Video Tutorial:
Mac Address is the unique identity of any networking device, commonly known as Physical Address. It is embedded in every device during manufacturing time. The Mac Address is a 48-bit address, divided into six pairs of characters, separated by colons (:). However, sometimes a user may need to change the Mac Address of a network interface card for security reasons or troubleshooting issues. If you are using Windows 10, then we have good news that it’s a simple process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss various methods on how to change the wifi mac address in windows 10.
What’s Needed
Before starting the process of changing the wifi mac address in windows 10, you must have the following resources:
– A Windows 10 operating system installed device.
– Admin rights or permissions for the device.
– A new Mac address that you want to replace the old one.
– A basic understanding of using command prompt (CMD) and registry editor.
What requires your focus?
Changing the wifi mac address in windows 10 requires your focus because any wrong entry or mistake can lead to severe problems such as bad connectivity or no connectivity. Therefore, it’s essential to understand all the steps correctly and then proceed with caution before changing the wifi mac address.
Methods to Change Wifi Mac Address Windows 10
There are several methods to change wifi mac address Windows 10, some of which are listed below:
Method 1: Change MAC Address of Network Adapter using Command Prompt (CMD)
Before starting the process of changing the MAC address using Command Prompt, you must first find the current MAC address. You can do this by following these steps:
– Open the Command Prompt (CMD) by pressing the Windows key + R and typing ‘cmd’.
– Type ‘getmac /v’ in the command prompt window.
– Note down the physical address from the result.
Once you have noted down the current Mac address, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R and type "regedit" in the dialog box.
2. Press Enter and go to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318} (each "{4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}" might have a different number)
3. Find the folder with the name "NetworkAddress" and open it.
4. Right-click on the "NetworkAddress" string and select the "Modify" option.
5. Enter your new MAC address in the format XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX, where X is a hexadecimal value.
6. Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.
7. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.
Pros:
– This method is quick and straightforward.
– You don’t need any third-party software to change the MAC address.
Cons:
– If you enter an invalid MAC address, it can cause network connectivity issues.
– This method is not recommended for beginners who don’t have much knowledge of the registry editor.
Method 2: Change MAC Address of Network Adapter using Device Manager
1. Press the Windows key + X and select the "Device Manager" option.
2. Expand the "Network Adapters" tab.
3. Right-click on the network adapter whose MAC address you want to change and select "Properties" from the context menu.
4. Go to the "Advanced" tab.
5. Select "Network Address" from the list of options.
6. Select the "Value" radio button and enter the new MAC address in the value field.
7. Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.
8. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.
Pros:
– This method is handy and user-friendly.
– You don’t need any extra knowledge to use this method.
Cons:
– This method is not suitable for all network adapters.
– The network adapter must have a "Network Address" option in the advanced settings.
Method 3: Change MAC Address of Network Adapter using Third-party Software
There are several third-party software available in the market that can change Mac Address of Network Adapter, and the most common among them is Technitium MAC Address Changer. Here are the steps to change the MAC address using this tool:
1. Download and install Technitium MAC Address Changer from the official website.
2. Open the tool and select the network adapter from the drop-down list, whose MAC address you want to change.
3. Click on the "Random MAC Address" button to generate a new MAC address or enter your custom MAC address.
4. Click on the "Change" button to apply the changes.
5. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.
Pros:
– This method is easy and convenient to use.
– It’s a quick option for users who don’t have a basic understanding of the registry editor.
Cons:
– The third-party software can sometimes contain malware or viruses, affecting the device’s performance.
– You need to be careful while selecting software.
Why Can’t I Change Wifi Mac Address Windows 10?
Sometimes, you may encounter issues while trying to change the wifi mac address on windows 10. Here are some of the reasons why you can’t change wifi mac address windows 10 and their fixes:
1. Registry Entries are Locked: If you are not using an admin account, you may not have permission to alter registry entries, which can lock down the current mac address. You can fix this by switching accounts or logging in with an admin account.
2. Incompatible Network Adapter: Not all network adapters can change the mac address. Your network adapter may not have the required functionality. To fix this, you can try using another network adapter that supports changing the mac address.
3. Network Adapter is Disabled: A disabled network adapter can sometimes cause the MAC address to be unmodifiable. To fix this, open Device Manager, right-click on the network adapter whose MAC address you wish to change, and select "Enable."
Implications and Recommendations
Before replacing the mac address, keep these things in your mind:
– It’s essential to choose a valid mac address to replace the old one.
– If the issue occurs after changing the MAC address, then you can revert it back by using the same steps.
– Changing the MAC address of a networking device should be done with caution and with a clear understanding of the process.
Recommendation:
– Always have a backup of the important files and network settings before performing any such activities.
FAQs
Q.1 How do I know if my Mac address has changed?
A.1 To check whether the MAC address of your network adapter has changed or not, type "getmac /v" in the command prompt window. It will display the physical address, and if it’s different from the first address, then your MAC address has been changed.
Q.2 Can I change the MAC address of a wireless adapter in Windows 10?
A.2 Yes, you can change the MAC address of a wireless adapter in Windows 10 using the registry editor, Command Prompt, or third-party software.
Q.3 Can a changed MAC address affect my internet speed?
A.3 No, changing the MAC address will not affect the internet speed as MAC address is used only to identify the devices on the network and not to transfer data.
Q.4 Is it legal to change your MAC address?
A.4 Yes, it is legal to change your MAC address. However, it is essential to keep in mind the reasons for changing the MAC address.
Q.5 Why is it necessary to change the MAC address?
A.5 Changing the MAC address can be useful in situations where your MAC address has been blocked or blacklisted, or you want to increase network security.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, changing the wifi mac address in windows 10 is a straightforward process that requires basic knowledge of the command prompt and registry editor. There are multiple methods to change the MAC address. However, it’s important to note that you must proceed with caution before replacing the MAC address. It’s also recommended to have a backup of the device settings and important files before performing any such activities. Finally, always verify that the MAC address has been changed and is working correctly after completion of the process.