How to switch from static IP address to dynamic IP on Windows 11

Loy Okezie -

Normally, a static IP address is recommended for computers providing network services like file sharing or printing. But, if you no longer need this, you can easily switch back to a dynamic IP address assigned by your router.

You might want to remove a static IP address if you no longer need to access a specific service that required a static IP, you're experiencing network issues and want to troubleshoot by assigning a dynamic IP, or if you want to simplify network configuration.

There are four ways to switch to a dynamic IP configuration on Windows 11, including using Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. In this guide, you will learn how to configure dynamic IP address (DHCP) from Settings and Control Panel on your Windows 11 computer.

But before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses.

  • Static IP address: A manually assigned IP address that remains constant. It's often used for servers or devices that need a fixed address for network identification.
  • Dynamic IP address: An automatically assigned IP address by your router (DHCP server). It changes each time a device connects to the network.

How to configure dynamic IP address (DHCP) from Settings

To remove a static IP address to request a dynamic IP configuration on Windows 11, use these steps: