or other connections like Bluetooth. Usually the two main Internet adapters are the Ethernet adapter and the Wi-Fi adapter. Bring the cursor over the one you want to change and right click. Then choose properties.

Step 7: IPV4 Settings

Look for IPV4 settings and double click and the above menu will pop up

Step 8: Change the IP Address

After toggling the “Use the following IP address” button, fill out the boxes with the desired IP address, Subnet mask and Default gateway.

NOTE: The IP address, subnet mask and default gateway information are accessible from your network provider or system administrator if you are at a company.