How to Set a Static IP Address in Windows

Every computer connected to a network has an IP address. An IP address is the digital equivalent of a street address. It allows information to be delivered to the appropriate computer. Normally, your computer is automatically assigned a unique IP address by your Internet service provider, or the router on your network. This normally works fine, but since an automatically assigned IP address can change from time to time, sometimes a manually configured, “static” IP address is needed. Here is how to configure your computer to use a static, user set IP address:



Windows XP:

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Open the Control Panel.
   • Classic view: Open Network Connections
   • Category view: Select Network and Internet Connections, and then Network Connections.
3. Right-click on the connection you want to set a static IP for.
4. Click Properties.
5. In the new window that opens, single-click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” and then press the “Properties” button.
6. A second window will open titles “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.” Select the bubble that says “Use the following IP address.”
7. You can now fill in the IP address field with an valid IP address you wish to use. The IP address you put here will depend on the network you are on, and the reason for setting an IP address.
8. The “Subnet mask” filed will be calculated automatically based on the IP address you entered.
9. Once you have all of the necessary field filled in, click “OK” on each window until you are back at the control panel. You can close the control panel window now.
10. Your computer has been successfully configured to use a static IP address. You may need to disconnect and then reconnect your network card to see the changes reflected.

Windows Vista:

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Open the Control Panel.
3. Click “Classic View” on the left of the window.
4. Double-click “Network and Sharing Center.”
5. Click “Manage network connections” on the left of the window.
6. Right-click on the connection you want to set a static IP for.
7. Click Properties.
8. In the new window that opens, single-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then press the “Properties” button.
9. A second window will open titles “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.” Select the bubble that says “Use the following IP address.”
10. You can now fill in the IP address field with an valid IP address you wish to use. The IP address you put here will depend on the network you are on, and the reason for setting an IP address.
11. The “Subnet mask” filed will be calculated automatically based on the IP address you entered.
12. Once you have all of the necessary field filled in, click “OK” on each window until you are back at the control panel. You can close the control panel window now.
13. Your computer has been successfully configured to use a static IP address. You may need to disconnect and then reconnect your network card to see the changes reflected.

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