Network Information on Windows

This guide explains how to identify all relevant network information on Windows using a single command.
It is written to be clear and usable even when many network interfaces are present.

Supported systems

• Windows 10
• Windows 11

Applies to desktop and laptop computers using:

• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi
• VPN connections

What information you will find

This guide helps you identify:

• Local IP address (LAN)
• Router (gateway) IP address
• VPN IP address (if connected)
• MAC address (physical address)
• The correct network interface to use

The command used

All network information is retrieved using:

ipconfig /all

This command displays every network interface on the system, including:

• Physical network adapters
• Wireless adapters
• VPN adapters
• Virtual adapters
• Disconnected adapters

Seeing many adapters is normal.

How to run the command

1. Open Command Prompt
2. Run:

ipconfig /all

The output is divided into sections, one per network adapter.

Understanding network adapters

Each block in the output represents one network interface.

Common adapter types:

• Ethernet adapter
  Wired network connection

• Wireless LAN adapter
  Wi-Fi connection

• VPN adapter
  Created when a VPN is connected

• Virtual adapter
  Created by virtualization or VPN software

• Disconnected adapter
  Not currently in use

Most systems show multiple adapters. This is expected.

Which adapter should you use?

In most cases, use:

• Ethernet adapter → if connected by cable
• Wireless LAN adapter → if connected via Wi-Fi

Ignore adapters that:

• Show Media disconnected
• Belong to virtualization software
• Are clearly labeled as virtual or unused

If a VPN is connected, a separate VPN adapter will appear.
Do not use the VPN adapter for local network information.

Local IP address (LAN)

The local IP address identifies the computer inside the local network.

How to find it

1. Locate the active Ethernet or Wireless LAN adapter
2. Identify these fields:

IPv4 Address
Subnet Mask
Default Gateway

Example

IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.42
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

Meaning

• IPv4 Address → local IP address
• Default Gateway → router IP address

Typical local IP ranges:

• 192.168.x.x
• 10.x.x.x
• 172.16.x.x

VPN IP address

A VPN IP address exists only when a VPN connection is active.

How to find it

1. Look for the adapter created by the VPN software
2. Identify its IPv4 Address

Example

IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . : 100.96.12.34

Notes:

• VPN IP ≠ local IP
• If no VPN adapter appears, no VPN is connected

MAC address (Physical Address)

The MAC address is a unique hardware identifier for a network interface.

How to find it

1. Use the same adapter used for the local IP
2. Identify the field:

Physical Address

Example

Physical Address. . . . . . . : 3C-52-82-9A-B4-1F

Important notes:

• Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters have different MAC addresses
• MAC addresses do not change between networks
• VPN adapters use virtual MAC addresses
• Wake On Lan is not supported over Wi-Fi

Quick reference (most common case)

For most users:

• Local IP → IPv4 Address of Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter
• Router IP → Default Gateway of the same adapter
• MAC address → Physical Address of that adapter
• VPN IP → IPv4 Address of VPN adapter (if connected)

Always take values from the same adapter.