Locating the MAC Address of a NIC in Windows by using the CMD prompt

This article describes how to find the Media Access Control (MAC) address of a network adapter in Windows.

Table of Contents:

1. Media Access Control Address
2. Locating the MAC Address of a Network Adapter in Windows
3. Frequently Asked Questions

Media Access Control Address

A network adapter also called a Network Interface Card or NIC, is equipped with a unique identifier known as the Media Access Control (MAC) address. Routers and switches use it to control access to a network. You may find it useful in some situations to determine the MAC address of a NIC in Windows. The instructions in this article explain how to do so.

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Locating the MAC Address of a NIC in Windows

To locate the MAC address of a NIC in Windows, follow these steps:

1. Open a command prompt. (Click Start, Run, Type CMD, then right-click CMD.exe on the menu, and click Run as Administrator)
   
   Figure 1: CMD Window

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2. At the prompt in the open command Window: Type getmac /v The MAC address labeled "Physical Address," is displayed in the form xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx:
   
   
   Figure 2: CMD getmac /v command

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3. It is also possible to determine the MAC address of a NIC with the ipconfig /all command. Which returns a large amount of other information as well:
   
   
   Figure 3: CMD ipconfig /all command

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4. When finished, type Exit then press enter to close the command window.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How do I find my NIC MAC address?
   A: See the Locating the MAC Address of a Network Adapter in Windows section for instructions.
2. Q: What is the MAC address in networking?
   A: The MAC address a unique set of 12 alphanumeric characters that are used to identify individual electronic devices on a network.
3. Q: Does each NIC have its own MAC address?
   A: Yes, each NIC has its own MAC address.
4. Q: What is the size of the MAC address of a NIC?
   A: A MAC address consists of 48-bits or 12 alphanumeric character expressed in a hexadecimal format.
5. Q: How do I find my NIC MAC address using CMD?
   A: See the Locating the MAC Address of a Network Adapter in Windows section for instructions.
6. Q: What is the difference between NIC and MAC address?
   A: A NIC is a hardware device that is the interface between a computer or network device and the network itself. The MAC address uniquely identifies the NIC on a network.

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Helpful Links

• Detailed instructions on how to use the Dell Support Site to identify and install the drivers for your Dell PC  
• If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Dell Technical Support for assistance

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