Finding Your MAC Address Using Command Prompt

The fastest way to find your MAC address on Windows is through Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type the command ipconfig /all and press Enter. Your screen will fill with network information for each adapter on your computer.

Look for the section labeled with your network adapter name — usually "Ethernet" if you use a wired connection, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you use Wi-Fi. Find the line that says Physical Address. That 12-character string of letters and numbers (formatted like AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF) is your MAC address. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window.

This method works on Windows 10, Windows 11, and earlier versions. The command runs when ready and shows all your network adapters at once, so if your computer has both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, you will see both MAC addresses listed separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your MAC address appears in Command Prompt under the line labeled "Physical Address" when you run the command ipconfig /all.
  • If your computer has both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, each adapter has its own MAC address — check the correct one for the connection type you use.
  • The MAC address is a 12-character code formatted with hyphens or colons, such as AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF.
  • You can also find your MAC address through Settings, Device Manager, or your router's connected devices list if Command Prompt does not work.

Finding Your MAC Address in Windows Settings

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, Windows Settings offers a graphical way to find your MAC address. Press the Windows key and type Settings, then open the Settings app. Click Network & Internet on the left sidebar.

For a wired connection, click Ethernet and then click the name of your connected network. Scroll down and look for Physical address (MAC). For Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi, then click Manage known networks, select your network, and scroll down to find the MAC address listed under your adapter information.

This route takes a few more clicks than Command Prompt but shows the same information in a format many people find easier to read. The MAC address will be displayed in the same format — 12 characters separated by hyphens.

Checking Your MAC Address Through Device Manager

Device Manager is another built-in Windows tool that displays your MAC address. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and press Enter. Expand the section labeled Network adapters by clicking the arrow next to it.

Right-click on your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties. Click the Advanced tab. Scroll through the list on the left until you find Network Address or Physical Address. The value shown on the right side is your MAC address. If the field shows "Not present" or is blank, your adapter does not display the MAC address this way — use Command Prompt instead.

Device Manager is useful if you need to check the MAC address of a specific adapter or if you want to see all your network hardware in one organized view. However, Command Prompt remains the most reliable method across all Windows versions.

Finding Your MAC Address from Your Router

Your router keeps a record of every device connected to it, including each device's MAC address. Log into your router by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Enter your router's username and password — these are often printed on a sticker on the router itself.

Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, DHCP Clients, or Attached Devices. The exact name depends on your router brand. Your computer will be listed with its MAC address displayed next to it. This method is helpful if you cannot access Command Prompt or Settings on your computer, or if you want to verify your MAC address from a different device.

Different router brands organize this information differently. If you cannot find the connected devices list, check your router's manual or search online for "[your router model] how to view connected devices."

Understanding What a MAC Address Is and Why You Need It

A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier assigned to every network adapter in your computer. It is different from your IP address — your IP address changes when you move to a different network, but your MAC address stays the same as long as you use the same network adapter. MAC addresses are used by routers to identify devices on a local network and by network administrators to track or restrict device access.

You might need your MAC address to register a device on a school or workplace network, to set up MAC filtering on your home router, to reserve a specific IP address for your computer, or to troubleshoot network connection problems. Some public Wi-Fi networks require you to provide your MAC address before connecting. Knowing how to find it quickly saves time when you encounter these situations.

Common Mistakes When Looking for Your MAC Address

The most common mistake is confusing your MAC address with your IP address. Your IP address is a four-part number separated by periods (like 192.168.1.100IPv4 Address, and your MAC address appears on the line labeled Physical Address.

Another mistake is checking the wrong network adapter. If your computer has both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, each one has a separate MAC address. Make sure you are looking at the adapter for the connection type you actually use. If you are unsure which adapter is active, look for the one with an IP address assigned to it — adapters that are not connected will show 0.0.0.0 or no IP address at all.

Some people also copy their MAC address incorrectly by missing a character or misreading a letter. Always double-check that you have all 12 characters before submitting it to a network or device registration system. Taking a screenshot is safer than typing it by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, you can change your MAC address through Device Manager or third-party software, a process called MAC spoofing. However, most people should not do this — it can break network connectivity or violate your network's terms of use. Change your MAC address only if a network administrator specifically instructs you to do so.

Why does my MAC address show differently on my router than in Command Prompt?

This usually means you are looking at the wrong adapter. If your computer has both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, each one has a different MAC address. Check that you are looking at the MAC address for the adapter you actually use to connect to that router.

What if I see multiple MAC addresses in Command Prompt?

Each network adapter on your computer has its own MAC address. If you see multiple, you likely have both Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters. Find the one labeled with the adapter type you use — "Ethernet" for wired, "Wireless LAN" for Wi-Fi — and use that MAC address.

Do I need my MAC address to connect to Wi-Fi?

No, you do not need your MAC address to connect to Wi-Fi normally. You only need it if the network uses MAC filtering, which restricts access to specific devices. Your network administrator will tell you if you need to provide your MAC address.

Is my MAC address the same on every network?

Yes, your MAC address stays the same no matter which network you connect to. It is tied to your network adapter hardware, not to the network itself. Your IP address changes from network to network, but your MAC address does not.