--- description: What is a MAC Address? MAC address is a unique identifier that is assigned to a NIC (Network Interface Controller/ Card). It consists of a 48 bit or 64-bit address, which is associated with the netwo title: What is a MAC Address? Full Form & How to Find It image: https://www.guru99.com/images/what-is-a-mac-address.png --- [Skip to content](#main) **⚡ Smart Summary** MAC address, short for Media Access Control address, is a unique 48-bit hardware identifier assigned to a network adapter, used to identify devices on a local network, trace senders and receivers, and control network access. - 🆔 **Definition:** A MAC address is a 48-bit hardware address assigned to a Network Interface Card during manufacturing. - 🏭 **Structure:** The first three octets form the OUI that identifies the vendor; the last three identify the specific adapter. - 🧭 **Types:** Universally Administered Addresses are factory-set, while Locally Administered Addresses can be reassigned by an administrator. - 🔍 **Find it:** On Windows, ipconfig /all or the network adapter Details window reveals the physical address. - 🔧 **Change it:** Device Manager or the Windows Registry can override the adapter’s MAC address value. - 🌐 **MAC vs IP:** A MAC address works at the data link layer; an IP address works at the network layer. Read More ![What is a MAC Address in Networking](https://www.guru99.com/images/what-is-a-mac-address.png) ## What is a MAC Address? A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a NIC (Network Interface Controller/Card). It is a 48-bit (or 64-bit) address, tied to the network adapter and usually written in hexadecimal. The full form of MAC address is Media Access Control address. ## Why Use MAC Address? A MAC address is a unique number used to track a device on a network. It provides a secure way to identify senders or receivers and prevent unwanted access. MAC addresses are also used on public Wi-Fi, such as at an airport, to identify a specific device. ## Architecture of MAC The figure below shows the architecture of a MAC address: [![MAC address architecture showing the OUI vendor bits and the NIC-specific device bits]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA1.png) The MAC Address example above shows that the structure contains: - A MAC address made up of 6 octets (groups of eight bits). - The first three octets, which form the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI), a 24-bit number identifying the manufacturer or vendor. - The last three octets, which are specific to the device (the NIC-specific portion). - Each octet made up of 8 bits, for example a0 through a7. - Bit a0 (the least-significant bit of the first octet), which sets the transmission type: 0 for unicast (single destination), 1 for multicast. - Bit a1, which sets administration: 0 for a globally unique, OUI-enforced address, and 1 for a locally administered address. ## Types of MAC Addresses The two types of MAC addresses are: ### Universally Administered Address UAA is the most widely used type. It is given to the network adapter during manufacturing. The first three octets identify the organization or manufacturer that issued the identifier, and the remaining octets are assigned by that manufacturer. ### Locally Administered Address LAA is an address that changes the adapter’s MAC. A network administrator may assign it to a device, overriding the manufacturer’s address. An LAA does not contain an OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier). The full form of LAA is Locally Administered Address. ## How to find MAC address in Windows? Below is a step-by-step process to find a MAC address in Windows, using two methods: ### Finding the MAC address with the Command Prompt Step 1) Click on the “Start” button. [![Clicking the Windows Start button to begin finding the MAC address]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA2.png) Step 2) Type “command prompt” in the search box. [![Searching for Command Prompt in the Windows search box]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA5.png) Step 3) In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all and press Enter. [![Typing the ipconfig /all command in the Windows Command Prompt]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA6.png) Step 4) The command output is displayed. [![ipconfig /all output listing the adapter physical address in Command Prompt]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA9.png) Scroll down to the value next to “Physical Address”; this value is your MAC address. ### Finding MAC address from Network Connection Settings Another way is to check your network adapter details in Windows. Step 1) Click on the “Start” button. [![Opening the Windows Start menu to reach network settings]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA12.png) Step 2) Type “view network status and tasks” in the search box. [![Searching for View network status and tasks in Windows]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA13.png) Step 3) Click on your active network connection. [![Selecting the Ethernet network connection in Windows Network and Sharing Center]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA14.png) Step 4) In the next screen, click on “Details”. [![Clicking Details in the Windows connection status window]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA17.png) Step 5) Locate the “Physical Address” entry. [![Physical Address value shown in the Windows Network Connection Details window]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA22.png) The value shown for the physical address is your MAC address. These steps cover Windows; for other systems, see the [guide to finding and changing a MAC address](https://www.guru99.com/mac-address-find-change.html) on macOS and Linux. **Don't Miss:** - [IoT Tutorial](https://www.guru99.com/iot-tutorial.html) - [Types of Computer Network: PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN](https://www.guru99.com/types-of-computer-network.html) - [Differences Between TCP and UDP](https://www.guru99.com/differences-between-tcp-and-udp.html) - [Top 53 ITIL Interview Questions and Answers (PDF)](https://www.guru99.com/itil-interview-questions-answers.html) ## How To Change The MAC Address in Windows You can also change, or spoof, the MAC address Windows presents, using Device Manager or the Registry: ### Using the Device Manager to change MAC address Step 1) Click on the “Start” button. [![Opening the Windows Start menu to launch Device Manager]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA23.png) Step 2) Type “device manager” in the search box. [![Searching for Device Manager in the Windows search box]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA24.png) Step 3) Click on “Network Adapters” to expand the tree. [![Expanding the Network Adapters branch in Windows Device Manager]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA25.png) Step 4) Right-click the network adapter and click on “Properties”. [![Opening the Properties dialog for a network adapter in Device Manager]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA26.png) Step 5) In the next screen, click on the “Advanced” tab. [![Selecting the Advanced tab in the network adapter Properties dialog]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA27.png) Step 6) Under “Property”, select “Network Address”. [![Choosing the Network Address property in the Advanced tab]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA28.png) Step 7) In the “Value” field, type the MAC address you want. [![Entering a new MAC address in the Value field of the Network Address property]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA29.png) Step 8) Restart your PC to enable the change. [![Restarting the Windows PC to apply the new MAC address]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA30.png) Step 