Step-by-Step Guide to Configure a Static IP Address on Windows 10

Key Notes

• Static IP is essential for reliable networking tasks.
• Multiple methods available: Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.
• Be sure to choose an IP outside of the DHCP range.

Mastering Static IP Address Configuration on Windows 10

In this guide, you will learn how to assign a static IP address on Windows 10 using different methods to ensure a stable and continuous network connection.

Methods to Set a Static IP Address

Follow the steps below to configure a static IP address on your Windows 10 device using various methods.

Step 1: Setting a Static IP Address from Windows Settings

To assign a static IP address using the Settings app, follow these instructions:

1. Open Settings on your Windows 10 machine.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Choose either Wi-Fi or Ethernet based on your connection type.
4. Click on your current network connection.
5. Under the IP settings section, click the Edit button.
6. From the drop-down menu, choose the Manual option.
7. Enable the IPv4 toggle switch.
8. Enter your desired IP address.
9. Input the Subnet prefix length (e.g., 24 for a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0).
10. Set a Default Gateway address.
11. Provide a Preferred DNS address.
12. (Optional) Enter an Alternate DNS address.
13. Click Save to finalize your configuration.

Test your configuration by browsing a website.

Step 2: Setting a Static IP Address from Control Panel

To configure a static IP using Control Panel, follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Select Network and Sharing Center.
4. On the left side, click Change adapter settings.
5. Right-click your network adapter and choose Properties.
6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
7. Click the Properties button.
8. Choose the Use the following IP address option.
9. Set the static IP address, e.g., 10.1.2.220.
10. Specify the Subnet mask, typically 255.255.255.0.
11. Enter the Default gateway, often your router’s IP, e.g., 10.1.2.1.
12. Set your Preferred DNS server (same as your router or another DNS server).
13. (Optional) Add an Alternative DNS server.
14. Click OK to save your settings.

Open a browser to test if your website loads.

Step 3: Setting a Static IP Address via Command Prompt

To configure a static IP through Command Prompt, do the following:

1. Open Start and search for Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator.
2. Input the command ipconfig /all and hit Enter to view your current network settings.
3. Identify your network adapter and its details: IPv4 address, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Servers.
4. To set a static IP address, type the command: netsh interface ip set address name="YourAdapterName" static YourDesiredIP YourSubnetMask YourDefaultGateway and press Enter.
5. To assign a DNS server, type: netsh interface ip set dns name="YourAdapterName" static YourPreferredDNS and press Enter.
6. For an alternate DNS server, enter: netsh interface ip add dns name="YourAdapterName" YourAlternateDNS index=2 and hit Enter.

After completing these commands, check connectivity with ping google.com or browse a website.

Step 4: Setting a Static IP Address with PowerShell

To set a static IP using PowerShell, follow these instructions:

1. Open Start, search for PowerShell, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
2. Execute the command Get-NetIPConfiguration to view current settings.
3. Note the InterfaceIndex, IPv4Address, IPv4DefaultGateway, and DNSServer.
4. To assign a static IP, input: New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex YourInterfaceIndex -IPAddress YourDesiredIP -PrefixLength YourPrefixLength -DefaultGateway YourDefaultGateway.
5. To set a DNS address, execute: Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex YourInterfaceIndex -ServerAddresses YourPreferredDNS.
6. If needed, add a secondary DNS with: Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex YourInterfaceIndex -ServerAddresses YourPreferredDNS, YourAlternateDNS.

Test your connection by navigating to a website.

Additional Tips

• Always ensure the static IP is outside the DHCP range to prevent conflicts.
• Document your static configuration settings for future reference.
• Regularly check and update your IP addresses if network changes occur.

Summary

Setting a static IP address is critical for reliable networking tasks in Windows 10. By following the steps in this guide, users can easily configure their settings through the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, ensuring stable connectivity.

Conclusion

Mastering IP configuration not only enhances network stability but also prepares you for advanced networking tasks. Take action and set your static IP today for improved system performance.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)