How to Turn On or Off Random Hardware (MAC) Addresses for Wi-Fi in Windows 11
Random hardware (MAC) addresses for Wi-Fi in Windows 11 protect your privacy by giving your PC a fake digital name tag instead of its real, permanent hardware ID. This built-in privacy feature stops stores, cafes, and public Wi-Fi networks from tracking your location as you move around.
Windows 11 generates a new random MAC address for each Wi-Fi network you join by default. You can easily turn this setting on or off for individual networks or all connections in your network settings.
Open Settings , go to Network & internet, then Wi-Fi . Use the toggle to turn Random hardware addresses On or Off for all networks. For specific networks, go to Manage known networks, select a network, and choose your preferred setting from the Random hardware addresses drop-down.
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 Win+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 Win+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.
Targeting individual connections requires a slightly different path. Your random MAC address for Windows 11 toggles on or off for any Wi-Fi network connected previously. This lets you control privacy on a network-by-network basis. Open your Windows 11 Settings, go to the Wi-Fi section, and choose ‘Manage known networks’ to find the option for each saved network.
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.
Using a random MAC address Windows 11 offers a practical way to boost online privacy. It makes tracking device locations significantly harder for websites or network owners over time. Altering this digital name tag adds protection layers during public hotspot connections.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 use a random MAC address?
To change the random MAC address setting in Windows 10/11: Find the Network icon in the bottom right system tray and click it. Then, click Network & Internet Settings. You'll find a toggle labeled 'Use Random Hardware Addresses' – switch it to enable or disable this privacy feature.
Is it safe to turn off random MAC address?
Yes, other operating systems like macOS also support MAC randomization per network, though the default setting is typically active. This behavior can result in recurring connection quirks whenever devices join secure or managed enterprise Wi-Fi.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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