Need to find MAC address in Windows? Every Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and virtual network adapter has its own hardware address. Windows normally labels it Physical address (MAC). You may need it when configuring router access rules, identifying a device, troubleshooting a connection, or registering a computer on a managed network.
This guide shows five reliable methods for Windows 11. The command methods also work on Windows 10.
The fastest way to find a MAC address in Windows is to open Settings > Network & internet, select the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, and look for Physical address (MAC). For every adapter at once, open Command Prompt and run getmac /v.
What Is a MAC Address?
A Media Access Control address identifies a network interface on a local network. It usually appears as six pairs of hexadecimal characters, such as 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E. It is different from the IP address assigned by a router or internet provider.
A laptop may show several MAC addresses because Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, VPN software, virtual machines, and docking stations can each create separate adapters. Use the address belonging to the connection you actually need.
Method 1: Find MAC Address in Windows Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Network & internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- For Wi-Fi, open Hardware properties or select the connected network and view its properties.
- Find Physical address (MAC).
Settings is the easiest method when you want the address of the adapter currently in use.
Method 2: Use ipconfig in Command Prompt
- Open Start, type Command Prompt, and open it.
- Run
ipconfig /all. - Locate the active Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter section.
- Read the value beside Physical Address.
The ipconfig /all command displays detailed TCP/IP configuration for every adapter. Microsoft documents the available options in its ipconfig command reference.
Method 3: Use the getmac Command
Open Command Prompt and run getmac /v. The verbose view lists the connection name, adapter name, physical address, and transport information. Use getmac /fo list /v when a vertical list is easier to read.
Disconnected, virtual, and Bluetooth adapters may also appear. Match the connection name to Wi-Fi or Ethernet before copying an address. See Microsoft’s getmac documentation for formatting options.
Method 4: Find It with PowerShell
Open Windows PowerShell or Terminal and run:
Get-NetAdapter | Select-Object Name, InterfaceDescription, MacAddress, Status
The result pairs each adapter name with its MAC address and connection status. To show only connected adapters, run:
Get-NetAdapter | Where-Object Status -eq "Up" | Select-Object Name, MacAddress
Microsoft’s Get-NetAdapter reference explains the command’s adapter properties and filters.
Method 5: Use Control Panel
- Open Start, search for Control Panel, and open it.
- Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- Select the active connection beside Connections.
- Choose Details.
- Read Physical Address.
This path remains useful on systems where an older network-management dialog is already open.
Which MAC Address Should You Use?
- Use the Wi-Fi adapter address when registering a wireless connection.
- Use the Ethernet address for a wired connection or dock.
- Ignore disconnected virtual, VPN, tunnel, or Bluetooth adapters unless the instructions specifically name one.
- If a docking station supplies Ethernet, the dock may have a different address from the laptop’s built-in port.
Temporarily disconnect VPN software and look for an adapter whose status is connected or “Up.” This makes it easier to distinguish the physical Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter from virtual interfaces.
Why the Wi-Fi MAC Address May Change
Windows can use a random hardware address for Wi-Fi to reduce tracking across wireless networks. When random addresses are enabled, the address visible to a router may differ from the adapter’s permanent hardware address.
Microsoft documents separate controls for all networks and individual saved networks in its Windows Wi-Fi guidance. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and review the random hardware address setting. Do not disable it unless a trusted network requires a stable registered address.
Review router encryption, administrator access, firmware, and guest-network settings.
MAC Address vs IP Address
A MAC address identifies a network adapter on the local network. An IP address identifies a device’s current network location and can change when you reconnect or move to another network. Routers use both kinds of information for different jobs.
Do not treat a MAC address as a secret password. It can be observed or imitated on a local network, so MAC filtering should not replace WPA2/WPA3 encryption, strong router credentials, or proper authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a computer have more than one MAC address?
Yes. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, virtual machines, VPNs, docks, and USB network adapters can each have a separate MAC address.
Is the physical address the same as the MAC address?
Yes. Windows commonly labels a network adapter’s MAC address as Physical Address or Physical address (MAC).
Why does getmac show disconnected adapters?
The command lists installed adapters, including virtual and currently disconnected interfaces. Use the connection name, description, and status to identify the one you need.
Does reinstalling Windows change the MAC address?
Normally it does not change the permanent address stored by the network hardware. Wi-Fi randomization, virtual adapters, replacement hardware, or manual configuration can produce a different address.
Can someone hack a PC using only its MAC address?
A MAC address alone does not provide remote access to a computer. It can sometimes be copied on a local network, which is why MAC filtering is not a substitute for encryption and authentication.
Final Takeaway
For one active connection, Windows Settings is usually fastest. Use ipconfig /all, getmac /v, or Get-NetAdapter when you need to compare several adapters. Always match the address to the correct Wi-Fi, Ethernet, dock, or virtual interface before registering it.
