How to Find MAC Address in Windows 10 or 11 [5 Methods]

Every device that connects to a network has a unique identifier known as a MAC address. Whether you are troubleshooting a network issue, setting up router filters, or identifying devices on your network, knowing how to find your MAC address in Windows 10 or Windows 11 is essential.

A MAC address, short for Media Access Control address, is a permanent hardware identifier assigned to your network adapter. Unlike an IP address that can change, a MAC address is fixed and helps networks recognize your device.

In this detailed guide, you will learn 5 methods to locate your MAC address on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.

Table of Contents

How to Find MAC Address in Windows 10 or 11?

Quickest way: To find your MAC address in Windows 10 or 11, open Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all, and press Enter. Look for the Physical Address under your active network adapter. You can also find it through Settings under Network and Internet, or by using the Control Panel.

Let’s learn all the 5 methods in detail!

1: Find MAC Address Using Settings

Start by clicking the Start Menu button located at the bottom left corner of your screen. From there, select Settings. You can also press the Windows key plus I on your keyboard to open it quickly.

Once the Settings window opens, click on Network and Internet. This section contains all your network-related settings.

Now, you will see different options depending on whether you are connected via WiFi or Ethernet. If you are using WiFi, click on WiFi, then select your connected network. If you are using a wired connection, click on Ethernet.

Scroll down until you see a section labeled Properties. In this area, look for the field called Physical address MAC. This is your device’s MAC address.

The MAC address will appear as a combination of letters and numbers separated by colons or hyphens, such as 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E.

This method is simple and ideal for beginners because it does not require typing any commands.

2: Find MAC Address Using Command Prompt

This method is fast and widely used, especially if you are comfortable typing commands.

Click on the Start Menu and type Command Prompt in the search bar. Once it appears in the results, click to open it.

Inside the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown:

ipconfig /all

After typing the command, press Enter.

The system will display detailed network information. Look for the section that corresponds to your active network adapter. This could be labeled as a Wireless LAN adapter, WiFi, or an Ethernet adapter.

Under this section, find the line labeled Physical Address. The value shown next to it is your MAC address.

This method is useful because it shows additional details like IP address, DHCP status, and adapter name, which can help with troubleshooting.

3: Find MAC Address Using Control Panel

Although newer versions of Windows rely more on Settings, the Control Panel is still available and useful.

Begin by opening the Control Panel. You can do this by typing Control Panel in the Start Menu search bar and clicking on it.

Once inside, click on Network and Internet, then select Network and Sharing Center.

In this window, you will see your active connection next to the word Connections. Click on the name of your connection.

A new window will open showing the status of your connection. Click on the Details button.

In the Network Connection Details window, locate the field called Physical Address. This is your MAC address.

This method is slightly longer but helpful if you are already navigating through the Control Panel for other network settings.

4: Find MAC Address Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another powerful tool available in Windows and is similar to Command Prompt, but more advanced.

To start, right-click on the Start Menu and select Windows Terminal or PowerShell.

Once the window opens, type the following command:

getmac

Press Enter to execute the command.

The system will display a list of network adapters along with their MAC addresses. Look for the one that matches your active connection.

If you want more detailed information, you can use another command:

get-netadapter

This command provides additional details like adapter status and speed, along with the MAC address.

PowerShell is useful for users who want more control and advanced networking information.

5: Find MAC Address Using System Information

This method uses a built-in Windows tool that displays detailed system data.

Click on the Start Menu and type System Information, then open it.

In the System Information window, expand the Components section from the left sidebar.

Next, expand Network, and then click on Adapter.

The right panel will now display detailed information about all network adapters installed on your system. Scroll through the list until you find your active adapter.

Look for the entry labeled MAC Address. This is your device’s MAC address.

This method is more detailed and useful if you want to explore hardware information beyond just networking.

FAQs

What is a MAC address used for?

A MAC address is used to uniquely identify a device on a network. It helps routers and other devices recognize and communicate with your system.

Is the MAC address the same as the IP address?

No, a MAC address is different from an IP address. The MAC address is a permanent hardware identifier, while the IP address can change depending on the network.

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, it is possible to change or spoof your MAC address using software settings, but this is usually done for advanced networking purposes and should be handled carefully.

Why does my computer have multiple MAC addresses?

Your computer may have multiple network adapters, such as WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. Each adapter has its own MAC address.

Which method is best for beginners?

The Settings method is the easiest and most beginner-friendly because it uses a simple graphical interface.