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How to Change the Mac Address in Windows 10
Find out three easy methods to change it from our guide
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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MAC address is a crucial component of every network device, and in some cases, you might want to change yourMAC address.
This is a relatively simple procedure, and today we will show you how to change yourMAC addressonWindows 10by using aMAC addresschanger.
MAC addressis a unique identifier that allows your network device, such as an Ethernet or wireless card to connect to other networks.
Every network device comes with a Media Access Control, or MAC for short, address that allows that device to be identified on anetwork.
Just likeIP address,MAC addressis crucial when transferring data from one computer to another because each data packet comes with a header that containsMAC addressof the destination PC.
UnlikeIP addressassigned to your PC by your ISP or network administrator,MAC addressis assigned by the manufacturer of your network device.
How can I find out my Windows 10’s Mac Address using cmd?
To change yourMAC address, first, you need to know how to locate it.
Unlike your IP address, yourMAC addressisn’t displayed in the network information window, but it’s still easy to find by following these steps:
If you’rehaving trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at our dedicated guide.
How can I change my Mac Address on Windows 10?
Now, that you know how to locate and check your MAC address, let’s see how to change it. Changing your MAC address doesn’t require any third-party software, but you can use it if you prefer.
Before we show you how to change yourMAC address, bear in mind that changing yourMAC addressmight cause issues with your currentnetwork.
In a worst-case scenario, your network device might not be able to be recognized by the network.
1. Via Device Manager
- Press theWindowskey +Xand selectDevice Managerfrom the list.
2.OnceDevice Manageropens, locate your network adapter,right-clickit and chooseProperties.
- When theProperties windowopens, navigate to theAdvanced taband selectNetwork Addressfrom the list.
4.Select theValueoption and enter any 12-character hexadecimal value.
- ClickOKto save the changes.
The best and easiest way to change your Mac address in Windows 10 is via Device Manager, a built-in tool on your device.
As you can see, changing yourMAC addressis rather simple, but keep in mind that your actual physicalMAC addressremains the same. In case anything goes wrong you can simply revert to it by following the aforementioned steps.
Just selectNot PresentinStep 4, and you’ll easily revert back to your defaultMAC address.
YourPC won’t acquire a network address? Check out our guide to solve the issue in a couple of easy steps.
2. Use third-party tools
If you want to use aMAC addresschanger to change yourMAC addressonWindows 10, there are a fewtoolsthat you can use.
One of thesetoolsis TechnitiumMAC AddressChanger. To use thistoolto change yourMAC address, follow these steps:
Anothertoolthat you can use itSMAC MAC Address Changer.
Thistoolworks similarly to the previous one, but it comes as an evaluation copy, so it lacks certain features, such as the ability to changeMAC addressof multiple adapters.
AnotherMAC addresschangertoolwe have to mention is NoVirus Thanks MAC Address Changer. This is an entirely free and simple tool that allows you to change your MAC address easily.
To do that, you must start theapplication, select your network adapter, and click theChange MACbutton.
After that, you can manually or randomly enter your newMAC address. Of course, there’s also an option to restore your MAC address.
If you encounter theWindows can’t connect to this network error, fix it by following our step-by-step guide.
3. Use Registry Editor
In addition to Device Manager and third-partytools, you can change your MAC address using the Registry Editor. Bear in mind to change your registry carefully to avoid causing any potential problems.
To change the MAC address of your network adapter using Registry Editor, do the following:
If youcan’t edit yourWindows 10‘s registry, read ourhandy guide and find the quickest solutions.
Can’t access the Registry Editor? Things aren’t as scary as they seem. Check out our guide and solve the issue quickly.
We have to mention that when changing yourMAC addresssometimes you have to use 2,6,A or E as the second character. For example: A6CE91…, 3ECCF1…,E2AA95…, etc.
This applies to all 3 solutions. By not following this rule, some adapters might not work properly if you change theirMAC address, so keep that in mind.
Changing yourMAC addressonWindows 10PC is relatively easy, and it can be even easier if you use any third-partyMAC addresschanger tool that can assign arandom hardwareaddressto your network adapter.
If you have any more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix network issues,IP address,windows 10
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
