> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Add a Secondary IP Address on Windows Server

> Add a secondary IP on Windows Server with New-NetIPAddress or netsh, keep the main IP for outgoing traffic with SkipAsSource, and bind apps to the extra address.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 minutes | Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 | Administrator access, the extra IP and its prefix |

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-view-and-manage-network-settings.md)). To get more IPs, see that page; for a dedicated server, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).
* 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-a-static-ip-and-dns-on-windows-server.md).
* Keep the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) at hand in case you change the wrong address.

## How to find your network adapter

```powershell theme={null}
Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 | Format-Table InterfaceAlias, InterfaceIndex, IPAddress, PrefixLength
```

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**

```powershell theme={null}
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -IPAddress 203.0.113.11 -PrefixLength 24 -SkipAsSource $true
```

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:

```powershell theme={null}
Set-NetIPAddress -IPAddress 203.0.113.11 -SkipAsSource $true
```

## How to add a secondary IP with netsh

```powershell theme={null}
netsh interface ipv4 add address name="Ethernet" address=203.0.113.11 mask=255.255.255.0 skipassource=true
```

> [!WARNING]
>
> `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:

| Program | Where to set it |
| - | - |
| IIS website | **IIS Manager > Sites > your site > Bindings > IP address** |
| Game servers | The IP or bind setting in the server's config file or start command (the name differs per game) |
| Other services | Look for "bind", "listen" or "IP address" in the program's configuration |

For IIS setup, see [install IIS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-iis-on-windows-server.md).

## How to check it worked

```powershell theme={null}
Get-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -AddressFamily IPv4 | Format-Table IPAddress, PrefixLength, SkipAsSource
```

```text theme={null}
IPAddress     PrefixLength SkipAsSource
---------     ------------ ------------
203.0.113.10            24        False
203.0.113.11            24         True
```

Then, from another computer, run `ping 203.0.113.11` (if [ping is allowed](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-icmp-on-windows.md)) or `Test-NetConnection 203.0.113.11 -Port 3389`.

## How to remove an additional IP

```powershell theme={null}
Remove-NetIPAddress -IPAddress 203.0.113.11 -Confirm:$false
```

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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-configure-reverse-dns.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [Set a static IP and DNS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-a-static-ip-and-dns-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Configure the main address.

> [card] [Enable IPv6 on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-ipv6-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Add IPv6 addresses.

> [card] [What is a dedicated IP?](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/what-is-a-dedicated-ip.md)
>
> When you need more than one.

> [card] [Add IPs on Linux](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-add-additional-ip-addresses-on-linux.md)
>
> The same task on Linux.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against Microsoft Learn: [New-NetIPAddress](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/nettcpip/new-netipaddress) (including `SkipAsSource`) and [netsh interface](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/netsh-interface)** on 4 November 2026. Commands were not tested on a live Windows server for this page; sample output is illustrative.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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