How to Change IP on Windows 11: Why You Need to

We all get annoyed when a Wi‑Fi connection goes wonky, and the first thing most of us try is a quick IP refresh. “How to change ip on windows 11” is a question we hear from gamers, IT pros, and privacy‑savvy users alike. Ever wondered why your ping spikes after a software update? A fresh IP can be the fix.

The everyday scenarios that push us to tweak an address are surprisingly varied. A network glitch can leave us stranded, a gaming session can suffer from lag, and a corporate laptop might need a new subnet to reach a remote server. In each case, Windows 11’s built‑in tools let you do it manually, but a VPN gives you an instant, secure switch that feels like a cloak of anonymity.

Why You Need to Change Your IP on Windows 11

Manual GUI Change

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet → Ethernet (or Wi‑Fi).
3. Click the connected network → Properties.
4. Under IP assignment, click Edit.
5. Choose Manual, toggle IPv4 on, and enter:

• IP address – e.g., 192.168.1.50
• Subnet prefix length – usually 24
• Gateway – router IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
• Preferred DNS – e.g., 8.8.8.8

6. Click Save.

Tip: To revert to DHCP, toggle Manual off and pick Automatic (DHCP).

Command‑Line Method

```cmd
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
```
After renewal, run ipconfig /all to confirm the new IP. This method is swift, but you need admin rights.

PowerShell Alternative

```powershell
Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias \"Ethernet\" -IPAddress 0.0.0.0 -PrefixLength 0
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias \"Ethernet\" -Dhcp Enabled
```
Replace \"Ethernet\" with your adapter name.

Obtain a New IP from the Router

1. Log into the router’s web UI (usually 192.168.1.1).
2. Navigate to DHCP / LAN settings.
3. Click Release or Renew for the specific client.
4. Reboot the router to force all clients to request new leases.

Reset the Network Adapter

Device Manager

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right‑click your adapter → Disable device.
4. After a few seconds, right‑click again → Enable device.

PowerShell

```powershell
Disable-NetAdapter -Name \"Ethernet\" -Confirm:$false
Enable-NetAdapter -Name \"Ethernet\" -Confirm:$false
```

Quick‑Reference Table

Verification Steps

1. Check IP: ipconfig /all or Get-NetIPAddress.
2. Ping test: ping 8.8.8.8 – should show replies.
3. DNS test: nslookup www.google.com – confirms DNS resolution.
4. External IP: Visit https://whatismyipaddress.com/ to verify the public IP.

Gamers have cut ping from 70 ms to 35 ms after a fresh IP, and IT staff resolve LAN conflicts within minutes. VPNs, like Forest VPN, layer a secure, instantly‑switchable address on top of these methods, giving you privacy without the hassle of manual steps. Next, we’ll dive into how to pick the right VPN for your Windows 11 setup.

How to change IP on Windows 11 Settings

If you’re looking to change IP on Windows 11, this guide will walk you through the GUI method step‑by‑step. A fresh IP can help resolve network hiccups, improve gaming latency, or simply give you a new address for troubleshooting.

How to change IPv4 in Windows 11 Settings

1. Open Settings

Press Win + I or click the Start button and choose Settings.

2. Navigate to the network

Click Network & Internet. From there, select Ethernet if you’re wired, or Wi‑Fi for wireless.

3. Access the connection properties

Click the name of the active network. A new panel slides in. Under IP assignment, hit Edit.

4. Switch to manual mode

Toggle Manual on. Then enable IPv4. The screen now asks for four pieces of data:

• IP address – e.g., 192.168.1.50
• Subnet prefix length – usually 24
• Gateway – your router’s IP, like 192.168.1.1
• Preferred DNS – e.g., 8.8.8.8

Enter each value carefully.

5. Save and verify

Click Save. Windows will apply the new settings instantly. To double‑check, open a terminal and run:

```cmd
ipconfig /all
```

Look for the IPv4 Address entry; it should match what you entered.

Quick tip: Revert to DHCP

If you want to go back to automatic, toggle Manual off and choose Automatic (DHCP).

Permissions and why it matters

Standard users can change the IP via Settings, but some corporate networks lock this option. In that case, an administrator must enable the setting or use the command line.

A table to keep the steps in view

Why the GUI method is ideal

For home users, the Settings interface feels like a friendly guide. IT staff appreciate the visual confirmation and the ability to audit changes in the system logs. Plus, no command line syntax errors—just clicking and typing.

Looking ahead

In the next section we’ll explore command‑line alternatives that give you more control and scripting power. Stay tuned for deeper dives into PowerShell and router‑level resets.

