How do I find my device's MAC address? (Windows 10)

Question

I have been asked to find the MAC address of my Windows 10 computer for wireless configuration. Where do I look to find it and what's a MAC address anyway?

Solution

The Media Access Control address (MAC address; no relation to Apple or Macintosh computers) is a unique identifier for computing devices on a network. A MAC address is somewhat like a serial number.

Every device that has an Internet connection must have a unique MAC Address. Modern computers will have two MAC Addresses: one wireless local area network (Wireless LAN) adapter and one Ethernet adapter.

Note: MAC address is synonymous with Ethernet Hardware Address, Hardware Address, Physical Address, and Burned-in Address.

Process

1. Use the Windows button or key in the bottom left corner of the screen or keyboard and type in View Network Connections .

Windows search bar showing "View network connections" app. In the search function in the bottom left hand of the screen, type "View network connections" and choose the top result that says "Control Panel" underneath it.

2. Double click on the particular network adapter type you need to know the MAC address for. In this case, we will choose Wi-Fi.

A horizontal list of network devices for a Window 10 computer not connected to the Ethernet. In the list of connected or unconnected networks, select the one you are trying to find the MAC address of and double click on it.

3. Click on Details in the Wi-Fi Status window.

A small "Wi-Fi Status" window with a panel of general connection information and options for "Details..." "Wireless Properties" as well as a "Diagnose" button. It will open a small window, select details near the bottom left of the small new window.

4. The Physical Address is the MAC address that we have been looking for.

A network connection details panel with a list of properties and values to your Windows 10 computer. Your mac address or "physical address" will be the third option listed in the new menu that opens from the details button.

Details

Article ID: 42016
Created
Fri 11/3/17 1:14 PM
Modified
Thu 8/24/23 4:25 PM

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The UO offers both wireless and wired access to the internet. The wireless network you use will depend on your affiliation. UO students, staff, and faculty can use uowireless or UO Secure. Guests to campus can use UO Guest or, if they're from an eduroam-participating institution, they can use eduroam.