Introduction:

The MAC address, or Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communication on a network. While the MAC address is typically hardcoded into the network interface card (NIC), there are instances where users may want to change it for various reasons. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of changing the MAC address in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Changing MAC Address in Windows 11:

Step 1: Access Device Manager

1. Press `Win + X` and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Locate and expand the “Network adapters” section.

Step 2: Locate and Open Properties

1. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties.”
2. Go to the “Advanced” tab.

Step 3: Modify MAC Address

1. Look for an entry named “Network Address,” “Locally Administered Address,” or similar.
2. Select the value field and enter the desired MAC address.
3. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Step 4: Verify Changes

1. Open the Command Prompt and type `ipconfig /all`.
2. Verify that the “Physical Address” matches the new MAC address.

Changing MAC Address in Windows 10:

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Press `Win + X` and choose “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Network adapters” section.

Step 2: Access Network Adapter Properties

1. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties.”
2. Navigate to the “Advanced” tab.

Step 3: Adjust MAC Address

1. Look for an entry like “Network Address” or “Locally Administered Address.”
2. Enter the desired MAC address in the value field.
3. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Step 4: Confirm Changes

1. Open Command Prompt and type `ipconfig /all`.
2. Verify that the “Physical Address” matches the new MAC address.

Conclusion:

Changing the MAC address in Windows 11 and Windows 10 involves accessing the Device Manager and modifying the network adapter’s properties. It’s crucial to exercise caution and only make changes if you understand the implications. Remember that some networks and devices may have policies against MAC address modification, so ensure compliance with rules and regulations before proceeding.