Windows 10: In SETTINGS / NETWORK & INTERNET/ THERE IS AN OPTION FOR RANDOM HARDWARE ADDRESSES

I did a security check and saw where my password had been used in some foreign countries. Could this be because I have RANDOM HARDWARE ADDRESSES turned on? Any additional info on this setting will be gladly accepted.

:)

 

[BUG] "Random hardware addresses" disable for known network does not work!

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

1. Is your device connected to domain network?
   
2. May I know what you exactly mean by "the "Random hardware address" is used even for known "whitelisted" networks"?
   

There's two controls for using random hardware addresses—one is for all Wi-Fi networks and the other is for the specific Wi-Fi network you choose. When you turn it on for all networks, random hardware addresses are used while your
PC scans for networks and connects to any network. When it's turned on for a specific network you choose, random hardware addresses are used the next time you connect to that network.



Refer the article ‘How and why to use random hardware
addresses’ for more information.



We await for your response.





Muralidhar

Microsoft Community Moderator

 

Where is the random hardware access? its different than my old windows 10

Hi Forgo,

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 2-Year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

Most probably you need to connect to the network then the option would appear.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402792...

• 
  Use random hardware addresses for all networks:
  
  • Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi .
    
  • Turn on Use random hardware addresses.
    
• 
  Use random hardware addresses for a specific network:
  
  • Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage
    known networks.
    
  • Choose a network, then select Properties and choose the setting you want under Use random hardware addresses for this network.
    

Open Wi-Fi

 

Using random hardware addresses for networks

Hey there,

Often I have connection issues with my PC. To specify the PC connects to the WIFI Network, however it doesn't have an active internet connection. It occurs the most at the public wifi in my uni. It also sometimes happens with my home wifi.

The question is; when I select the use random hardware addresses for networks option, it suddenly resolves the connection issues. Even after turning it off the connection is stable w/o any problems. Why does that happen?