How to Find Your MAC Address in Windows 11: 6 Easy Methods

If you're a Windows 11 user who needs to find your MAC (Media Access Control) address, you're in the right place. The MAC address acts as a unique identifier for your network interface, almost like a digital fingerprint. Whether you're troubleshooting network issues, setting up your router, or just curious, knowing how to find your MAC address is invaluable.
Fear not—this guide will walk you through six different methods to locate your MAC address in Windows 11. Each method is tailored for different experience levels and serves various needs, ranging from beginners to system administrators. So, let’s dive right in and pick the method that suits you best.

What is a MAC Address, and Why Should You Care?​

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth understanding the basics. A MAC address is a hardware identifier embedded into your device's network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer. It allows your devices to communicate on local networks (for instance, your home Wi-Fi). Unlike an IP address, which can change frequently, your MAC address is permanent (though you can modify it temporarily if needed).
Here’s why you might need your MAC address:

• Network Troubleshooting: When your network acts up, identifying your MAC address simplifies diagnostics.
• Router Whitelisting/Blacklisting: Restrict or permit device-specific internet access.
• Enhanced Security: Use the MAC address for access control.

With the theory out of the way, let's get practical.

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Method 1: Locate MAC Address via Wi-Fi Settings​

Perfect For: Beginners and Casual Users​

This beginner-friendly, graphical method is tailored for users who prefer ease and simplicity.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I or searching "Settings" in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you’re wired).
4. Select your connected network (e.g., "Home_WiFi").
5. Scroll down to the Properties section and look for the line labeled Physical Address (MAC).

Example:​

If your Wi-Fi connection is named "PEAKY BLINDERS", its MAC address might look like 38-7A-0E-C4-A7-70.

Advantages:​

• Super simple interface.
• No technical know-how required.

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Method 2: Use the Control Panel​

Perfect For: Intermediate Users Familiar with Older Windows Interfaces​

The Control Panel brings a nostalgic, traditional flavor to Windows administration. This method requires slight navigation effort, but it’s perfect for those comfortable with Windows’ legacy settings.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Search for "Control Panel" in the Start menu and open it.
2. Click on Network and Internet, then head over to Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi/Ethernet).
4. In the new pop-up, select the Details button.
5. The MAC address (under Physical Address) will be listed in the dialog box that appears.

Advantages:​

• Familiar interface if you’ve used older Windows versions.
• Good balance of accessibility and detail.

Disadvantages:​

• Requires slightly more navigation compared to Method 1.

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Method 3: Use PowerShell for Command-Based Retrieval​

Perfect For: Power Users or Administrators Who Love Terminal Commands​

PowerShell is a powerful scripting tool for geeks and tech-savvy users. You can use it to pull up the MAC address of all network adapters on your system.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Open PowerShell via the Start menu and run it as Administrator.
2. Type the following command:
   
   Code:

   powershell Get-NetAdapter

3. Press Enter and check the MACAddress column for your NIC’s MAC address.

Advantages:​

• Displays all active/disabled adapters simultaneously.
• Super fast once you're comfortable with commands.

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Method 4: Detailed Insights via System Information​

Perfect for: Users Who Need a Bird’s-Eye View of Their System​

Want to know everything about your system? The System Information tool is a treasure trove. Whether it’s your hardware, software, or network interface stats—it’s all in here.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Open the Run dialog box (Windows + R) and type msinfo32.
2. Press Enter to open the System Information tool.
3. Expand the Components section on the left-hand menu.
4. Under Network, click Adapter.
5. Scroll through the list to find your active connection and check the MAC Address field.

Advantages:​

• Comprehensive information.
• Also gives stats on hardware and software.

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Method 5: Old-School CMD (Command Prompt)​

Perfect For: Developers and Advanced Users Who Prefer No-Nonsense Commands​

Love the minimalist vibe of text-based commands? CMD is your playground.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Open the Command Prompt by searching "cmd" in the Start menu and running it as Administrator.
2. Type:
   
   Code:

   cmd ipconfig /all

3. Press Enter. Among the output, locate the "Physical Address" field under your active adapter.

Advantages:​

• Lightweight and efficient.
• Works on virtually all Windows machines.

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Method 6: Find All Adapters’ MACs via Advanced Settings​

Perfect For: Network Administrators with Multi-Adapter Systems​

Sometimes, a computer has multiple network interfaces—Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Virtual Machines, or VPN connections. Use this method to view them all in one go.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Open the Settings app (Windows + I).
2. Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings.
3. Under More Settings, click Hardware and Connection Properties.
4. A list of all adapters will appear. Look for the Physical Address (MAC) field next to each adapter.

Example:​

For an Intel wireless adapter:

• Description: Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560
• MAC: 00-1F-3B-4C-5D-6E

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FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered​

What’s the Difference Between a MAC Address and an IP Address?

• MAC addresses identify devices on a local network (LAN).
• IP addresses are used for broader communication across the internet.

Can You Modify a MAC Address?
Yes, but only temporarily. Using Device Manager:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your adapter > Select Properties > Advanced Tab.
3. Under Network Address, enter a new value.

Why Do Some Systems Have Multiple MAC Addresses?
Each network interface (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, etc.) has its unique MAC address.

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Summary​

Finding your MAC address needn’t be a daunting quest. Whether you’re a casual user who loves intuitive GUIs (Methods 1 or 2) or a system administrator who prefers command-line efficiency (Methods 3 or 5), Windows 11 has a method for everyone.
Got another Windows question? Jump into the forum discussion below to share your experience and pick the brains of our tech-savvy community!

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Source: The Android Soul How to Find the MAC Address in Windows 11