[SOLVED] In Windows settings

[nbartolo7]

under network and internet, and under wi-fi, the option called random hardware addresses, is it useful? and does it work if I have a static IP address?

 

[rgd1101]

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...ddresses-060ad2e9-526e-4f1c-9f3d-fe6a842640ed

 

[Colif]

realizes he has seen this post before tonight... but somewhere else. I did look for duplicate until i realised it was another future forum.

When you're not connected to Wi-Fi, your PC sends a signal to look for Wi-Fi networks in the area to help you get connected. The signal contains the unique physical hardware (MAC) address for your device. Some places, for example shopping malls, stores, or other public areas, might use this unique address to track your movement in that area. If your Wi-Fi hardware supports it, you can turn on random hardware addresses to make it harder for people to track you when your PC scans for networks and connects.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...ddresses-060ad2e9-526e-4f1c-9f3d-fe6a842640ed

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows-ac58de34-35fc-31ff-c650-823fc48eb1bc

https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-downsides-to-using-Random-Hardware-Addresses-in-Windows-10

i think it works if you have a static IP as i don't think that is what is sent.

 

[hotaru.hino]

It's useful for public spaces that use the hardware address for things like tracking.

However in other settings, it's not as useful if you dabble in your own network administration, such as setting up whitelisting via the hardware address as IP addresses of the device can change. If you don't do any sort of network administration, then it's harmless to leave randomizing the hardware address enabled.