Computer: Finding Physical Hardware MAC Address

Summary

This article shows two methods of how to find a physical hardware MAC address on a Windows or MacOS device. 

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a 12-character alpha-numeric string that is unique to each network-connected device. MAC addresses may be delimited by a colon, dash, space or have no delimiter.  Example MAC Address formats:

01:23:45:67:AB:EF
01-23-45-67-AB-EF
0123.4567.ABEF
01 23 45 67 AB EF
01234567ABEF

How-to

Task: To find the physical hardware MAC address for Windows devices

Instructions

Step 1 - From your taskbar, select "Settings"

system settings

 

Step 2 - Select "Network & Internet" tab

Step 3 - Select "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on your connection type

network and internet

 

Step 4 - Select "Hardware properties"

hardware properties

 

Step 5 - Your Physical address (MAC) will be displayed at the bottom of this window.

wifi mac address

ethernet mac address

 

Outcome

You should be able to find the physical hardware MAC address from your Windows devices.

Back to Top

 

Task: To find the physical hardware MAC address for MacOS devices

Instructions

Step 1 - Click the Apple logo on the top left and select "System Setting".

system settings

 

Step 2 - Select "Network"

Step 3 - Select "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on your connection type

network them wifi

 

Step 4 - Click "Details..."

details tab

 

Step 5 - Select "Hardware" tab

Step 6 - Your MAC Address will be display at the top

hardware and mac address

 

Outcome

You should be able to find the physical hardware MAC address from your MacOS devices.

Back to Top

 

Further Readings

Computer: Finding IP Address

Computer: Finding Computer's Device Name

Finding MAC Address on your Devices - Streaming and gaming devices

 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.  

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Details

Article ID: 2636
Created
Fri 10/2/20 5:09 PM
Modified
Thu 10/3/24 11:57 AM
Applicable Institution(s):
Keene State College (KSC)
Plymouth State University (PSU)
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
USNH System Office