How to Change MAC Address in Windows 10

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is unique hardware identifier assigned by the network card manufacturer for device identification and network access control. It plays a crucial role in network communication by ensuring that data packets are delivered to the correct device. While the MAC address is usually hardcoded into the device, there are times when you might want to change it. For example, to bypass network restrictions or protect your privacy. Whatever the reason, you have two methods to change the MAC address in Windows 10. You can either use the Settings app to randomize the MAC address or use the Device Manager to set a specific MAC address.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you both methods. Let’s get started.

Related: How to find MAC address of any network device in Windows 10

Before You Start

• You need administrator rights to change the MAC address in Windows 10.
• MAC address randomization only works for Wi-Fi connections and not for Ethernet connections (wired). For Ethernet connections, follow the second method (Device Manager) to set a specific MAC address.

Method 1: Setting a Random MAC Address in Windows 10

Note: This method only works for WiFi connections. For ethernet connections (wired), follow the second method.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click on the Network & Internet option.
3. Go to the WiFi tab on left-hand menu.
4. Turn “ON” the Use random hardware addresses toggle.
5. With that, Windows 10 sends a random MAC address every time you connect to a WiFi network.

Method 2: Setting a Specific MAC Address in Windows 10

You can change the MAC address from the Device Manager’s network card properties. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search and open the Device Manager.
3. Expand the Network adapters section.
4. Right-click on a network adapter.
5. Select the Properties option.
6. Go to the Advanced tab.
7. Select the Network address under the “Property” section.
8. Select the Value option.
9. Type the new MAC address without any special characters.
10. Click the OK button.
11. Close the device manager.
12. Restart Windows 10.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

First, open the Device Manager. On Windows 10 you can do that by searching for it in the Start menu. After opening the Device Manager, expand the Network Adapters tree, right-click on the network adapter for which you want to change the MAC address, and select the Properties option.

Go to the Advanced tab in the network adapters properties window. Next, select the Network address option under the “Property” section. On the right panel, select the Value option, type a new MAC address (eg: 76539997830C) without any special characters and click on the OK button.

Note: You can use this website to generate a dummy MAC address: https://miniwebtool.com/mac-address-generator/

Important note: If you cannot find the Network address option in the Advanced tab then your Network Adapter doesn’t support changing the MAC address. In that case, you are stuck with the factory set MAC address. If it’s a WiFi card, you can enable MAC address randomization by following the first method.

Finally, close the Device Manager and restart your computer.

Wrapping Up — Changing MAC Address in Windows 10

As you can see, changing the MAC address in Windows 10 is fairly easy. If your primary focus is to protect your privacy, enable MAC address randomization for your Wi-Fi connections. On the other hand, if you want to use a specific MAC address or are using an Ethernet (wired) connection, follow the second method. Keep in mind that some network card manufacturers do not support changing the MAC address. In that case, you will have to use the one provided with the device.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist. Windows 11 users can follow this guide to change the MAC address in Windows 11.