How to Change Your MAC Address in Windows 10

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

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter, and select Properties.
3. Select the Advanced tab, then select Network Address (it may be called Locally Administered Address).
4. 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.
5. 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.

Change it with PowerShell

1. Right-click Start and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type Get-NetAdapter to see your adapter names, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
3. Type Set-NetAdapterAdvancedProperty -Name "Ethernet" -RegistryKeyword "NetworkAddress" -RegistryValue "021A2B3C4D5E", using your adapter name and new address.

To go back to the original address, run Reset-NetAdapterAdvancedProperty -Name "Ethernet" -DisplayName "Network Address". This only works if the adapter’s driver supports changing the address.

Use random hardware addresses for Wi-Fi

This changes the address Wi-Fi networks see, to make it harder to track your location.

1. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Turn on Use random hardware addresses.

If you don’t see the setting, your Wi-Fi adapter doesn’t support it.

Use a random address for just one network

1. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
2. Select the network, then Properties.
3. Under Random hardware addresses, choose On, Off, or Change daily.

If the address won’t change

• No Network Address option: the adapter’s driver doesn’t support it. Many Wi-Fi adapters don’t. Try updating the driver from your PC maker.
• getmac still shows the old address: right-click the adapter in Device Manager, select Disable device, then Enable device.
• The adapter ignores the address: make the second character 2, 6, A or E, such as 02 or 0A at the start.

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.

Does the new address stay after a restart?

Yes. An address you set in Device Manager stays until you change it or select Not Present. Random addresses depend on the setting you chose for each network.

Why would I change my MAC address?

Common reasons are privacy on public Wi-Fi, testing network settings, or matching an address your internet provider or router expects after you replace a device. Follow your network’s rules, especially at work or school.

Can websites see my MAC address?

No. Your MAC address is only seen by devices on your local network, such as your router. Websites see your public IP address instead.

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.

Related: change the MAC address on Windows 11.

Matt Jacobs

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.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.