How to Find a MAC Address in the Registry

The MAC address of your computer is the static physical address of the hardware your computer uses to connect to the network. This is in opposition to your computers IP address, which changes and defines how your computer is connected to the internet. Your computers MAC address can be located by browsing the Windows registry to take advantage of network security features, such as limiting wireless access to only MAC addresses owned by your company.


Click on the Windows Orb to open the Start menu.


Enter "regedit" in the search box and hit "Enter." Click on the "regedit" result under programs to launch the Windows registry browser.


Navigate, using the expandable menu in the right panel, to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | SYSTEM | CurrentControlSet | Control | Class |{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}."


Inspect the subfolders of this registry address -- numbered "0000," "0001" and so on -- to locate the device corresponding to your network card.


Locate the "Network Address" key in the left panel followed by your computer's 12-digit MAC address.