How to Remove a Static IP Address

By Oxana Fox

An IP (Internet Protocol) address--171.10.1.255, for example--identifies a computer or server on the Internet. Once assigned to a computer, an IP address remains constant, or static, and static addresses can make your computer more vulnerable to hackers. Unless you run a Web or email server, it's best to use a dynamic IP address, which changes each time you log on to the network. Remove your static IP address using the Windows control panel network tools.

Step 1

Click "Start" in Windows and open "Control Panel."

Step 2

Click "Network and Internet" and then select "Network and Sharing Center."

Step 3

Click on the task "Change Adapter Settings."

Step 4

Right click the broadband connection icon and select "Properties."

Step 5

Click on the tab "Networking" in the "Connection Properties" window.

Step 6

Select "Internet Protocol Version 4" and then click "Properties."

Step 7

Delete any numbers in the "IP address" field using the "Backspace" key on your keyboard; this removes the static IP address from your computer.

Step 8

Click to select the radio button next to "Obtain an IP address automatically." This sets up your computer to use dynamic IP addresses.

Step 9

Repeat steps 4 through 8 for other broadband connections if more than one is set up on your computer.

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