How to set a static IP address on Windows 11

To set a static IP address on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet, select your adapter, then edit the “IP settings” to “Manual” and enter your IPv4 address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
You can also assign a static IP using Command Prompt (netsh), PowerShell (New-NetIPAddress), or Control Panel.

UPDATED 12/12/2025: On Windows 11, a static IP address is a permanent network configuration, making it the preferred option for sharing files, printing on a local network, or configuring port forwarding on a computer (or server).

Usually, when a computer connects to the network, it receives a dynamic IP address assigned by the local Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. The only caveat is that this configuration can change at any time, upon device restart or after the lease of the current configuration expires, which may cause services such as port forwarding and remote desktop to stop working. A static network configuration always maintains the same settings, making it ideal for hosting services that other users can access through the network.

This guide will teach you how to set a static IP (version 4) address on Windows 11.

Set static IP using Command Prompt on Windows 11
Set static IP using PowerShell on Windows 11
Set static IP using Settings on Windows 11
Set static IP using Control Panel on Windows 11

Set static IP using Command Prompt on Windows 11

To set a static IP address on Windows 11 with Command Prompt, follow these steps:

Open Start on Windows 11.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to see your current networking configuration and press Enter:
```
ipconfig /all
```
Confirm the adapter’s name and the IPv4, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Servers.
Type the following command to assign a static IP address on Windows 11 and press Enter:
```
netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet0" static 10.1.4.119 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1
```
In the above command, replace “Ethernet0” with the name of your network adapter. Change “10.1.4.119 255.255.255.0 10.1.4.1” with the device IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address corresponding to the local area network.
Type the following command to set a DNS server address and press Enter:
```
netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet0" static 10.1.4.1
```
In the command, ensure that you replace “Ethernet0” with your adapter’s name and “10.1.4.1” with the DNS server address of your network.
Type the following command to set an alternate DNS server address and press Enter:
```
netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet0" 8.8.8.8 index=2
```
In the command, change “Ethernet0” with the adapter’s name and “8.8.8.8” with an alternate DNS server address.

After completing the steps, you can use the ping command (for example ping bing.com) to see if the configuration works correctly.

Set static IP using PowerShell on Windows 11

You can use PowerShell with the “NetTCPIP” module to manage networking settings, including changing the IP address settings to a static configuration.

To configure a static IP address using PowerShell, follow these steps:

Open Start.
Search for PowerShell, right-click the result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to view your current network configuration and press Enter:
```
Get-NetIPConfiguration
```
Confirm the network information, including InterfaceIndex, IPv4Address, IPv4DefaultGateway, and DNSServer.
Type the following command to set a static IP address and press Enter:
```
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex 10 -IPAddress 10.1.4.119 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 10.1.4.1
```
In the command, replace the “InterfaceIndex” number (10) with the corresponding number of your adapter. Change “IPAddress” with the static IP address you want to assign to your device. Change “PrefixLength” (subnet mask) with the correct bit number if necessary. Typically, on a home network, the setting is “24.” Also, change the “DefaultGateway” option to the default gateway address of the network.
Type the following command to assign a DNS server address and press Enter:
```
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex 10 -ServerAddresses 10.1.4.1
```
If you need to set a secondary DNS server address, use a comma to specify another address in the same command. For example:
```
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex 10 -ServerAddresses 10.1.4.1, 8.8.8.8
```
In the command, replace the “InterfaceIndex” number (10) with the corresponding number of your network adapter. Also, change “ServerAddresses” to the DNS IP address.

Once you complete the steps, the new network configuration will apply to the computer.

Regardless of your method of choice, always assign a TCP/IP address within the network range and outside of the DHCP server’s scope to ensure proper connectivity and avoid configuration conflicts. The reason is that multiple computers sharing the same address will cause problems, preventing them from connecting to the internet.

Set static IP using Settings on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can set a static IP address configuration from the Settings app for wireless and wired adapters.

Wi-Fi adapter static IP configuration

To assign a static IP address configuration to a Wi-Fi adapter, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Network & Internet.
Click the Wi-Fi page.
Select the current network connection.
Click the Edit button in the “IP assignment” setting.
Select the Manual option.
Turn on the IPv4 toggle switch.
Set a static IP address for Windows 11. For example, 10.1.4.119.
Specify a Subnet mask. For example, 255.255.255.0.
Specify a Default Gateway address.
Specify a Preferred DNS address (required).
(Optional) Specify an “Alternate DNS” address.
Use the “DNS over HTTPS” drop-down menu and select the “Off” option for the preferred and alternate addresses, but you can enable DoH with these options:
- Off: Transmits all DNS traffic without encryption.
- On (automatic template): Sends all DNS traffic with encryption.
- On (manual template): Allows you to specify a specific template. It is only required if the DNS service doesn’t work automatically or has a template that does not work as expected.
Turn off the “Fallback to plaintext” toggle switch (if you enable DoH).

