To change your MAC address in Windows 10, open Device Manager, right-click your network adapter, and select Properties. On the Advanced tab, select Network Address, type a new 12-character address, and select OK. For Wi-Fi privacy, you can instead turn on random hardware addresses in Settings.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Before you start
- Your MAC address is the hardware address of your network adapter. You can find it in how to find your MAC address in Windows 10.
- Some networks allow only known devices. If your home router or work network uses a MAC address list, changing it can disconnect you. On a work or school network, ask the person who manages it first.
- Not every adapter has the Network Address setting. It depends on the adapter’s driver.
Change the MAC address in Device Manager
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter, and select Properties.
- Select the Advanced tab, then select Network Address (it may be called Locally Administered Address).
- Select Value and type 12 letters and numbers with no dashes, like
021A2B3C4D5E. Use only 0 to 9 and A to F. For Wi-Fi adapters, start with 02, which marks the address as one you set yourself. - Select OK.
The adapter restarts for a moment. To check the new address, open Command Prompt and run getmac /v.
To go back to the original address, return to Network Address and select Not Present.
Use random hardware addresses for Wi-Fi
This changes the address Wi-Fi networks see, to make it harder to track your location.
- Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Turn on Use random hardware addresses.
If you don’t see the setting, your Wi-Fi adapter doesn’t support it.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I connect after changing it?
Your router may only allow the old address, or the new one may not be valid for your adapter. Select Not Present to go back. If the connection still fails, see how to reset network settings in Windows 10.
Is a MAC address the same as an IP address?
No. The MAC address belongs to your adapter, and the IP address is given by the network. See how to find your IP address in Windows 10. For Wi-Fi help, see how to turn on Wi-Fi in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s reference for random hardware addresses is Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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