How to Assign an IP Address to Windows Computer

/ /

We can configure and assign an IP address to a host using the following two methods:

Statically

This method manually assigns an IP address to the host. It is important to assign and configure the correct IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. We should also configure the DNS server IP address manually using this method.

Statically assigned addresses are usually used to find specific network resources, such as servers and printers. They can also be used in smaller networks. In larger and corporate networks, static IP addresses are rarely liked. For setting a static IP address on a host using Windows, follow the following steps:

  • Click Start Menu> Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center. (For Windows 8 and higher, search for and open Control Panel and select Network and Internet).
  • Click Change adapter settings. (as per Figure 1)
  • Right Click on Interfaces required IP address configuration
  • Select and Click Properties
  • In the Connection Properties windows, select and click Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) (as per Figure 2)
  • Select “use the following IP address” (as per Figure 2)
  • Fill in the IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS addresses. (as per Figure 2)

 Assign an IP Address

Dynamically

In this method, we use the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to configure the IP address. The DHCP server provides a valid IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for end devices. Large networks use dedicated DHCP servers to provide services.

DHCP services can be provided by a Cisco Catalyst switch or a Cisco ISR in a smaller branch or office setting. The home routers also provide DHCP services to home users. For setting a dynamic IP address on a host using Windows, follow the following steps:

  • Click Start Menu> Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center. (For Windows 8 and higher, search for and open Control Panel and select Network And Internet).
  • Click Change adapter settings.
  • Right Click on Interfaces required IP address configuration
  • Select and Click Properties
  • In the Connection Properties windows select and click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  • Click the “Obtain an IP address automatically” (as per Figure 3)