This guide will help you easily turn on or off “random hardware addresses” (also called random MAC addresses) for Wi-Fi on your Windows 11 PC. This helps keep your device more private when connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
What is Wi-Fi and MAC Address?
Wi-Fi is a way your computer connects to the Internet without wires, using radio waves. Every Wi-Fi device has a unique ID called a MAC address (like a name tag for your device).
When your PC looks for Wi-Fi networks nearby, it sends out this MAC address. Some public places, like shopping malls or stores, might use this to track your device as you move around.
To protect your privacy, Windows 11 can use random hardware addresses. This means your PC uses a different, random ID when searching for or connecting to Wi-Fi networks so others can’t easily track you.
Two Ways to Use Random Hardware Addresses
- For all Wi-Fi networks: Use random addresses for every network your PC connects to.
- For a specific Wi-Fi network: Use random addresses only for certain networks you pick.
How to Turn On or Off Random Hardware Addresses for All Wi-Fi Networks
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click Network & internet on the left side, then click Wi-Fi on the right.
- Click the toggle to turn Random hardware addresses On or Off for all networks.
- Close Settings when done.
How to Turn On or Off Random Hardware Addresses for a Specific Wi-Fi Network
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click Network & internet on the left, then Wi-Fi on the right.
- Click Manage known networks.
- Find and click the Wi-Fi network you want to change.
- In the drop-down for Random hardware addresses, choose On, Off, or Change daily.
- Close Settings when finished.
Open Manage Known Networks Settings
Why Should You Use Random Hardware Addresses?
- It helps keep your device private by stopping others from tracking your location using your MAC address.
- You can turn it on for all networks or just for some you want extra privacy on.
- It’s easy to change anytime in your Windows 11 Settings.
- Good practice to check your Wi-Fi privacy settings regularly.
- Protect yourself especially when using public Wi-Fi in places like cafes, airports, or shopping centers.
By turning on random hardware addresses, you take a simple step to keep your online activity more private.
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