How to Change a Computer's MAC Address in Windows

Every Ethernet card has a unique MAC address assigned to it by the manufacturer. This MAC address is attached to the computer's network adapter card or network interface card (NIC) and helps Internet service providers (ISPs) identify with computers that are connected to the network. Occasionally, you may need to change your MAC address when you wish to connect to a different network. Certain ISPs will bind their service to a specific MAC address that you must know, and then configure on your computer.

Things You'll Need

  • Network Card with MAC Address
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Instructions

    • 1

      Click "Start," then "Control Panel," and then "Network and Internet connections."

    • 2

      Right-click the network connection that you want to change the MAC address of. Select "Properties."

    • 3

      Click "Configure" on the "General" (Networking) tab. Click the "Advanced" tab.

    • 4

      Select the "Locally Administered Address" or "Network Address" option under "Property". Change the radio button to "Value", type the new MAC address and click "OK."

    • 5

      Restart your computer. To verify the new MAC address was successful, go to the command prompt ("Start", then "Run," type "cmd" and click "OK") and type "ipconfig /all."

Tips & Warnings

  • To change your MAC address back to its default value, change the radial button to "Not Present" in Step 4.

  • If you cannot change the MAC address from the steps listed above, you can edit the address in the computer's registry (steps are listed in the "Change MAC Address from Registry" link in References). Only modify the registry if you are familiar with the registry settings. Making the wrong change can cause permanent damage to your computer.

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