How To Find Mac Address Windows 10

—

by

Vector Linux
in

Have you ever needed to find the MAC address of your Windows 10 computer? Whether you’re troubleshooting network connectivity issues or setting up a new device on your network, knowing how to find your MAC address can come in handy. In this article, I will guide you through the steps to find the MAC address on a Windows 10 PC.

What is a MAC Address?

Before we dive into the process, let’s take a moment to understand what a MAC address is. MAC stands for Media Access Control, and it is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces. Every device that connects to a network, such as your computer’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, has a MAC address.

MAC addresses are composed of 12 hexadecimal digits, typically separated by colons or hyphens. They are used by network devices to communicate with each other on a local network. Unlike IP addresses, which can change depending on the network you connect to, MAC addresses are permanent and specific to each device.

Finding the MAC Address on Windows 10

Now that we know what a MAC address is, let’s proceed with finding it on a Windows 10 computer. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
  3. In the Settings app, click on “Network & Internet.”
  4. On the left side of the window, click on “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet,” depending on the type of connection you want to find the MAC address for.
  5. Scroll down and click on “Hardware properties.”
  6. The MAC address of your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter will be listed under the “Physical address” or “MAC address” section.

Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt to find the MAC address. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  3. In the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig /all” and press Enter.
  4. Look for the network adapter you’re interested in (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and find the “Physical Address” entry. This is your MAC address.

Why is the MAC Address Important?

Knowing your MAC address can be useful in many scenarios. For example, if you’re setting up MAC address filtering on your router, you will need to enter the MAC addresses of the devices you want to allow or block from accessing your network. Additionally, network administrators may ask for your MAC address to troubleshoot network issues or grant you access to specific resources.

It’s worth noting that MAC addresses are only relevant on local networks. When you connect to the internet, your MAC address is masked by your router’s public IP address, ensuring your privacy and security.

In Conclusion

Finding the MAC address on Windows 10 is a simple process that can be useful in various network-related situations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to quickly locate your MAC address and use it when needed. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a beginner, having this knowledge in your toolbox can save you time and effort in the future.