> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/spikemark-6/networks-and-ip-addresses/computer-ip-address.md).
# Setting the computer IP Address
Before Spikemark can talk to your Stagehands, two things need to happen: you set a static IP address on your PC, and then you tell Spikemark which address you just set. Both steps are covered here.
***
## Part 1: Set the IP Address in Windows
**1. Open the Network Connections window.**
Press `Windows + R` to open the Run dialog. Type `ncpa.cpl` and click **OK**.
\---
**2. Open your Ethernet adapter's Properties.**
Right-click on your Ethernet adapter — the one connected to your stage network switch — and select **Properties**.
> **Not sure which adapter?** If you see multiple adapters listed (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.), choose the one physically cabled to your stage network switch. Don't adjust the Wi-Fi or any other adapter.
***
**3. Open TCP/IPv4 settings.**
In the Properties window, double-click **Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)** to open its settings.
***
**4. Set the static IP address.**
Select **Use the following IP address** and enter:
* **IP address:** `192.168.10.245`
* **Subnet mask:** `255.255.255.0`
* **Default gateway:** *(leave blank)*
* **DNS servers:** *(leave blank)*
> **Subnet mask note:** This field usually auto-fills to `255.255.255.0` when you start typing the IP address. If it doesn't, type it in manually.
***
**5. Save and close.**
Click **OK**, then **OK** (or **Close**) again to close the Ethernet Properties window. You can close the Network Connections window as well.
***
## Part 2: Tell Spikemark Which IP Address to Use
Setting the IP address in Windows isn't enough on its own — you also need to select that address inside Spikemark. This is the step that gets missed most often.
**6. Open Spikemark Options.**
In Spikemark, go to **File → Spikemark Options**.
***
**7. Select your IP address and save.**
Click the **Spikemark IP Address** dropdown and select the address you just set (`192.168.10.245`). Then click **Save**.
> **Important — always click Save, even if the address already looks correct.** Spikemark needs to actively confirm and bind to the selected address. If you're troubleshooting a connection issue and the right address is already shown in the dropdown, select it again and click Save anyway.
***
## You're Done
Your PC now has a fixed address on the stage network, and Spikemark knows where to listen. Next up: [Setting the Stagehand IP Address →](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/spikemark/ip-address-and-network-connection/setting-stagehand-ip-address)
***
## Troubleshooting This Step
**The IP address won't stick / Windows reverts to `169.254.X.X`** This means Windows is ignoring the static setting and falling back to automatic addressing. Go back to Step 4 and confirm **Use the following IP address** is selected — not "Obtain an IP address automatically."
**I don't see `192.168.10.245` in the Spikemark Options dropdown** The dropdown only shows addresses that are currently assigned to an active network adapter. If your address isn't listed, Windows may not have applied it correctly. Run `ipconfig` in Command Prompt to confirm the address is active, then restart Spikemark and check again.
**I have multiple Ethernet adapters — which one do I pick in Spikemark Options?** Select the address assigned to the adapter that's physically connected to your stage network switch. If you're unsure, run `ipconfig` in Command Prompt — it will list all adapters and their addresses so you can match them up.
---
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