What does “IP address conflict” mean and how can you resolve it?

Your IP address is a series of digits separated by periods that uniquely identify your device, be it a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device. The IP stands for "internet protocol," and it allows devices to communicate and exchange data across networks. In other words, without IP addresses, data would have no idea where to go on the internet.

It's similar to an address and return address on a piece of snail mail. The mail carrier can use that information to determine not just where to send the information, but also where to return it. When you visit a website, your device transmits your unique IP address to the website. The IP address contains information about your location, allowing the site to send the information you're looking for to the correct area.

First, try rebooting your computer, which may seem foolish. Yes, sometimes machines become “stuck” and require a reboot, which usually resolves the problem. If that doesn't work, Microsoft suggests that the best course of action is to:

• Click Start and select Run.
• Type “cmd” in the box and click OK. A window with a command prompt with an old-school DOS aesthetic appears.
• Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter. This should release your computer’s current IP addresses.
• Type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter. This assigns your computer a new set of IP addresses.
• Type Exit and press Enter to close that window.

If it doesn't work, you can try changing the TCP/IP settings as well. These options basically tell your computer how to communicate with other computers.

Microsoft suggests utilising the automated Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which allocates IP addresses to your network's machines automatically.

To enable your DHCP or change your TCP/IP settings:

• Select Start, select Settings > Network & Internet.
• Select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, if you have a Wi-Fi network. Choose the network you want to change the settings for, and select Properties. (For an Ethernet network, select Ethernet).
• Under IP assignment, select Edit.
• Under Edit IP settings, select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual.
• To specify IPv4 settings manually:

Under Edit IP settings, select Manual, then turn on IPv4.

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• To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
• To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
• To specify IPv6 settings manually:

Under Edit IP settings, choose Manual, then turn on IPv6.

• To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
• To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
• When you select Automatic (DHCP), the IP address settings and DNS server address setting are set automatically by your router or other access point (recommended).
• When you select Manual, you can manually set your IP address settings and DNS server address.
• Select Save.