Frequently Asked Question
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for communications within a network segment. This guide details how to obtain MAC addresses for Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2025.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
This method is quick and works across all specified Windows operating systems.
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell:
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialogue. - Type
cmdfor Command Prompt orpowershellfor PowerShell, then pressEnter. - Alternatively, search for "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell" in the Start menu.
- Execute the command:
getmac /v /fo list
ipconfig /all
- In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press
Enter: - This command lists all network adapters and their associated MAC addresses. The MAC address will be shown under the "Physical Address" line for each adapter.
- To get more detailed information, including the adapter's name and its connection status, use:
The MAC address will be listed as "Physical Address" for each network adapter. Look for sections titled "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" for wireless adapters and "Ethernet adapter Ethernet" for wired adapters.
Method 2: Using Network Connections (Graphical User Interface)
This method provides a graphical overview of your network adapters.
- Open Network Connections:
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialogue. - Type
ncpa.cpland pressEnter. This will open the "Network Connections" window.
- Check adapter status:
- Locate the network adapter you want to check (e.g., "Wi-Fi" for wireless, "Ethernet" for wired).
- Right-click on the adapter and select
Status. - In the "Status" window, click the
Details...button.
- View MAC address:
- In the "Network Connection Details" window, the MAC address will be listed next to "Physical Address".
Method 3: Using System Information
This method provides a comprehensive report of your system's hardware, including network adapter details.
- Open System Information:
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialogue. - Type
msinfo32and pressEnter.
- Navigate to Network Adapters:
- In the "System Information" window, expand
Components. - Expand
Network. - Select
Adapter.
- Locate MAC address:
- In the right-hand pane, scroll down to find your network adapters.
- For each adapter, look for the "MAC Address" entry. This will show the MAC address for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters.
