How To Modify MAC address in Windows 10 (Both Wired and Wireless Adapter)?

MAC address modification in Windows 10 allows you to change the unique hardware identifier of your network adapters. This can be useful for network troubleshooting, privacy protection, or testing network configurations. Both wired (Ethernet) and wireless adapters support MAC address changes through the Device Manager.

Modifying MAC Address for Wired Adapter

Step 1: Access Device Manager

Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager from the context menu. Alternatively, press Windows key + X and choose Device Manager from the power user menu.

Step 2: Locate Network Adapter

In Device Manager, expand the Network adapters section. Find your wired Ethernet adapter, right-click on it, and select Properties from the menu.

Step 3: Configure MAC Address

In the Properties dialog, click the Advanced tab. Look for a property named Network Address or Locally Administered Address (the exact name varies by adapter manufacturer). Select this property and enter your new MAC address in hexadecimal format without separators (e.g., 001122334455).

Click OK to save changes. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Modifying MAC Address for Wireless Adapter

Step 1: Access Device Manager

Follow the same process as Step 1 above to open Device Manager.

Step 2: Locate Wireless Adapter

Expand the Network adapters section and find your wireless adapter. Right-click on it and select Properties.

Step 3: Disable the Adapter

Before modifying a wireless adapter's MAC address, it's recommended to disable it first. Right-click on the wireless adapter and select Disable device to prevent connection conflicts.

Step 4: Modify MAC Address

In the Properties dialog, click the Advanced tab and locate the Network Address property. Enter the new MAC address in hexadecimal format (12 digits without separators). Click OK to save.

Step 5: Re-enable the Adapter

Right-click on the wireless adapter and select Enable device to reactivate it with the new MAC address.

Verifying the Changes

To confirm your MAC address change was successful, use the Command Prompt:

Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the Command Prompt, execute the following command:

ipconfig /all

Locate your modified adapter in the output and verify that the Physical Address matches the new MAC address you configured.

Important Considerations

Conclusion

Modifying MAC addresses in Windows 10 is straightforward through Device Manager's Advanced properties. While wireless adapters require disabling before changes, both adapter types follow similar configuration steps. Always verify changes using ipconfig /all and consider the legal implications of MAC address spoofing in your network environment.