Understand the computer MAC address: search, change and meaning

Each computer (desktop or laptop) has a MAC address, but most users do not understand what the MAC address means, what it does, and how to find and change it. This article will answer these questions in detail.

What is a MAC address?

Before introducing how to find a MAC address on your laptop, let's first look at what a MAC address is. You may have heard or seen the term "MAC address" but may not understand its meaning, let alone how to find or change it on Windows 10 (or other systems). The MAC address, the Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to the network interface card (NIC) by the device manufacturer. It is used as a network address for communication within a network segment in most IEEE 802 network technologies such as Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth. Each network device or interface has a unique MAC address.

In the same network, each network card needs a unique MAC address, especially in network nodes with multiple network interfaces. However, if you have two network cards connected to two different networks, you can make them share the same MAC address.

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How to find MAC address on laptop?

It's very easy to view MAC addresses on Windows 10, and there are three ways to do this:

Method 1: Find detailed information through network connection

1. Click the Start button in the lower left corner.
2. Scroll down to find the Windows system folder and expand it.
3. Click the Control Panel to open it.
4. Select Network and Internet .
5. In the next window, select Network and Sharing Center .
6. Find the network you are using and click the name of the network after you connect .
7. Click the Details button in the pop-up "Status" window.
8. Find the physical address , and the value after that is your laptop MAC address.

Method 2: Search through network and Internet settings

1. Click the Internet access icon on the right side of the taskbar.
2. Select Network and Internet settings in the pop-up window.
3. Find the internet you are connected to.
4. Click the Properties button under Network Connection.
5. Scroll down until you see the Properties section.
6. Find the physical address (MAC) , and the value followed is your laptop's MAC address.

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Method 3: Use the command prompt to find

1. Press the Windows S key to open the Windows search box.
2. Type cmd in the Type here to search text box.
3. Press Enter or click Open .
4. Type ipconfig /all in the command prompt window.
5. Press Enter .
6. Configuration information for your laptop will be displayed.
7. Find the physical address , and the value after that is your laptop MAC address.

How to change MAC address on Windows 10?

Of course, you can change the MAC address on Windows 10. The most common method is to use the Device Manager:

1. Press the Windows X key.
2. Select Device Manager from the WinX menu.
3. Find and expand the network adapter .
4. Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties .
5. Switch to the Advanced tab at the top.
6. Select the network address from the attribute list.
7. Type a new MAC address in the Value text box on the right.
8. Click OK to confirm.
9. Restart your computer.

What if the WinX menu is not available on Windows 10?

In addition, you can use Control Panel, Command Prompt or PowerShell, Registry Editor, and even third-party software to change the MAC address on Windows 10.

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