Fix Windows 10 Hardware Random MAC Address Not Working

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of random MAC addresses in Windows 10, addressing issues like “Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working.”

First, we’ll explain why this feature might be causing trouble, and then provide practical solutions to get your random MAC address up and running smoothly.

Here are some methods to solve the issue of Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working:

Check Hardware Compatibility

Update Network Drivers

Reset Network Settings

Disable Third-Party Network Utilities

Create a New Network Profile

Check for Windows Updates

As mentioned above, the methods provided are just an overview of potential solutions.

However, to delve deeper and explore more detailed steps to fix the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address issue, continue reading the blog. In the following sections, we’ll break down each method step-by-step.

Why Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working ?

Windows 10 offers the option to use a random hardware (MAC) address for your network adapter. Primarily, this feature can be useful for privacy and security reasons.

However, the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working is a common issue, and consequently, there are several reasons why it might not be working as expected.

Potential Causes

Hardware Limitations:

Firstly, not all network adapters support random MAC addresses. Therefore, check your adapter’s specifications to confirm compatibility.

Driver Issues:

Secondly, outdated or corrupted network drivers can interfere with random MAC address functionality.

Software Conflicts:

Moreover, certain security software or network management tools might conflict with the random MAC address feature.

Incorrect Settings:

Additionally, the random MAC address setting might not be enabled correctly.

Network Restrictions:

Furthermore, your network administrator might have disabled random MAC addresses.

Windows Bug:

Lastly, there’s a possibility of a bug in Windows 10 affecting the random MAC address feature.

Each of these factors can prevent the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working properly.

Also Check: How to enable Secure Boot in Windows 11 or Windows 10 ?

How to fix Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working ?

In this section, we’ll explore various solutions to fix the issue of the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working.

We’ll guide you through detailed steps, including checking network adapter settings, updating drivers, and configuring system settings to ensure a stable and functional MAC address setup.

Check and Enable Random Hardware Address

Open Network Settings:

To begin, press Windows key + I to open Settings.

Then, click on “Network & Internet”.

Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings:

Next, click on “Wi-Fi” on the left-hand side.

Manage Known Networks:

Subsequently, click on the network you’re connected to and select “Properties”.

Enable Random Hardware Address:

If available, toggle the “Random hardware address” option to the “On” position.

However, if this option is missing, your network adapter might not support it.

Update Network Drivers

It’s important to note that outdated or corrupted network drivers can hinder random MAC address functionality, leading to the common issue of Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working.

Check for Updates Manually:

First, press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”.

Then, expand “Network adapters”.

Next, right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver”.

Finally, choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”.

Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website:

First, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest drivers for your network adapter.

Then, download and install the drivers.

Check Compatibility

Firstly, verify if your network adapter supports random MAC addresses.

Next, check the manufacturer’s specifications or support documentation.

If unsupported, consider upgrading to a compatible network adapter.

Adjust System Settings

To start, open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

Then, click “Hardware properties”.

Next, ensure “Random hardware addresses” is set to “On”.

However, if the option is grayed out, your adapter may not support this feature.

Reset Network Settings

First, open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.

Then, scroll down and click “Network reset”.

Next, click “Reset now” and confirm.

Finally, restart your computer and reconfigure your network connections.

Also Check: How to install Windows 10 update KB5021235 ?

Disable Conflicting Software

It’s worth noting that certain security or network management software may cause issues with the random MAC address feature, contributing to the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working as intended.

Temporarily Disable Software:

First, disable any security software (antivirus, firewall) or network management tools temporarily.

Then, check if the random MAC address works.

If it does, you might need to configure the software to allow random MAC addresses or find an alternative.

Create a New Network Profile

Sometimes, creating a new network profile can resolve issues related to the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working.

Forget the Network:

In the same network properties window as before, click “Forget”.

Reconnect to the Network:

Reconnect to the network and see if the random MAC address works.

Use Command Prompt to Reset Network Stack

First, open Command Prompt as administrator.

Then, run the following commands (press Enter after each):

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

Finally, restart your computer.

Resolve Windows Update Conflicts

Initially, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Next, check for any pending updates and install them.

If issues persist after updates, consider rolling back the last update:

First, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Then, under “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10,” click “Get started”

Also Check: How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 ?

Check for Windows Updates

Make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated, as missing updates can sometimes lead to the Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working properly.

To do this, Check for Updates:

First, press Windows key + I to open Settings.

Then, click on “Update & Security”.

Next, click on “Check for updates”.

Finally, install any available updates.

Modify Registry Settings (Advanced users only)

To begin, press Win + R, type “regedit”, and press Enter.

Then, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces.

Next, find the correct interface (usually the one with most subkeys).

After that, right-click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Subsequently, name it “UseRandomHardwareAddress” and set its value to 1.

Finally, restart your computer.

Perform a Clean Boot

First, press Win + R, type “msconfig”, and press Enter.

Then, go to the “Services” tab.

Next, check “Hide all Microsoft services”.

After that, click “Disable all”.

Subsequently, go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”.

Then, disable all startup items.

Finally, restart your computer and test the feature.

How to enable or disable random MAC Address in Windows 10 ?

In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of enabling or disabling the random MAC address feature in Windows 10.

This feature can enhance your privacy by making your device less trackable on different networks, but it might also affect network performance or connectivity. We’ll cover the steps to manage this setting effectively based on your needs.

Steps to enable or disable random MAC Address in Windows 10

Open Settings:

To begin, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

Navigate to Network & Internet:

Next, click on “Network & Internet” in the Settings window.

Select Wi-Fi:

Then, in the left-hand menu, click on “Wi-Fi.”

Enable Random Hardware Addresses:

In last, under the “Wi-Fi” settings, you’ll find an option called “Use random hardware addresses.” Toggle this switch to the “On or Off” position.

For a specific network

You can also enable random hardware addresses for a specific Wi-Fi network.

To do so, click on “Manage known networks” under the Wi-Fi settings.

The,. select the desired network and click on “Properties.”

Finally, toggle the “Use random hardware addresses for this network” switch to “On or Off.”

Note: Not all network adapters support random MAC addresses. If this option is unavailable, your adapter might not be compatible.

Also Check: How to download early Windows 10 ISO downloads ?

Conclusion

In conclusion, resolving the “Windows 10 hardware random MAC address not working” issue may require some patience and troubleshooting. We’ve explored various solutions, from simple checks to more advanced techniques.

Remember to start with the basics: ensure your hardware is compatible, update your drivers, and check your settings. If these don’t work, move on to more complex solutions like resetting your network, creating a new network profile, or using Command Prompt commands.

Don’t be discouraged if the first method doesn’t work – sometimes it takes a combination of approaches to solve the problem.

If you’ve tried all these steps and still face issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or your device manufacturer for further assistance.

Source: [ support microsoft, microsoft, tenforums ]

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)

How to turn on randomize MAC address ?

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Toggle the “Use random hardware addresses” switch to the “On” position. For specific network randomization, manage known networks, select the network, go to properties, and enable the same option there.

Why is my MAC address randomized ?

Your MAC address might be randomized for privacy reasons. This feature hides your device’s unique identifier when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, making it harder to track your online activities. It’s a common security setting found in many operating systems.

Should I disable MAC address randomization ?

Disabling MAC address randomization might improve network compatibility, especially in corporate or controlled environments. However, it compromises privacy by exposing your device’s unique identifier. Consider the trade-off between convenience and security when making this decision.