Technitium MAC Address Changer 6.0.7

Technitium MAC Address Changer 6.0.7 is a free Windows tool from Technitium that lets you view and change the MAC address of your network adapters. It also shows detailed information about each adapter and connection in one window. You can download Technitium MAC Address Changer for Windows from technitium.com.

Specifications

What a MAC address is and why change it

Every network adapter, whether Wi-Fi or Ethernet, has a hardware address called a MAC address. Networks use it to recognise devices on the local network. Routers assign IP addresses by it, some networks allow only known MAC addresses, and some internet providers bind a subscription to the address of the device that was originally connected. Technitium MAC Address Changer lets you set a different address for an adapter in software, without touching the hardware. Common legitimate uses: replacing a router or network card when the provider only accepts the old address, testing how a network reacts to new devices, troubleshooting address conflicts, or improving privacy on public Wi-Fi so that your laptop is not tracked across visits by the same hardware address. Modern Windows can randomise the Wi-Fi address itself, but it does not give you the same control over wired adapters or specific values. The tool also displays adapter details such as the manufacturer derived from the address, connection status and IP configuration, which makes it handy for diagnostics.

How to change an address

1. Install the program from the official website and run it as administrator.
2. Select the network adapter in the list.
3. Enter a new address or generate a random one.
4. Apply the change; the adapter restarts briefly.
5. Use the restore option to return to the original address when needed.

Legal and practical notes

• Change addresses only on your own devices and networks, or with permission.
• Using a changed address to get around access controls or bans on someone else's network may break the law or the network's rules.
• Write down the original address before you change anything.
• If a network stops working after the change, restore the original address first.

Background on this release is in the developer's blog post about version 6.0.7.

If the change does not stick

Some Wi-Fi drivers ignore software addresses or accept only certain values. Try a generated address that the tool marks as locally administered, update the adapter driver, or test with a USB adapter. After Windows updates, check that the address is still the one you set.

Pros and cons

• Pro: changes MAC addresses in a few clicks.
• Pro: restores the original address easily.
• Pro: detailed adapter information for diagnostics.
• Con: some adapter drivers do not accept a changed address.
• Con: requires administrator rights.

Alternatives

For network diagnostics, our listings include Advanced IP Scanner, Wireless Network Watcher, WinMTR and Wireshark.