Published 2020-06-15 by TechNet New England
Your computer name and IP address are two pieces of information your IT provider may need when troubleshooting an issue or setting up a remote connection. ## Windows ### Computer Name **Method 1:** 1. Right-click **This PC** in File Explorer (or on the Desktop). 2. Select **Properties**. 3. The computer name is listed under **Device name**. **Method 2:** 1. Open **Settings > System > About**. 2. Look for **Device name**. **Method 3 (Command Prompt):** ```cmd hostname ``` ### IP Address **Method 1:** 1. Open **Settings > Network and internet > Wi-Fi** (or Ethernet). 2. Click your connected network. 3. Scroll down to **IPv4 address**. **Method 2 (Command Prompt):** ```cmd ipconfig ``` Look for **IPv4 Address** under your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). ### Public IP Address Your public IP (what the internet sees) is different from your local IP. Find it by going to [whatismyip.com](https://www.whatismyip.com) in a browser. ## Mac ### Computer Name **Method 1:** 1. Open **System Settings > General > About**. 2. The name is shown at the top. **Method 2 (Terminal):** ```bash hostname ``` ### IP Address **Method 1:** 1. Open **System Settings > Wi-Fi** (or Network). 2. Click **Details** next to your connected network. 3. The IP address is shown under **IP Address**. **Method 2 (Terminal):** ```bash ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1 ``` The address that is not 127.0.0.1 is your local IP. ### Public IP Address Open a browser and go to [whatismyip.com](https://www.whatismyip.com). ## When IT Asks for This Your IT provider may ask for your computer name to: Connect to your computer remotely. Find your computer in their management system. Check logs for your device. Push software or updates to your specific machine. They may ask for your IP address to: Troubleshoot network connectivity. Set up a printer or network share. Diagnose VPN or firewall issues. Whitelist your device for access to a specific resource. Having this information ready when you contact support saves time for both sides.