How to change MAC address on Windows

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Changing the MAC address on Windows can be accomplished through various methods, including using Device Manager, Command Prompt, or third-party software. This process allows users to modify their network interface's hardware address for privacy or network configuration purposes.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before changing your MAC address, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system.
  • •Administrator access to modify network settings.
  • •Basic understanding of network configurations.
  • •Backup important data, as changes in network settings can affect connectivity.

Method 1: Change MAC Address via Device Manager

This method is straightforward and effective for most users. It is best used when you want to quickly change the MAC address without additional software.
  • •Step 1: Press 'Windows + X' to open the Quick Access menu and select 'Device Manager'.
  • •Step 2: Expand the 'Network adapters' section, right-click on your network adapter (e.g., 'Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9462'), and select 'Properties'.
  • •Step 3: In the Properties window, navigate to the 'Advanced' tab. In the 'Property' box, select 'Network Address'.
  • •Step 4: In the 'Value' box, enter the new MAC address without any dashes or colons (e.g., '001A2B3C4D5E'). Click 'OK' to apply changes.
  • •Step 5: To verify the change, open Command Prompt (press 'Windows + R', type 'cmd', and hit Enter). Type 'getmac' and press Enter. Check if the MAC address has changed.
  • •Step 6: If it doesn't work, restart your computer and repeat the steps.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users may notice slight differences in the interface.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Start menu, type 'Device Manager', and select it.
  • •Step 2: Follow the same steps as in Method 1 for changing the MAC address.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users will follow similar steps but may find the layout slightly different.
  • •Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select 'Device Manager'.
  • •Step 2: Continue with the same steps as outlined above.

Method 2: Change MAC Address via Command Prompt

This method is useful for advanced users who prefer command-line tools for changing network settings.
  • •Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for 'cmd', right-click, and select 'Run as administrator').
  • •Step 2: Type 'netsh interface show interface' and press Enter to list all network interfaces.
  • •Step 3: Identify the name of the interface you want to change (e.g., 'Wi-Fi').
  • •Step 4: Type 'netsh interface set interface name='Wi-Fi' newmac='001A2B3C4D5E' and press Enter.
  • •Step 5: To verify the change, type 'getmac' and press Enter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while changing the MAC address, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'The specified value is invalid.' - Solution: Ensure the MAC address is entered correctly without spaces or special characters.
  • •Issue: 'Network adapter not found.' - Fix: Check if the network adapter is enabled in Device Manager.
  • •Problem: 'Cannot connect to the network after changing MAC.' - Workaround: Revert to the original MAC address and troubleshoot network settings.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to optimize their experience, consider these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Windows + R' - Opens the Run dialog for quick access to commands.
  • •Command line: 'ipconfig /all' - Displays all network configurations, including MAC addresses.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'netsh wlan show interfaces' to view detailed wireless adapter information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the most reliable results, using Device Manager is recommended for most users, as it provides a straightforward interface for changing the MAC address.