How to Find an IP Address on a Windows Vista PC

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is used for identification of a particular computer in a network. In a network, each computer is given its own personal IP address, used for routing data packets to specific locations from specific sources. It may be useful for some to note that if your computer is connected to a router or modem, your IP address will change each time you log in to your computer. Determining the current IP address of a Windows Vista PC is a very simple task.

Instructions

1. Open the Windows Start menu, right-click on "Network" (located in the right pane) and select "Properties" from the context menu. Alternatively, you may click on the "Network" icon in the notification area of your taskbar and select "Network and Sharing Center."

2. Press the "View status" link in the "Connection" section and then click on the "Details" button.

3. View your IP address, located to the right of the "IPv4 IP Address" property (example IP address: 194.162.2.3). If you are connected to a router or modem, you may also view the time your IP address was obtained ("Lease Obtained" property) and the time you will automatically get a new IP address if you don't log out ("Lease Expires" property).

References

• Indiana University Knowledge Base: Determining IP Address
• IBM: IP Address Leases