How to Find MAC Address on Windows 11: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 28, 2025

Ever been asked for your MAC address and had no clue what it was or where to find it? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re setting up a new router, troubleshooting a network issue, or adding your device to a secure network, knowing your MAC address can come in handy.

In this guide, I’ll show you different ways to find the MAC address on Windows 11, step by step, so you can pick the method that works best for you.

What Is a MAC Address?

Before diving in, let’s clear up the basics.

A MAC address (short for Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier assigned to your device’s network card. Think of it as your computer’s “fingerprint” on the internet.

  • It’s a 12-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 3C-52-82-1A-2B-4C).
  • Every network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) has its own MAC address.
  • It helps routers and switches identify your device on a network.

So yeah—it’s like your PC’s home address, but for networking.

Why Do You Need to Find Your MAC Address?

You might need your MAC address for:

  • Setting up a secure Wi-Fi network with MAC filtering.
  • Troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
  • Registering your device with an ISP or workplace network.
  • Checking whether your computer is connected properly.

Method 1: Find MAC Address Using Settings App

This is the easiest way for most users—no commands required.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet.
  3. Select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  4. Click on your active connection.
  5. Scroll down to Properties → Look for Physical address (MAC).

👉 That’s your MAC address!

Method 2: Find MAC Address Using Command Prompt

If you like using commands, this one’s quick and powerful.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the command: ipconfig /all
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Look for Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
  5. Find the line that says Physical Address.

Method 3: Find MAC Address Using PowerShell

PowerShell gives you the same info, but with a cleaner command.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (PowerShell).
  2. Type the command: getmac /v /fo list
  3. Press Enter.
  4. You’ll see all your active adapters and their MAC addresses.

Method 4: Find MAC Address via Control Panel

Yes, the good old Control Panel still works in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Select Status → Details.
  4. Look for Physical Address.

Method 5: Find MAC Address from Task Manager

Another quick trick is using Task Manager.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Performance tab.
  3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet from the left side.
  4. At the bottom, you’ll see Physical Address (MAC).

Method 6: Find MAC Address on Windows Login Screen (Advanced)

If you’re troubleshooting without logging in, you can still get the MAC address.

Steps:

  1. At the login screen, hold Shift and click Restart.
  2. Boot into Advanced Options → Command Prompt.
  3. Run ipconfig /all to view the MAC address.

How to Find a MAC Address for a Specific Network Adapter

If your PC has multiple adapters (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, Virtual adapters), make sure you’re checking the right one.

  • Wi-Fi users: Look under Wireless LAN adapter.
  • Ethernet users: Look under Ethernet adapter.
  • VPN users: Check the Tunnel adapter section.

How to Change (Spoof) Your MAC Address in Windows 11

Sometimes, you may want to temporarily change your MAC address—maybe to bypass restrictions or test network setups.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your adapter → Properties.
  4. Go to the Advanced tab.
  5. Select Network Address → Enter a new value (12-digit alphanumeric).
  6. Click OK and reconnect to your network.

Tips for Managing Your MAC Address

  • Write it down before making changes.
  • Don’t share it carelessly—it can be used for tracking.
  • Remember each adapter has its own MAC (Wi-Fi ≠ Ethernet).
  • Restart your PC after making network changes.

Conclusion

Finding your MAC address in Windows 11 is super easy once you know where to look. Whether you prefer the Settings app, Command Prompt, or Task Manager, the process takes less than a minute. And if you ever need to, you can even change your MAC address for testing or privacy purposes.

So the next time someone asks you for your MAC address, you’ll be ready to find it in just a few clicks.

FAQs

1. What does a MAC address look like?
It’s a 12-character code separated by colons or dashes, like 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E.

2. Does every device have a MAC address?
Yes—every device that connects to a network (PC, phone, tablet, printer) has a unique MAC address.

3. Can I hide my MAC address?
Not really, but you can randomize or spoof it in Windows 11 for privacy.

4. Is a MAC address the same as an IP address?
No—an IP address changes depending on the network, while a MAC address is permanently tied to your device’s hardware.

5. Can two devices have the same MAC address?
Normally no, but spoofing can create duplicates. That’s why networks use both MAC and IP addresses for identification.

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