9) Verify by typing ipconfig/all in the Command Prompt. [![Confirming the updated physical address with ipconfig /all after a Device Manager change]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA31.png) ### Using Registry to change MAC address Step 1) Click on the “Start” button. [![Opening the Windows Start menu to reach the Run dialog]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA32.png) Step 2) Type “run” in the search box. [![Launching the Windows Run dialog from search]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA33.png) Step 3) Type REGEDIT and press “OK”. [![Entering REGEDIT in the Run dialog to open the Registry Editor]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA34.png) Step 4) Navigate to this registry key: ``` HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\\Parameters ``` [![Navigating to the network adapter Parameters key in the Windows Registry Editor]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA35.png) Step 5) Right-click and choose “New” -> “String Value”. [![Creating a new String Value under the adapter registry key]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA36.png) Step 6) Name the value “NetworkAddress” and press Enter. [![Naming the new registry string value NetworkAddress]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA37.png) Step 7) Double-click the new value and enter the adapter’s new MAC value. [![Editing the NetworkAddress value to set a new MAC address]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA38.png) Step 8) Press “OK” to save the new value. [![Saving the new MAC address value in the Registry Editor]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA39.png) Step 9) Restart your PC to enable the changes. [![Restarting the Windows PC to apply the registry MAC address change]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA40.png) Step 10) Verify by typing ipconfig/all in the Command Prompt. [![Confirming the updated physical address with ipconfig /all after a registry change]()](https://www.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA41.png) ## Difference between MAC address and IP address The following table shows key differences between a MAC address and an [IP address](https://www.guru99.com/types-of-ip-addresses.html): | **MAC Address** | **IP Address** | | --- | --- | | The MAC address stands for Media Access Control Address. | The IP address stands for Internet Protocol Address. | | It consists of a 48-bit address. | It consists of a 32-bit (IPv4) address. | | A MAC address works at the data link layer of the [OSI model](https://www.guru99.com/layers-of-osi-model.html). | An IP address works at the network layer of the OSI model. | | It is referred to as a physical address. | It is referred to as a logical address. | | You can retrieve the MAC address of a device from its IP address using the [ARP protocol](https://www.guru99.com/address-resolution-protocol.html). | You can retrieve the IP address of a device from its MAC address using the RARP protocol. | | Classes are not used in MAC addresses. | In IP, IPv4 uses A, B, C, D, and E classes. | ## FAQs 🔢 How is a MAC address formatted? A MAC address is 48 bits shown as twelve hexadecimal digits in six colon- or hyphen-separated pairs, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. The first half is the vendor OUI; the last identifies the adapter. 🎲 What is MAC address randomization? MAC address randomization makes a phone present a temporary, random MAC while scanning for Wi-Fi. Apple iOS and Android use it to prevent tracking by a device’s permanent hardware address. 🕵️ Can a MAC address be tracked across networks? Because each adapter has a unique MAC, networks can log it to recognize a returning device. Randomization limits casual tracking, but actually joining a network still reveals your real address to it. ⚖️ Is it legal to change or spoof a MAC address? Changing your own device’s MAC is generally legal and useful for testing, privacy, or troubleshooting. Using a spoofed MAC to bypass controls, impersonate a device, or commit fraud is illegal in most places. 🔒 What is MAC address filtering used for? MAC filtering lets a router allow or block specific MACs from joining Wi-Fi. It adds a light access-control layer, but attackers can spoof an approved MAC, so it should supplement, not replace, encryption. ♻️ Can two devices share the same MAC address? Every adapter should have a globally unique MAC, but duplicates occur through manufacturing errors, cloning, or spoofing. Two identical MACs on one LAN cause conflicts, dropped frames, and connectivity problems until one changes. 🤖 How does AI help detect MAC spoofing or rogue devices? Machine-learning models, such as random-forest classifiers, learn each device’s normal signal and traffic patterns, then flag frames whose MAC does not match, exposing spoofed or rogue adapters faster than static rules. 🛠️ Can GitHub Copilot help automate network and MAC address tasks? [GitHub Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot) drafts Python or shell scripts for tasks such as reading adapter MACs, parsing ipconfig or ip link output, and auditing network devices. Review and test the generated commands before running them. #### Summarize this post with: ChatGPTPerplexityGrokGoogle AI **Stay Updated on AI** **Get Weekly AI Skills, Trends, Actionable Advice.** ##### Sign up for the newsletter Subscribe for Free You have successfully subscribed. Please check your inbox. ![AI-Newsletter]() Chosen by over **350,000+** professionals [Scroll to topScroll to top](#wrapper) Scroll to top × Toggle Menu Close Search for: Search ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization","name":"Guru99","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/Guru99Official","https://twitter.com/guru99com"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#logo","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/guru99-logo-v1-150x59.png","contentUrl":"https://www.guru99.com/images/guru99-logo-v1-150x59.png","caption":"Guru99","inLanguage":"en-US"}},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#website","url":"https://www.guru99.com","name":"Guru99","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/what-is-a-mac-address.png","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/what-is-a-mac-address.png","width":"700","height":"250","caption":"What is a MAC Address?","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":"1","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"2","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/networking","name":"Networking"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"3","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html","name":"What is a MAC Address? 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This will be your MAC address.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA9.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step4"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 5) Click on 'start' button.","text":"Click on Start Menu Icon","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA12.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step5"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 6) Type view network status and tasks in a 'search' box.","text":"Click on the search result","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA13.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step6"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 7) Click on your network connection.","text":"Ethernet 2 as shown in screenshot","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA14.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step7"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 8) In the next screen","text":"Click on 'Details'.