This format uses base-16 to identify individual numbers of the address. In technical terms, a MAC address is defined as a long address consisting of 48 bits, and it follows a hexadecimal format. This article will be different aspects of MAC addresses and see how we can change it across different platforms. If it is easy to identify and establish contact, then communication between two systems becomes more stable and reliable in any situation. These addresses or identifiers are unique because they can be recognized in a network that combines many devices. The hardware component that carries this address is stored in the network card. The Media Access Control address works as a data link layer. This address is also responsible for establishing communication between two desktop-based computers. When the system components are being manufactured, the company assigns a unique number to the device to be identified at any point in time. Some also called this the hardware address of a system. Still, another component called MAC address is associated with physical routers and network adapters. Why should you change your MAC address?Īn IP address is not the only thing important when it comes to the network interface and communication. Type cmd on the search box and click OK.List of content you will read in this article: You can do this by typing holding the Windows button and the R button. Here you first need to open command prompt. There are many methods through which you can do this and decide which one is convenient for you.
#Where to find mac address on pc windows 10 windows 10#
How do you Find MAC Address on a Windows 10 Laptop The first two digits are an odd number.Ī broadcast address shows that a packet is being delivered to everyone within the network. If the first two digits (known as a byte) are an even number, then the address is unicast.Ī multicast address shows that a packet is being delivered to multiple receivers in a network. There are 3 types of MAC addresses:Ī unicast address shows that a packet is being delivered to only one receiver in the network. The type of MAC address determines the size of the audience to which this content is to be delivered. We have mentioned that MAC addresses determine the destination of content (packet) delivered within a network. When you click that ‘ suspicious’ link online, the contents of that link will be sent to the IP address specified for the MAC address of your laptop and not your mother’s laptop in the other room. The router recognizes this MAC address and assigns a private IP address to your laptop. When your laptop is connected to a router, it presents its MAC address. If you change your router, your laptop’s IP address will change, but the MAC address will remain the same. The difference between a MAC address and an IP address is that the IP address changes depending on the network it is connected to. An IP address also identifies your computer (or any other device) when connected to a certain network. We cannot talk about MAC address without mentioning IP address. There are no other two devices in the world with the same MAC address.Ī MAC address has 12 characters and looks something like this. MAC address is permanent and less subject to change, but it can be changed (if you want to know how you can change it click here).