Skip to main content
To add a secondary IP address on Windows Server, open PowerShell as Administrator and run New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -IPAddress 203.0.113.11 -PrefixLength 24 -SkipAsSource $true. Don’t give the extra address a default gateway: the main IP’s gateway already covers it. -SkipAsSource $true keeps your main IP as the address Windows uses for outgoing traffic. Works on Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.

​
Before you start

  • The extra IP must be assigned to your server first. On a VPS, check the IPv4 Addresses table on the Network tab (view network settings). To get more IPs, see that page; for a dedicated server, open a ticket.
  • Note each new address and its netmask. If an extra IP is in a different subnet with its own gateway, ask support how it should be routed before you add it.
  • Your main IP must be static, not DHCP. See set a static IP and DNS.
  • Keep the VNC console at hand in case you change the wrong address.

​
How to find your network adapter

Use the InterfaceAlias (for example Ethernet) that already holds your main public IP.

​
How to add a secondary IP with PowerShell

1

Add the address

Repeat for each extra address (203.0.113.12, and so on).
2

Leave out -DefaultGateway

A server needs one default gateway per interface. The gateway set on your main IP is used for all addresses in the same subnet.
3

Allow the services on the new IP

Windows Firewall rules apply to all local addresses unless you limited them, so existing rules already cover the new IP.

​
What SkipAsSource does

When SkipAsSource is True, Windows does not use that address as the source for outgoing connections and does not register it in DNS. Without it, Windows may pick a secondary IP for outgoing mail, API calls or licence checks, which can break allow-lists and reverse DNS checks. Change it on an existing address:

​
How to add a secondary IP with netsh

netsh interface ipv4 add address disables DHCP on the interface if DHCP is on. Make sure your main IP is configured as static first, or the server can lose its main address after a restart.

​
How to make a program use the extra IP

Each program chooses which local IP it listens on. Set the bind address in the program’s own settings: For IIS setup, see install IIS.

​
How to check it worked

Then, from another computer, run ping 203.0.113.11 (if ping is allowed) or Test-NetConnection 203.0.113.11 -Port 3389.

​
How to remove an additional IP

Double-check the address first. Removing your main IP disconnects the server.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
How many IP addresses can one network adapter have?

Windows lets you add many addresses to one adapter. The limit you will meet first is how many IPs are assigned to your server.

​
Do I need a second network adapter for a second IP?

No. Add the extra addresses to the adapter that holds your main IP.

​
Why does outgoing traffic use the wrong IP?

A secondary address without SkipAsSource can be chosen as the source. Set SkipAsSource to True on every extra address and leave it False on the main one.

​
How do I set reverse DNS for the extra IP?

On a VPS, use the RDNS button next to each address. See configure reverse DNS.

VPS and dedicated server guides

Every guide in this section.

Set a static IP and DNS

Configure the main address.

Enable IPv6 on Windows Server

Add IPv6 addresses.

What is a dedicated IP?

When you need more than one.

Add IPs on Linux

The same task on Linux.
Checked against Microsoft Learn: New-NetIPAddress (including SkipAsSource) and netsh interface on 4 November 2026. Commands were not tested on a live Windows server for this page; sample output is illustrative.

​
Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: November 2026