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA17.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step8"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 9) Locate the 'Physical Address'.","text":"The value for the physical address in the Network Connection Details window is your MAC address.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA22.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step9"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 10) Click on 'start' button.","text":"Click on Start Menu Icon","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA23.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step10"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 11) Type device manager in a 'search' box.","text":"Click on Search Result","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA24.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step11"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 12) Click on Network Adapters.","text":"Tree will expand","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA25.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step12"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 13) Right-click on the network adapter section","text":"Click on 'Properties'.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA26.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step13"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 14) In the next screen","text":"Click on Advanced tab.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA27.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step14"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 15) In 'Property'.","text":"Go to 'Network Address'","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA28.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step15"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 16) Go to 'Value'","text":"Type MAC address you like","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA29.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step16"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 17) Restart your PC.","text":"This will enable changes.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA30.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step17"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 18) Check the change","text":"Type ipconfig/all in command prompt.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA31.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step18"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 19) Click on 'start' button.","text":"Click Start Menu","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA32.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step19"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 20) Type run in a 'search' box.","text":"Click on 'Run'","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA33.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step20"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 21) Write REGDIT","text":"Press 'OK'.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA34.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step21"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 22) Navigate to","text":"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA35.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step22"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 23) Right-click","text":"Click on 'new' -> 'String Value'.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA36.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step23"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 24) Type a name of Network Address","text":"Press Enter","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA37.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step24"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 25) Double-click the new value","text":"Enter the adapter's new MAC value.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA38.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step25"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 26) Press 'OK'.","text":"New value is saved","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA39.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step26"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 27) Restart your PC.","text":"This will enable the changes","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA40.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step27"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Step 28) Check the change.","text":"Type ipconfig/all in command prompt.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.guru99.com/images/2/022220_0757_WhatisaMACA41.png"},"url":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#step28"}]},{"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How is a MAC address formatted?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A MAC address is 48 bits shown as twelve hexadecimal digits in six colon- or hyphen-separated pairs, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. The first half is the vendor OUI; the last identifies the adapter."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is MAC address randomization?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"MAC address randomization makes a phone present a temporary, random MAC while scanning for Wi-Fi. Apple iOS and Android use it to prevent tracking by a device's permanent hardware address."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can a MAC address be tracked across networks?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Because each adapter has a unique MAC, networks can log it to recognize a returning device. Randomization limits casual tracking, but actually joining a network still reveals your real address to it."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is it legal to change or spoof a MAC address?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Changing your own device's MAC is generally legal and useful for testing, privacy, or troubleshooting. Using a spoofed MAC to bypass controls, impersonate a device, or commit fraud is illegal in most places."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is MAC address filtering used for?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"MAC filtering lets a router allow or block specific MACs from joining Wi-Fi. It adds a light access-control layer, but attackers can spoof an approved MAC, so it should supplement, not replace, encryption."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can two devices share the same MAC address?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Every adapter should have a globally unique MAC, but duplicates occur through manufacturing errors, cloning, or spoofing. Two identical MACs on one LAN cause conflicts, dropped frames, and connectivity problems until one changes."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does AI help detect MAC spoofing or rogue devices?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Machine-learning models, such as random-forest classifiers, learn each device's normal signal and traffic patterns, then flag frames whose MAC does not match, exposing spoofed or rogue adapters faster than static rules."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can GitHub Copilot help automate network and MAC address tasks?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"GitHub Copilot drafts Python or shell scripts for tasks such as reading adapter MACs, parsing ipconfig or ip link output, and auditing network devices. Review and test the generated commands before running them."}}]}],"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#schema-26441","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/what-is-mac-address.html#webpage"}}]} ```