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Assign a static IP address in Windows

Ever felt like your computer’s playing hide and seek with your network? Well, you’re not alone! To assign a static IP address in Windows can seem like a daunting task, but fear not. We’ve got your back with a step-by-step guide that’s as easy as pie—and just as satisfying.

Why Bother with a Static IP?

First off, let’s address the big question: why even bother with a static IP address? Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party and you keep moving the front door. Not fun, right? A static IP keeps your network devices—like printers, NAS devices, or that weird smart fridge—in one spot, making your life a whole lot easier.

How to Set a Static IP Address in Windows 11

Setting a static IP address in Windows 11 is like a walk in the park. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Open Network Settings

First, open up the Settings app and find Network & Internet on the left-hand side. You’ll see your current network connection. Click “Properties” right underneath the network name, or if you have multiple connections, select the one you’re interested in.

Step 2: Edit IP Assignment

Scroll down until you see “IP Assignment” and then click the Edit button on the right.

Step 3: Switch to Manual

Flip the drop-down to “Manual” and switch the IPv4 toggle to “On”. Now, you can fill out your network details and click Save to finish. Voilà, you’re done!

But wait, there’s more! If you’re a fan of the old-school Network Connections panel, you can still use it in Windows 11. Just keep reading.

How to Set a Static IP Address in Windows 10

Windows 10 is still going strong, and setting a static IP address here is a breeze. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Open the Settings app and locate Network & Internet.

Step 2: Select Your Network

On the next screen, you’ll see your network status. Click the Change connection properties button under your active network. If you have multiple networks, choose the one you’re working with from the left-hand menu.

Step 3: Edit IP Assignment

Scroll down to “IP settings” and click the Edit button under “IP assignment”.

Step 4: Switch to Manual

In the popup window, change the Edit IP settings dropdown to Manual and flip the IPv4 switch to “On”. Now, here’s a quirky Windows 10 twist: instead of the usual “subnet mask” like “255.255.255.0”, it asks for the “subnet prefix length”. So, you’ll need to input the bit number equivalent, which is “24” for most home networks. Fill out the rest of your network details, click Save, and you’re all set. You might need to reboot to get everything running smoothly—after all, it’s Windows.

The Classic Method: Network Connections Panel

For those who love the classics, the Network Connections panel is still an option. Here’s how you can set an IP address in any version of Windows:

  1. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click “Change adapter settings” on the left.
  3. Right-click your network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties”.
  4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.
  5. Choose “Use the following IP address” and enter your details. Click “OK” and close all windows.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—a foolproof way to assign a static IP address in Windows 10 and 11 without pulling your hair out. It’s like giving your device a permanent home on your network, making everything run smoother. Next time you throw that digital dinner party, your guests will know exactly where to go. Cheers to easy networking!

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