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About MAC Randomization feature

Anonymous
2019-05-28T10:32:51+00:00

I have read about this feature but have some queries:

Why use random hardware addresses?

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.

  1. MAC randomization works with Open WiFi only?
  2. Before getting connected to WiFi, how can user be tracked?
  3. MAC keeps on changing even after getting connected to 1 network?
  4. Do Every beacon have different MAC ?
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-05-29T10:21:36+00:00

    Hello vikasvashishtha,

    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

    Random hardware addresses are used to make it harder for people to track our location when you connect to different Wi-Fi networks. To enable the feature, you need to have appropriate drivers installed on your machine. However, to address your questions, kindly check with the below mentioned answers:

    1. MAC randomization works with all type of networks.
    2. Unless the device is connected to the network/Wi-Fi, it cannot be tracked. The MAC address can be used to track your device as it connects to various Wi-Fi access points. Hence, by enabling MAC address randomization, it is hard to track the device. The device can still be tracked using other information.
    3. No, MAC address won’t change after getting connected to 1 network unless you have enabled 'Use random hardware addresses for this network'.
    4. Yes, every network device has a unique MAC address.

    Regards,

    Mala S

    Microsoft Community - Moderator

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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