Static vs Dynamic IP – What’s the Difference?

Dynamic IP: Your ISP or router assigns an IP automatically (DHCP). It can change when you reconnect or after a while.

Static IP: The IP is fixed and does not change. Often used for servers, cameras or remote access.

How to Check with CMD

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /all

Find your adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Look at DHCP Enabled:

  • Yes – You are using DHCP (dynamic). The router or ISP gives you an IP automatically.
  • No – You are using a manually set (static) IP.

You will also see "IPv4 Address", "Subnet Mask", "Default Gateway" and "DHCP Server" in the same block.

Quick Check – Just Your IP

ipconfig

Shows IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway for each adapter.

When to Use Static IP

  • Port forwarding to a specific PC or device
  • NAS, IP camera or home server
  • When a device must keep the same local IP

You can set a static IP in Windows under adapter properties (IPv4) or in the router’s DHCP reservation. See Router Settings and IPv4 & IPv6 Settings.

How to Set a Static IP in Windows

Open Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet or Wi-Fi → your connection → Edit under “IP assignment” (or go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing → Change adapter settings → right-click the adapter → Properties → IPv4 → Properties). Choose “Manual”, turn IPv4 On, and enter IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.10), Subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), Default gateway (your router, e.g. 192.168.1.1), and Preferred DNS (e.g. 8.8.8.8). Save. The IP you choose must be in the same range as your router and not used by another device.

DHCP Reservation on the Router

Instead of setting a static IP on the device, you can reserve an IP in the router’s DHCP settings. Log in to the router, find DHCP or LAN → Address Reservation (or similar). Add a reservation: select the device by MAC address and assign an IP (e.g. 192.168.1.10). Save. The device will keep getting that IP when it requests one, so port forwarding and other rules will keep working. This is often easier than configuring each device manually.

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