Microsoft Surface Mac Address Passthrough

The Surface dock has no MAC address pass through. There are workplaces where a Surface dock is installed and the user (and Surface devices) change sometimes within several hours multiple times. As they attach their Surface Pro to the same Surface dock as the user before, the client sends the same dhcp client identifier (MAC address). Jan 18, 2013  Check out how to locate / find the wireless (wifi) Mac Address on the Surface Tablet from Microsoft. Its basically the same as a Windows (7,8) Operating System.

If you want a solid and stable internet connection, your best bet most of the time is to go with an Ethernet connection. While some PCs, gaming laptops, and business laptops have built-in Ethernet ports, Surface Pro devices require additional hardware. Luckily, there are quite a few options, ranging from expensive and sturdy docks that create a desktop setup to inexpensive dongles.

Jul 27, 2018  Select the PXE boot option. The MAC will be displayed. Go into the BIOS - the mac MAY be in there. If this is a real server then it might be listed in the iDRAC/ILO/IPMI. This is the best way, pxe shows the mac address there. You can also boot into a live cd and get the mac Address. Oct 15, 2012  The MAC address is the physical address assigned to the WiFi network. If you need to forward some portson Surface Pro tablet, you should first know how to find your MAC address of a network card.Here is the tutorial to do that in Windows 8.1/8. Here's how to find your MAC address in Windows 10 so you can use it in your router settings. Surface Laptop 3 Fail. Has a unique hardware ID called the MAC (or 'media access control') address. Feb 18, 2017  The MAC address is a unique hardware address using for every network card while consists of 6 pairs of characters, so ISPs often use it to authenticate client devices. If you would like to avoid the location tracking based on the device’s physical address, you can easily do that by randomizing your adapter’s MAC address in Windows 10, but. To boot a Surface device from an alternative boot device, follow these steps: Ensure the Surface device is powered off. Press and hold the Volume Down button. Press and release the Power button. After the system begins to boot from the USB stick or Ethernet adapter, release the Volume Down button.

Products used in this guide

  • Official dock: Surface Dock ($179 at Microsoft)
  • Small dongle: Startech USB 3.0-A to ethernet adapter ($22 at Amazon)
  • Fast Ethernet: Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet cable ($7 at Amazon)
  • Desk dock: Kensington Surface Pro Dock ($400 at Amazon)

How to add Ethernet to your Surface

  1. Dock your Surface Pro into whichever dock or device you have, or connect your dongle to the USB port.
  2. Connect an Ethernet cable to your router.
  3. Plug the Ethernet cable into your dock or dongle.

You don't have to do any software configuration for an Ethernet connection. Generally speaking, Windows 10 handles this and it's plug-and-play. You can always choose which network to connect to through the Settings app.

Our top equipment picks

There is a wide range of devices that add Ethernet connectivity to the Surface Pro. You can get one directly from Microsoft or jump up or down in price depending on your needs and budget.

Straight from Microsoft

Surface Dock

Directly from the source

The Surface Dock has four USB ports, two mini-display ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack to go along with the dedicated Ethernet port.

You can leave the Surface Dock on your desk with all your peripherals set up or carry the dock in your bag to increase your ports on the go. It utilizes the Surface connect port, so you only have to plug one wire into your Surface Pro. The dock is a bit dated and hasn't dropped in price like older pieces hardware often do, but it still works and allows you to connect your device through Ethernet.

A mini studio

Kensington Surface Pro Dock

A unique desktop setup

This docking station doesn't just make your Surface Pro look like a Surface Studio; it also packs ports, including Gigabit Ethernet.

The Kensington Surface Dock is a heavy-duty setup with a plethora of ports, a rock-solid design, and a hinged dock that allows you to use the Surface Pro at an infinite number of angles. In his review of the device, Executive Editor Daniel Rubino said that the dock was 'so good Microsoft should have made it.' This dock works with the Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 6, Surface Pro 5, and Surface Pro 4. It does not work with the Surface Pro X as the dimensions for that device are different. There's also a smaller Kensington Docking Station that works with the Surface Go.

Best budget

Ip Address

StarTech USB 3.0-A to ethernet adapter

Budget-friendly and lightweight

You can easily toss this adapter into a bag or use it as part of a permanent setup.

Microsoft Surface Mac Address Passthrough

This dongle handles 10/100/1,000mbps networks and is a reliable way to add an Ethernet connection to your Surface Pro. You don't gain the ports of the Surface Dock, but you gain portability.

Best for Surface Pro X

StarTech USB C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

Mac Address Passthrough Bios Settings

Modern connectivity

You can use this dongle with either of the Surface Pro X's two USB-C ports. It supports USB 3.1 and can transfer files with 10/100/1,000 Mbps network speeds.

Microsoft Surface Mac Address Passthrough Account

Additional Equipment

It doesn't matter which dongle or dock you use if you don't have a good Ethernet cable. This Amazon Basic cable is Cat-6 and can handle ridiculously fast internet speeds.

UPDATE (21 May): Microsoft has officially released the preview version of its Chromium-based Edge browser for macOS and it's available for download from the now. Can you download microsoft edge browser on mac computer.

Amazon Basics Cat-6 ethernet cable($7 at Amazon)

This cable will work with internet speeds all the way up to 1Gbps.

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Buyer's guide

Microsoft Surface Mac Address Passthrough Free

Spruce up your Surface Pro with these awesome accessories

Whether you are using your Surface as your main computer or as a secondary device, you are going to want to make sure it's decked out with all the best gear. We've rounded up a bunch of worthwhile accessories right here.