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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesOn Windows 10 or 11 and macOS, TCP/IP is built into the operating system—you usually do not install a separate program. Most of the time, “install TCP/IP” means choosing how the computer gets its network settings. Use DHCP for automatic setup when the network supports it; enter manual settings only when your network administrator or ISP has provided them.
First, decide whether you are setting up or repairing a connection
If you are connecting to a network for the first time, configure its IP assignment. DHCP is the usual choice: the router or access point provides the computer’s IP and DNS settings automatically. Microsoft recommends DHCP when the network supports it. If an administrator or ISP gave you specific settings, use those instead; do not guess an IP address, subnet mask or prefix length, gateway, or DNS server. Microsoft’s Windows network settings guide and Apple’s Mac DHCP and manual-address guide describe these options.
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If a connection that used to work has stopped working, that is a repair task, not a reason to begin with an installation command. Use the Windows repair sequence below if applicable.
Set TCP/IP options in Windows 10 or 11
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select the relevant connection: choose the Wi-Fi network (under Manage known networks, if needed) or select Ethernet.
- Next to IP assignment, select Edit.
- Choose Automatic (DHCP) if the network assigns settings automatically, then save.
- For settings supplied by an administrator or ISP, choose Manual, enable the required protocol, and enter the supplied values. For IPv4, these include the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and preferred or alternate DNS. For IPv6, enter the address, prefix length, gateway, and DNS values provided for that network.
IPv4 and IPv6 have separate controls. Configure only the version and values your network requires. Microsoft documents the settings and the netsh interface ipv4 install command in its Windows network settings guide.
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When the Windows IPv4 installation command applies
Microsoft documents an explicit IPv4 installation command for the unusual case where IPv4 itself needs installing. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run netsh interface ipv4 install. This is not a universal TCP/IP installation command, does not apply to macOS, and is not the routine fix when a connection simply needs automatic DHCP settings.
Set TCP/IP options in macOS
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Network.
- Select the network service, then choose Details > TCP/IP.
- In the IPv4 menu, choose Using DHCP for automatic assignment, or Manually if your administrator or ISP supplied a specific address and related values.
- Use the IPv6 controls if the network supplied IPv6 settings. You can also renew a DHCP lease from the TCP/IP settings when needed.
Apple documents the settings path and options in its guides to using DHCP or a manual IP address on Mac and changing TCP/IP settings on Mac.
Repair a broken Windows connection
For a connection problem, Microsoft’s troubleshooting sequence uses an administrator Command Prompt. Run these commands in order, then check whether the connection works:
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netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip resetipconfig /releaseipconfig /renewipconfig /flushdns
These commands reset Winsock and the IP stack, release and renew the DHCP lease, and clear the DNS cache. Follow Microsoft’s Ethernet connection troubleshooting guidance for the repair context.
Keep Network reset as a later step
Microsoft describes Network reset as a last resort. It removes installed network adapters and their settings, restarts the computer, and reinstalls the adapters with default settings. A VPN client or Hyper-V virtual switch may need to be installed or configured again afterward. Do not use this step simply to switch between DHCP and manual addressing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about Linux?
Linux network configuration depends on the distribution and the network-management setup. The Windows commands and settings paths above should not be treated as Linux instructions. Check the official documentation for your distribution and version before changing IP settings.
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