Quick tip: If you enable this feature, the system will encrypt DNS traffic, but it allows queries to be sent without encryption.
Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the static network configuration will apply to the computer. You can test the new settings by opening the web browser and loading a website.

Ethernet adapter static IP configuration

To assign a static IP address to an Ethernet (wired) adapter on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Network & Internet.
Click the Ethernet page.
Click the Edit button in the “IP assignment” setting.

/li>
Select the Manual option.
Turn on the IPv4 toggle switch.
Set a static IP address for Windows 11. For example, 10.1.4.119.
Specify a Subnet mask. For example, 255.255.255.0.
Specify a Default Gateway address.
Specify a Preferred DNS address (required).
(Optional) Specify an “Alternate DNS” address.
Use the “DNS over HTTPS” drop-down menu and select the “Off” option for the preferred and alternate addresses, but you can enable DoH with these options:
- Off: Transmits all DNS traffic without encryption.
- On (automatic template): Sends all DNS traffic with encryption.
- On (manual template): Allows you to specify a specific template. It is only required if the DNS service doesn’t work automatically or has a template that does not work as expected.
Turn off the “Fallback to plaintext” toggle switch (if you enable DoH).
Click the Save button.

After completing the steps, you can test your settings by opening a website using your web browser.

Set static IP using Control Panel on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can still use Control Panel to change the IP settings for Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapters.

To assign a static IP configuration through the Control Panel, follow these steps:

Open Control Panel.
Click on Network and Internet.
Click on Network and Sharing Center.
Click the “Change adapter settings” option in the left navigation pane.
Right-click the network adapter and select the Properties option.
Select the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.
Click the Properties button.
Select the “Use the following IP address” option.
Assign the static IP address. For example, 10.1.4.119.
Specify a Subnet mask. Typically, on a home network, the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0.
Specify a Default gateway address – for example, 10.1.4.1 (Usually, your router’s address).
Under the “Use the following DNS server addresses set Preferred DNS server” section, set the “Preferred DNS server address,” which is usually your router’s IP address or the IP address of a DNS server providing DNS resolution (for example, 10.1.4.1).
(Optional) Specify an “Alternative DNS server,” which the computer will use if it cannot reach the preferred DNS server.
Click the OK button.
Click the Close button again.

Once you have completed the steps, you can open your web browser and load a website to verify that the configuration is working.

FAQs about configuring a static IP address on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about setting up a static network configuration.

What is a static IP address on Windows 11?

A static IP address is a permanent network configuration that does not change after reboots or DHCP lease renewals. It ensures consistent connectivity for services like file sharing, port forwarding, network printing, and remote access.

Why should I use a static IP instead of DHCP?

DHCP assigns dynamic addresses that can change over time, disrupting services that depend on a fixed address. A static IP guarantees that the device is always reachable at the same address.

When is a static IP address required?

Use a static IP when hosting services on your computer, configuring port forwarding, setting up a home server, using Remote Desktop, running surveillance systems, or sharing resources on a local network.

What happens if two devices share the same static IP?

An IP conflict occurs. Both devices will lose connectivity or behave unpredictably. Always assign an address outside your router’s DHCP range to avoid conflicts.

Can I set a static IP for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

Yes. Windows 11 allows separate static configurations for each adapter. You must configure each interface individually.

What information do I need before setting a static IP?

You need four values: IPv4 address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server. These can be obtained using the ipconfig /all command.

What is the best method to set a static IP on Windows 11?

All methods achieve the same result. You can set it using Settings, PowerShell, Command Prompt, and even Control Panel.

How do I choose the correct static IP address?

Pick an address within your local subnet but outside the DHCP pool. For example, if DHCP assigns 10.1.4.100 to 10.1.4.150, choose something like 10.1.4.200.

What is PrefixLength in PowerShell?

PrefixLength represents your subnet mask in bit notation. For most home networks, PrefixLength is 24, matching subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

Do I need both preferred and alternate DNS servers?

You only need one DNS server to function, but adding an alternate improves reliability if the primary becomes unreachable.

Can I enable DNS over HTTPS with a static IP?

Yes. When configuring DNS in Settings, you can enable DoH to encrypt DNS queries. It supports automatic or manual templates depending on your provider.

Does setting a static IP affect internet speed?

No. A static IP only changes how your device identifies itself on the network. Speed is determined by your router, connection, and ISP.

How do I confirm my static IP is working?

Confirm your static IP by loading a website, pinging a domain like bing.com, and running ipconfig to confirm the settings.

Will my static IP work on any network?

A static IP is tied to the network’s addressing scheme. If you move your device to another network, you must update the IP settings to match that network’s configuration.

Update December 12, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.