Find the MAC Address of Your Computer: Complete Guide

Every computer, laptop, and network-enabled device has a unique identifier known as a MAC Address. The term MAC stands for Media Access Control, and this address is permanently assigned to a network adapter by its manufacturer. Unlike an IP Address, which can change depending on your network, a MAC Address remains the same unless it is manually changed through specialized software.

Knowing how to find your computer’s MAC Address can be useful in many situations. You may need it while setting up a new router, configuring parental controls, allowing a device on a secure WiFi network, troubleshooting internet connection issues, or registering your computer on a school or workplace network. Many internet service providers and network administrators also ask for a device’s MAC Address when providing technical support.

Whether you use Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, or Linux, your operating system includes simple ways to locate this information.

In this guide, I have explained those ways in a simple form!

Table of Contents

Find the MAC Address of Your Computer [Complete Guide]

The process of finding a MAC Address depends on the operating system installed on your computer. Follow the instructions below for your device.

Find the MAC Address in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Settings App

Begin by clicking the Start button on the taskbar. When the Start menu opens, select Settings. You can also press the Windows + I keys together on your keyboard to open the Settings window instantly.

Once Settings opens, you will see different categories on the left side of the screen. Click Network & Internet to view your network settings. This section contains all the options related to your internet connection, including WiFi, Ethernet, VPN, and other networking features.

Step 2: Open Your Active Network Connection

Inside the Network & Internet page, select the network type you are currently using. If your computer is connected wirelessly, click WiFi. If your computer uses a network cable, click Ethernet instead.

Next, click the name of your connected network. This opens a page showing detailed information about your current connection.

Step 3: Locate the Physical Address

Scroll down until you reach the Hardware properties section. Here you will find information such as your connection speed, IP Address, network adapter manufacturer, and Physical Address (MAC).

The value displayed next to Physical Address (MAC) is your computer’s MAC Address. It usually appears as six pairs of letters and numbers separated by colons or hyphens, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.

You can now copy or write down this address if you need it for router settings or technical support.

Find the MAC Address in Windows 10

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Click the Start button and choose Settings. Inside the Settings window, click Network & Internet.

This page displays your current internet connection and provides access to advanced networking options.

Step 2: View Adapter Information

If you are connected through WiFi, click WiFi, then choose your connected wireless network.

If you are connected using a network cable, select Ethernet.

On the next screen, scroll until you see Properties or Hardware Properties, depending on your Windows version.

Step 3: Find the MAC Address

Within the properties page, locate Physical Address (MAC).

This value is your computer’s unique MAC Address. You may also notice additional details, including your IPv4 Address, IPv6 Address, and network adapter name. Make sure you copy the value exactly as it appears.

Alternative Method Using Command Prompt

You can also find the MAC Address using Command Prompt.

Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, and open it.

Type the following command and press Enter.

ipconfig /all

The Command Prompt window displays information about every network adapter installed on your computer. Look for the adapter you are currently using and find the line labeled Physical Address. This is your MAC Address.

Find the MAC Address in macOS

Step 1: Open System Settings

Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen.

Choose System Settings. If your Mac uses an older version of macOS, you may see System Preferences instead.

In the sidebar, click Network.

Step 2: Select Your Network Connection

Choose the network connection that is currently active. This could be WiFi or Ethernet, depending on how your Mac connects to the internet.

Click Details or Advanced, depending on your version of macOS.

A new window opens with additional information about the selected network.

Step 3: View the MAC Address

Look for the section labeled Hardware, Network, or WiFi Address.

The value displayed as WiFi Address or MAC Address is your device’s hardware address.

You can safely copy this address whenever a router, internet provider, or network administrator requests it.

Alternative Method Using Terminal

Open Terminal from the Applications folder or by searching with Spotlight.

Type the following command.

ifconfig

Press Enter.

Locate your active network adapter and find the line beginning with ether. The value displayed after ether is your MAC Address.

Find the MAC Address in Linux

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Most Linux distributions include a Terminal application.

Open your applications menu and launch Terminal.

If you are using a desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, or XFCE, you can also search for Terminal using the application search feature.

Step 2: Enter the Command

Type the following command into the Terminal window.

ip link

Press Enter.

The system displays all available network interfaces.

Step 3: Identify Your MAC Address

Find the network adapter currently connected to your network.

If you are using WiFi, the adapter may be named wlan0, wlp2s0, or something similar.

If you are connected through Ethernet, the adapter might be named eth0, enp3s0, or another similar name.

Below the adapter name, locate the line beginning with link/ether.

The value displayed after link/ether is your MAC Address.

Alternative Method

Some Linux systems also support the following command.

ifconfig

After running the command, locate the active network adapter and find the value labeled ether. This is your MAC Address.

Why You Might Need Your MAC Address?

Your MAC Address is commonly used when connecting devices to secure wireless networks. Some routers use MAC Address Filtering, allowing only approved devices to access the network. Businesses, schools, and public institutions often request the MAC Address before granting internet access.

It can also help when troubleshooting network problems, identifying devices connected to a router, setting up static network rules, or receiving technical support from your internet provider.

FAQs

What is a MAC Address?

A MAC Address is a unique hardware identifier assigned to your computer’s network adapter. It helps identify your device on a local network.

Is a MAC Address the same as an IP Address?

No. A MAC Address identifies your network hardware, while an IP Address identifies your device’s location on a network. An IP Address can change, but a MAC Address usually remains the same.

Can I have more than one MAC Address?

Yes. If your computer has multiple network adapters, such as WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or a virtual adapter, each one has its own unique MAC Address.

Is it safe to share my MAC Address?

In most cases, sharing your MAC Address with your internet provider, workplace, or network administrator is safe. However, you should avoid posting it publicly because it is a unique identifier for your device.

Can I change my MAC Address?

Yes. Some operating systems and network adapters allow you to temporarily change or randomize your MAC Address for privacy or testing purposes. However, the original hardware address assigned by the manufacturer remains unchanged.

Why do WiFi and Ethernet have different MAC Addresses?

Each network adapter is a separate hardware component. Since your WiFi and Ethernet adapters are different devices, each one has its own unique MAC Address.

Summary

Finding your computer’s MAC Address is a simple task once you know where to look. Windows 11 and Windows 10 allow you to view it through Settings or Command Prompt, while macOS provides the information through System Settings or Terminal. On Linux, the Terminal offers quick access using commands such as ip link or ifconfig.

Whether you are configuring a router, joining a secure network, troubleshooting internet issues, or registering your device with an administrator, knowing how to locate your MAC Address can save time and make network setup much easier.

By following the steps in this guide, even first-time users can confidently find this important piece of network information on any major desktop operating system.