Every device that connects to the internet is required to provide or declare its IP Address and also its MAC (Media Access Control) Address to the Network.
While the IP Address of a computer is dynamically assigned by the Router, its MAC Address is assigned at Hardware level and remains the same for the entire life of your computer.
Since, the MAC Address of a device is coded at Hardware level, there is really no way to change the original MAC Address of a device.
However, it is possible mask or hide the real MAC Address of a computer by forcing the computer to declare or broadcast a different MAC Address to the Network.
Change MAC Address of Windows Computer
In general, users want to change the MAC Address of their computers to bypass blocked networks and also to test MAC Address filtering.
Before going ahead with the steps to change MAC Address, it is important that you note down the the actual MAC Address of your computer. This can be useful, if you run into problems after changing MAC Address and need to go back to the original or default MAC Address.
Also, if your Wi-Fi Network is using MAC Filtering, you need to make sure that the New MAC Address is white listed on the Modem/Router.
1. Find MAC Address of Computer Using Settings
Since, a computer can connect to the internet using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, it will have two MAC Addresses, one for Ethernet and the other one for Wi-Fi.
1. Open Settings > click on Network & Internet Icon.
2. On the next screen, select your Network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) in the left-pane. In the right-pane, double-click on your Network Name.
3. On the next screen, the MAC Address of your computer will be listed under “Properties” section, next to Physical Address (MAC) entry.
You can copy the MAC Address to a text file and keep the file at a safe location on your computer.
2. Change MAC Address Using Device Manager
If required, you can change the MAC Address of your computer using the following steps.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Network Adapters entry > right-click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Properties.
3. On properties screen, switch to Advanced Tab > select Network Address entry > check Value entry and type New MAC Address.
4. Click on OK to save the New MAC Address on your computer.
Note: Enter New MAC Address without using hyphens.
3. How to Confirm if NEW MAC Address is Working?
After changing MAC Address, you can follow the steps below to confirm if New MAC Address is working.
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) > type ipconfig/all and press the Enter key.
2. Once the command is executed, you should find the NEW MAC Address listed under “Ethernet Adapter” or “Wireless Adapter” section next to Physical Address entry.
You should be able to use the New MAC Address without encountering any problems, unless you are using MAC filtering and the NEW MAC Address is not listed on your Router.