Finding Your MAC Address Using Command Prompt

The fastest way to find your MAC address on a Windows PC is through Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. At the command line, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.

Scroll through the output until you find the network adapter you use — usually called "Ethernet adapter" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you're on WiFi. Look for the line labeled Physical Address. That 48-character string of letters and numbers (formatted like 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E) is your MAC address. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The output can be long, so use Ctrl+F to search for "Physical Address" if you want to skip straight to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your MAC address appears as "Physical Address" in the ipconfig /all command output in Command Prompt.
  • If you have both WiFi and Ethernet, you will see two different MAC addresses — one for each adapter.
  • The MAC address is a 48-character string of letters and numbers separated by hyphens, like 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E.
  • You can also find your MAC address through Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings on Windows 11.
  • Your MAC address is unique to your network adapter, not your computer — replacing the adapter gives you a new MAC address.

Finding Your MAC Address in Windows Settings

On Windows 11, you can find your MAC address without opening Command Prompt. Go to Settings, then select Network & Internet from the left menu. Click Advanced Network Settings, then scroll down and select View your network properties.

Find the network you're currently connected to and click it. Scroll down to the Details section. Your MAC address appears next to Physical Address (MAC). This method is simpler if you're not comfortable using Command Prompt, though it only shows the MAC address for your active connection.

Windows 10 has a similar path but the menu names differ slightly. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status, then click View your network properties under your active connection.

Understanding What Your MAC Address Is Used For

Your MAC address (Media Access Control address) identifies your network adapter on a local network. It's different from your IP address — your IP address routes data across the internet, while your MAC address routes data within your home or office network.

You need your MAC address when you set up a new WiFi network, register a device with your internet provider, or configure your router to allow or block specific devices. Some networks require you to register your MAC address before connecting. Your MAC address is also what your router uses to assign the same local IP address to your device each time you connect.

Your MAC address only matters on networks you directly connect to. It does not follow you across the internet and is not visible to websites you visit.

Finding the MAC Address for a Specific Network Adapter

If your PC has multiple network adapters — for example, both WiFi and Ethernet — you have a different MAC address for each one. The ipconfig /all command shows all of them at once, so you need to identify which one you need.

Look at the adapter name to tell them apart. "Ethernet" or "Local Area Connection" refers to a wired connection. "Wireless" or "WiFi" refers to your wireless adapter. If you have multiple adapters of the same type, the adapter name usually includes the manufacturer — for example, "Intel Wireless-AC 9560" or "Realtek Ethernet".

Write down the Physical Address that appears directly under the adapter you need. If you're unsure which adapter you use, check both — you'll use the one that shows an IP address starting with 192.168 or 10.0, which indicates an active connection.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your MAC Address

If ipconfig /all does not show a Physical Address, your network adapter may not be installed or may have a driver problem. Restart your computer first — this fixes most temporary issues. Then run ipconfig /all again.

If the adapter still does not appear, go to Device Manager by pressing the Windows key, typing devmgr.msc, and pressing Enter. Look for Network adapters and expand it. If you see a device with a yellow warning triangle, right-click it and select Update driver. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it.

After the driver updates, restart your computer and run ipconfig /all again. The Physical Address should now appear. If it still does not, your network adapter may be failing and may need to be replaced.

Copying Your MAC Address Without Mistakes

MAC addresses are straightforward to misread because they use both letters and numbers. When you find your Physical Address, do not type it by hand. Instead, click in the Command Prompt window, right-click on the MAC address line, and select Copy. Then paste it into Notepad or an email using Ctrl+V.

If you're using Settings to find your MAC address, you can usually click the address and copy it directly. If the text is not selectable, take a screenshot instead — use the Windows key + Shift + S to open the screenshot tool, select the area containing your MAC address, and save it.

Before you submit your MAC address to a router, network, or internet provider, double-check that you copied the entire string and that no characters were accidentally changed. A single wrong character will prevent your device from connecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, but it requires software or BIOS changes and is rarely necessary. Most people should not change their MAC address. If you need to change it for a specific reason — like registering a replacement network adapter on a network that tracks MAC addresses — contact your network administrator or internet provider first to understand the process.

Is my MAC address the same as my device name?

No. Your device name (or computer name) is what appears in Windows Settings and on your network. Your MAC address is a hardware identifier for your network adapter. You can change your device name without affecting your MAC address, and vice versa.

Why do I see two different MAC addresses?

You have two MAC addresses because you have two network adapters — one for WiFi and one for Ethernet. Each adapter has its own unique MAC address. You only use one at a time, depending on how you're connected to the network.

Do I need my MAC address to connect to WiFi?

Not usually. Most WiFi networks do not require you to register your MAC address beforehand. You only need it if your router or network administrator specifically asks for it, or if you're setting up MAC filtering to allow or block certain devices.

Will my MAC address change if I get a new router?

No. Your MAC address is tied to your network adapter, not your router. Getting a new router will not change your MAC address. However, if you replace your network adapter or network card, you will get a new MAC address.