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Set the TCP/IP Settings in Windows

Let Windows get its network address by itself (DHCP), or set the IP address and DNS by hand.

Windows Hosting2 min read10 steps13 screenshots

About TCP/IP

TCP/IP is the set of rules your PC uses to talk to other devices and to the internet. In most homes and offices the router hands out the settings automatically with DHCP. You set them by hand when you need a fixed address.

Open the network settings

  1. Open the Start menu, type settings and open the Settings app.
    Opening Settings
  2. Click Network & Internet.
    Network and Internet
  3. Choose your connection type, Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
    Choosing the network type
  4. For Wi-Fi, click Manage known networks. Click the network you use.
    Manage known networks
    Selecting the network

For Ethernet, click Ethernet and then the network you are connected to.

  1. Scroll to IP assignment and click Edit.
    Editing the IP assignment

Method 1: Automatic (DHCP)

  1. In the Edit IP settings window, choose Automatic (DHCP).
    Choosing Automatic (DHCP)
  2. Click Save.
    Saving the change

Method 2: Manual

Use this when you need a static address.

  1. Open Edit IP settings as above and choose Manual. Switch on IPv4 or IPv6.
    Turning on IPv4
  2. Fill in:
    - IP address, for example 192.168.1.50
    - Subnet prefix length (or subnet mask), for example 24
    - Gateway, usually your router, for example 192.168.1.1
    Entering the IP address, subnet and gateway
  3. Scroll down and fill in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS, for example 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
    Entering the DNS servers

DNS over HTTPS (optional)

If your DNS server supports it, you can encrypt DNS requests. Turn on Preferred DNS encryption and choose Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS).

DNS over HTTPS setting
  • If fallback to unencrypted is on, requests are sent without encryption when HTTPS is not possible.
  • If it is off, a request is not sent at all when HTTPS is not possible.
  • Click Save.
    Saving the manual settings
Tip: Choose an address outside the range your router gives out by DHCP. If two devices have the same address, both lose their connection.

Quick recap

  • DHCP is the easy choice for most networks.
  • Use Manual for a fixed IP address, and set the gateway and DNS.
  • Save, then test with a web page or ping.