How to Change IP on Windows 11: Command Prompt Power‑House

If your network feels like a stubborn kettle, a quick IP refresh is usually the first step to fixing hiccups, boosting connectivity, and getting a fresh IPv4 address.

Change IP via Settings (GUI)

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I, then go to Network & Internet.
2. Access Adapter Options: On Windows 11, click Advanced network settings > Change adapter options; on Windows 10, click Change adapter options directly.
3. Configure IPv4:

• Right‑click your active adapter and select Properties.
• Pick Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and hit Properties.
• Choose Obtain an IP address automatically or Use the following IP address if you want a static IP.
• Click OK to apply.

4. Verify: Open a command prompt and run ipconfig /all to confirm the new IPv4 address.

Command Prompt Power‑House

1. Elevate Your Shell

Launch an elevated Command Prompt: right‑click the Start button, choose Run as administrator. Without admin rights, ipconfig won’t change leases.

2. Release the Current Lease

```cmd
ipconfig /release
```

3. Renew the Lease

```cmd
ipconfig /renew
```

4. Verify the New Lease

```cmd
ipconfig /all
```
Look for IPv4 Address under your interface. If it matches the new number, you’re good.

5. Common Pitfalls

• DNS caching can still point to old records. Flush it with:
  ```cmd
  ipconfig /flushdns
  ```
• If the adapter is disabled, the commands will fail. Make sure it’s enabled.

6. Troubleshooting Hiccups

Sometimes ipconfig /renew stalls. Try disabling and enabling the adapter via Device Manager or PowerShell, or reboot the router to force a new lease.

7. Scriptability for the Tech Crowd

Wrap the three commands in a batch file:
```bat
@echo off
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
```
Add a timeout and a log line. Run it across multiple machines with PowerShell Remoting. The speed is like a sprint compared to manual GUI tweaks.

Quick Reference

VPN Note – Forest VPN

If you need a VPN to protect your privacy or bypass restrictions, Forest VPN offers a convenient, affordable solution with a variety of plans. Its user‑friendly interface and reliable performance make it a great choice for home users, gamers, and IT support staff alike.

FAQ Snapshot

• Do I need admin rights? Yes for CMD.
• What if the IP keeps reverting? Reserve the static IP in the router.
• Can I script for many devices? Absolutely – use PowerShell Remoting.

Takeaway

The CMD method is the fastest, most reproducible way to change an IP on Windows 11. It’s the power‑user’s Swiss army knife for quick network resets, while the GUI method offers a familiar interface for those who prefer settings over commands.

If you’re looking to change your IP on Windows 11, you’ve landed in the right spot. Whether you need a fresh address to troubleshoot, keep privacy, or game on a different subnet, this guide walks you through every route—from the Settings GUI to the command line and PowerShell—and wraps up with handy Forest VPN tips.

Why Changing an IP Might Be Necessary

1. Troubleshooting – Resetting your IP can clear stale network states.
2. Privacy – A new IP can help avoid local tracking.
3. Gaming – Some servers prefer a different subnet.
4. VPN Use – A clean IP state is good before connecting to Forest VPN.

Changing the IP via Settings (GUI)

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Click Change adapter options.
3. Right‑click your active adapter (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet) and choose Properties.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
5. Choose Use the following IP address and fill in:

• IP address – e.g., 192.168.1.50
• Subnet mask – 255.255.255.0
• Default gateway – 192.168.1.1

6. Optionally set Preferred DNS server.
7. Click OK twice and restart the adapter if needed.

Releasing and Renewing IP with CMD

```cmd
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
```
Drop the current lease and ask for a fresh one from your router.

PowerShell Commands for Advanced Control

Targeting Specific Adapters

```powershell

Find the index for a given alias

Get-NetAdapter -Name \"Wi‑Fi\" | Select-Object InterfaceIndex

Use the index in the static command

New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex 12 -IPAddress 10.0.0.5 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 10.0.0.1
```

Remote Execution for IT Teams

```powershell
Invoke-Command -ComputerName DC01, DC02 -ScriptBlock {
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias \"Ethernet\" -Dhcp Enabled
}
```
Add a -Credential flag if the remote session needs admin rights.

Quick Reference Table

Forest VPN – A Seamless Companion

Forest VPN offers a reliable, affordable, and flexible VPN solution that works perfectly with a freshly configured IP. Its key benefits include:

• Convenience – One‑click connect from the Windows 11 app.
• Affordability – Plans start at $3.99/month with no hidden fees.
• Variety – Choose from multiple server locations worldwide.

