To find your MAC address on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet, click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), open Hardware properties, and look for Physical address (MAC). It looks like six pairs of letters and numbers, such as A4-C3-F0-5B-22-9E. For every adapter at once, type getmac /v in Command Prompt.
A PC usually has more than one MAC address: one for Wi-Fi, one for Ethernet, one for Bluetooth, and sometimes virtual adapters too. Use the one for the connection you’re setting up.
Quick Answer
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties > Physical address (MAC).
Method 1: Settings
- Press Windows + I and click Network & internet.
- Click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the connection.
- Click Hardware properties.
- Find Physical address (MAC). Click Copy to copy the details.
Method 2: Command Prompt
- Search Start for cmd and open Command Prompt.
- Type getmac /v and press Enter. The Physical Address column lists each adapter’s MAC.
- For more detail, type ipconfig /all and look for Physical Address under each adapter.
Watch Out for Random Hardware Addresses
Windows 11 can use a random hardware address for Wi-Fi networks to protect your privacy. If your router’s MAC filter or reservation doesn’t recognize your PC, check Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Random hardware addresses, and the same setting inside that network’s properties.
Which Address Do You Need?
| Task | Use |
|---|---|
| Router MAC filter or reserved IP on Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi adapter (random addresses off for that network) |
| Wired network registration (school, office) | Ethernet adapter |
| Wake-on-LAN | Ethernet adapter, usually |
| Bluetooth pairing issues | Bluetooth adapter |
If your wired link is slow, see how to change LAN speed to 1 Gbps.
After changing random address settings, you may need to forget and rejoin the network.
On a phone, see finding the MAC address on an iPhone.
Troubleshooting
- Adapter missing: It may be disabled. Check Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
- Two different Wi-Fi addresses: One is the random address for a specific network.
- Need your IP address instead? See checking your IP address in Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a MAC address the same as an IP address?
No. The MAC identifies the network hardware on your local network; the IP address identifies your device’s network location.
Can I change my MAC address?
Windows can use random addresses for Wi-Fi, and some adapters let you set one in Device Manager under Advanced properties. Only do this on networks you manage.
Is it safe to share my MAC address?
It’s only visible on your local network, so sharing it with your IT team or router settings is normal.
Summary
- Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet > Hardware properties.
- Or run getmac /v in Command Prompt.
- Pick the adapter that matches your connection.
- Turn off random addresses for networks that filter by MAC.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.