Finding the MAC Address for a Computer

 

The MAC address is a 12-digit hexadecimal number, uniquely identifying network adapters.

For example: AF-3D-51-3B-F9-95 (alternate format AF:3D:51:3B:F9:95)

Although the MAC address of a wireless adapter may be used, the wired (or Ethernet) is the preferred choice.  Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10 or newer are provided below.

  1. Click Windows Start and select Settings.
  2. Click the Network & Internet icon.
  3. Select Ethernet on the left menu pane. If you do not have an Ethernet option, select Wi-Fi and skip to Step 6.
    settings ethernet
  4. Click on your network.
    ethernet_mynetwork
  5. A window will appear which shows the connection properties. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to view Properties. The Physical Address is the MAC address. Click the Copy button to copy the MAC address and use as needed.
    ethernet_mac
  6. Continued from Step 3 above.  To find the MAC address of a Wi-Fi connection, on the right side of the screen click on Hardware Properties.
    wifi_connection
  7. A window will appear showing the properties of the Wi-Fi adapter. The Physical Address is the MAC address. Click the Copy button to copy the MAC address and use as needed. .
    wi-fi_mac