Hide/change IP Address in Windows 7 and Vista

 

As it's not possible to make an IP address invisible (you need an IP address in order to surf the Internet), to hide your IP address in Windows Vista really means to change it. And that can either be to someone else's IP (e.g. a relay server such as a proxy), or simply to something other than what your IP was previously.

This particular article will describe the process for updating your ISP-issued IP address to a new one, in effect "hiding" whatever your IP address was previously. Motivation for doing this usually involves privacy issue. For example, perhaps you want to visit a website without the operator knowing that you visited previously. Or perhaps you notice a lot of targeted ads on web pages which make it obvious that marketers are tracking your surfing patterns.

Whenever you follow the steps below to hide your IP address in Vista, be sure to also delete your browser cookies, as they can also be used to track you.

IMPORTANT: We do not suggest using this technique often, as your ISP may have policies limiting the frequency of IP renewal. Therefore, unless you've received permission directly, stick with infrequent use of this technique only. If you require more flexibility, please check out our homepage.