Campus Network (Windows and macOS) - Find the MAC Address of an Ethernet Adapter

This document describes how to find the MAC address of an Ethernet adapter.

What are Ethernet adapters

Computers without Ethernet ports use Ethernet adapters to create a wired network connection. These adapters usually connect to the computer's USB or Thunderbolt ports.

You must register the MAC address of the Ethernet adapter you are using to connect your computer to the campus network. Laptops with a built-in Ethernet port must register the MAC address of the laptop itself. See UWNet - Register a Device Without a Browser to register your computer or Ethernet adapter.

The laptop will have its own MAC for wireless connections, but will use the MAC of the adapter for all wired connections.

Find MAC address of an Ethernet adapter

Note: If you are having trouble finding the MAC address of your adapter, check the user's manual for the device and consult the manufacturer's documentation for more information.

Windows

  1. With an Ethernet cable plugged into your data jack, connect your Ethernet adapter to the other end of the cable, then plug the Ethernet adapter into one of the laptop's USB ports.

  2. Open your Windows start menu, then type cmd in the search bar and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

    Windows search results

  3. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all.

  4. Information for the Ethernet Adapter will be found under the heading Ethernet adapter.
    The Physical Address corresponds to the MAC address. This is the address that will need to be registered for housing network connections. See 

    Ethernet address

macOS 

macOS 26 Tahoe

  1. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your wall data jack.
  2. Plug the other end into your Ethernet adapter.
  3. Plug the Ethernet adapter into your computer's USB or Thunderbolt ports.
  4. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner.
  5. Click System Settings, then click Network.
  6. Find the network connection with the adapter manufacturer's name or the type of adapter that you're using.
    • Note: Ethernet connections on macOS will usually use the <···> symbol.

      macOS Network tab with Ethernet option

  7. Click Details, then click the Hardware tab.
  8. The address is listed next to MAC Address.

For more information, see Apple's Mac User Guide.


Keywords:
USB thunderbolt gigabit ethernet adapter converter wired campus housing network dorm resnet register devices registration dongle macos tahoe windows 8 10 address 
Doc ID:
76293
Owned by:
Help Desk KB Team in DoIT Help Desk
Created:
2017-09-01
Updated:
2026-08-03
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, UW Housing