- To randomize MAC addresses on Windows 10, open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and turn on “Use random hardware addresses” or click on “Manage known networks,” choose the wireless network, click “Properties,” and choose the “On” or “Change Daily” option for the “Use random hardware addresses” setting.
On Windows 10, even if you are not connected to a wireless network, the device constantly sends a signal to find networks around the area to make them available when you need to connect. The issue is that the signal includes your computer’s unique Media Access Control (MAC) address, and sending out the hardware address can allow others to track your location in a specific area, such as at stores, airports, malls, public areas, etc.
If you want to make it more difficult for people to track your movements as the device scans and connects to a Wi-Fi network, Windows 10 includes an option to generate random hardware addresses that keep changing to make your location more private. However, the feature is only available on specific hardware. If the network adapter doesn’t support the randomize feature, you won’t see the option in the Settings app.
In this guide, I will teach you how to use a random MAC address on Windows 10.
- Enable random MAC address for all Wi-Fi networks
- Enable random MAC address for specific Wi-Fi network
Enable random MAC address for all Wi-Fi networks
To use random hardware addresses for all Wi-Fi networks, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 10.
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Click on Network & Internet.
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Click on Wi-Fi.
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Turn on the “Use random hardware addresses” toggle switch under the “Random hardware addresses” section.
After you complete the steps, the computer will use a random hardware address while scanning for networks and connect to any Wi-Fi access point.
Enable random MAC address for specific Wi-Fi network
To use random hardware addresses for a specific Wi-Fi network, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Network & Internet.
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Click on Wi-Fi.
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Click on the “Manage known networks” setting.
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Select the wireless network.
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Click the Properties button.
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Choose the On or Change daily option for the “Use random hardware addresses” setting.
Once you complete the steps, the device will use a random MAC address to connect to the wireless network.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].