In Windows, how do I check my computer’s IP address or physical (aka MAC) address?

Windows NT, 2000, and XP

To see what IP address, default gateway, and subnet mask your computer is using:

1. Click the Start button and select All Programs (XP) or Programs (NT and 2000).
2. Select Accessories, then Command Prompt (2000 and XP), or Command Prompt (NT).
3. At the command prompt, enter: ipconfig
4. To close the command prompt, enter: exit

For other IP information on Windows, including the physical address, at the command prompt, enter:

ipconfig /all | moreThis will give you information regarding your computer’s TCP/IP setup, including:

Host name
DNS servers
Physical address
IP address
Subnet mask
Default gateway
WINS servers

The IP address will be a series of numbers following the pattern xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, for example, 156.56.27.32.

The physical address, which many people call the MAC address, will be a series of six hexadecimal number pairs following the pattern xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx, for example, 00-40-A4-F3-C0-01.

Note: If you have more than one active network adapter, you will see multiple entries here. Many laptop users nowadays have at least two adapters: one for the regular Ethernet adapter, and one for the wireless 802.11b or 802.11g card. Some computers will have three entries or more (for example, for either an infrared or a Bluetooth adapter). Sometimes it’s easy to distinguish between the two (for example, one of them will say “wireless” next to “Description:”), but other times it’s not (the description will give only a manufacturer and model). You may have to consult the manufacturer’s documentation for your computer to tell which section of the ipconfig/all | more output refers to which network adapter.

Windows XP, without using the command prompt

Alternatively, in Windows XP, if you want to find this information and want to stay within the graphic user interface, or for any reason do not want to use DOS commands, you can find this information by doing the following:

1. Right-click the My Network Places icon, and then select Properties.
2. Double-click the Local Area Connection icon. Occasionally, there will be a number on the end (e.g., Local Area Connection 2); it depends on your computer’s configuration. If you are looking for the MAC address for a wireless adapter, the icon will normally be named Wireless Network Connection.
3. Click the Support tab.
4. Click the Details... button.

The physical address (MAC address) and IP address will be listed in the window that appears.

Windows 95, 98, and Me

To check your computer’s IP address or physical address, follow the steps below:

1. Click the Start button and select Run... .
2. Type winipcfg and click OK.
3. From the drop-down menu, select the adapter being used for your connection:
   • Select PPP Adapter if you’re dialing in.
   • Select the Ethernet adapter if you’re connected to a LAN or a broadband connection.
   • Select the wireless adapter if you’re connected via wireless.

The IP address will appear in its labeled field. The MAC address will appear in a field labeled Adapter Address.

Alternatively, you may follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings, then Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network. Select TCP/IP, then click Properties.

The IP address appears under the IP Address page tab

This entry was posted on 15. May 2008 at 09:52 and is filed under Troubleshooting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.