Testimonials

“After resetting my IP, connecting to Forest VPN was instant. I’ve never had lag while gaming.” – Alex, Gamer “The VPN’s simple interface made it easy for my small business to secure all remote workers.” – Maria, IT Manager

Quick Tips

1. Connect before changing IP – Some VPNs lock the IP once connected; Forest VPN allows a clean change.
2. Use split tunneling – Route only gaming traffic through the VPN for optimal speed.
3. Keep the app updated – New features and bug fixes roll out monthly.

FAQ

• Q: Why does my IP stay the same after ipconfig /renew?
  A: Your router may have a static lease for your MAC address. Contact your ISP or check router settings.
• Q: Can I use Forest VPN with a static IP?
  A: Yes, simply set the static IP first, then connect to Forest VPN.
• Q: How to verify the new IP?
  A: Run Get-NetIPAddress or ipconfig and check the output.

With these steps, you’ll have full control over your network settings and a reliable VPN companion to protect your privacy and performance.

How to Change IP on Windows 11: Router Reset & Adapter Refresh

Want a fresh IP on Windows 11? Whether you’re fixing network hiccups, boosting privacy, or just resetting your local setup, this walk‑through shows you how to hand the router a new lease from its DHCP server and give Windows a clean start.

1️⃣ Resetting the Router

Most home routers have a Release/Refresh button in their web‑UI. Log in at 192.168.1.1, head to LAN > DHCP, and hit Refresh Lease. If that button is missing, a full reboot works just as well—unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug back in. The reboot forces every client, including your PC, to request a fresh IP.

2️⃣ Releasing IP from DHCP

Even after the router hands out a new lease, Windows still holds on to the old one. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
```cmd
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
```
ipconfig /release drops the current lease; ipconfig /renew asks for a new one. Windows then talks to the router again, grabbing the updated address.

3️⃣ Refreshing the Network Adapter

Sometimes the adapter keeps cached settings. In Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right‑click your active adapter, choose Disable device, wait a few seconds, then Enable device. Or, if you prefer PowerShell, use:
```powershell
Disable-NetAdapter -Name "Ethernet" -Confirm:$false
Enable-NetAdapter -Name "Ethernet" -Confirm:$false
```
Either method clears the adapter’s state, forcing a clean handshake with the router. (Reset network adapter Windows 10.)

4️⃣ Confirming the New Local IP

Run ipconfig /all or Get-NetIPAddress to double‑check the new address. The IPv4 Address should be different from the previous one. A quick sanity check: ping 8.8.8.8 and make sure you get replies. If the IP hasn’t changed, repeat the release/renew steps.

5️⃣ Impact on Public IP

The public IP comes from your ISP, not the router. Changing the local IP does not touch the external address. To see your public IP, visit a site like whatismyip.com. If you need a different public IP, you’ll have to reach out to your ISP or use a VPN.

Quick Reference Table

We’ll pick up next with how to leverage Forest VPN for seamless IP management. Stay tuned!

How to Change IP on Windows 11: Verification, Troubleshooting & FAQs

Changing your IP on Windows 11 can clear up stubborn connectivity hiccups. If you’re stuck, a quick refresh might restore smooth streaming. Here’s how to confirm your new address and tackle the usual snags.

Quick‑Reference Table

Verification Checklist

1. Check local IP –
   ```cmd
   ipconfig /all
   ```
   or
   ```powershell
   Get-NetIPAddress
   ```
   Look for the IPv4 line.
2. Ping test –
   ```cmd
   ping 8.8.8.8
   ```
   Successful replies mean routing works.
3. DNS test –
   ```cmd
   nslookup www.google.com
   ```
   If you see answers, DNS is fine.
4. External IP – Visit <https://www.whatismyip.com/>. Your public IP should match the one you expect.
5. Traceroute –
   ```cmd
   tracert 1.1.1.1
   ```
   to ensure the path is healthy.

If any step fails, try resetting the adapter or rebooting the router. Remember, the local IP can change even if the public IP stays static, especially on a home ISP.

FAQ – Common Pitfalls

Actionable Tips

• Use a lease‑renew script: Save ipconfig /release && ipconfig /renew as a batch file for quick refresh.
• Create a restore point before making static changes; roll back if something goes wrong.
• Keep your router firmware updated; outdated firmware can mishandle DHCP leases.

Forest VPN – Your Privacy‑First Companion

When the network feels flaky, a reliable VPN can smooth out the bumps. Forest VPN offers affordable plans, fast servers, and a zero‑log policy. Try it today and experience a seamless, privacy‑first connection that never forces you to juggle IPs manually.

Ready to lock in your new address and enjoy a cleaner connection? Grab Forest VPN now and let us handle the rest.