How to rename your computer in Windows
You can change your PC name through the Settings app in a few clicks, and the change takes effect after you restart. The process is the same whether you're running Windows 10 or Windows 11. Your PC name is what appears on your network when other devices look for computers to connect to, and it's also the name that shows in File Explorer when you browse shared folders.
The quickest route is to open Settings, navigate to the System section, find the Rename your PC option, type a new name, and restart. You don't need administrator permission if you're the account owner, though Windows will ask you to confirm the restart.
Key Takeaways
- Your PC name is visible on your network and in shared folder browsing, so changing it affects how other devices see your computer.
- The Settings app method works in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and requires only a restart to take effect.
- A new PC name cannot contain spaces or most special characters — use hyphens or underscores instead.
- If you cannot find the rename option in Settings, your account may lack the necessary permissions, and you may need to contact your system administrator.
Renaming your PC in Windows 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, select System from the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Rename your PC. A dialog box will appear with a text field containing your current PC name.
Clear the existing name, type your new name, and click Next. Windows will show you a confirmation screen. Click Rename to confirm the change. Windows will then prompt you to restart your computer — you can restart when ready or choose to restart later, though the new name won't take effect until you do restart.
Renaming your PC in Windows 10
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then press Enter. Click System, then select About from the left sidebar. On the About page, look for the section labeled "Device name" and click the Rename this PC button.
A dialog box will open with your current PC name highlighted. Type your new name and click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm the change and will prompt you to restart. You can restart right away or wait until later, but the new name only becomes active after a restart.
Rules for PC names
Windows has specific rules about what characters are allowed in a PC name. Your new name can be up to 63 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens. You cannot use spaces, periods, or special characters like @, #, $, %, or &. If you try to enter a name that breaks these rules, Windows will show an error message and won't let you proceed.
A common workaround is to use hyphens or underscores instead of spaces — for example, "Home-Office-PC" or "David_Laptop" instead of "Home Office PC". Avoid names that are already in use on your network, as this can cause confusion when browsing shared folders or connecting to printers.
What happens after you rename your PC
After you restart, the new name appears in File Explorer at the top of the window, in network browsing when other computers look for shared resources, and in Settings under System > About. If you're connected to a workplace network or domain, your IT administrator may need to update records on their end, so check with them before renaming a work computer.
If you use cloud services like OneDrive or Microsoft 365, they will recognize the new PC name automatically — you don't need to sign in again or reconfigure anything. Printers and other devices on your network will also see the new name the next time they scan for available computers.
Troubleshooting if the rename option is missing
If you don't see the "Rename your PC" button in Settings, your user account may not have administrator rights. Check with whoever set up your computer or your workplace IT department. On a work computer, the domain administrator may have locked the rename function to prevent users from changing their PC names without permission.
If you own the computer and set it up yourself, you can check your account type by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info. If it says "Standard account," you'll need to switch to an administrator account or ask someone with admin rights to rename the PC for you.
Renaming your PC from the command line
If Settings doesn't work or you prefer using the command line, you can rename your PC through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type "cmd," right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Type the command wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call rename name="NewPCName", replacing "NewPCName" with your desired name.
Press Enter and Windows will confirm the rename. You'll still need to restart for the change to take effect. This method works the same way in Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it's useful if the Settings method is unavailable or not responding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my PC name without restarting?
No, Windows requires a restart for the new name to take effect on your network and in shared folder browsing. You can type the new name and confirm it in Settings, but it won't be active until you restart.
Will changing my PC name affect my files or programs?
No, renaming your PC does not affect your files, programs, or user accounts. Everything stays exactly where it is. The change only affects how your computer appears to other devices on your network.
What if I want to change my PC name back to the original?
You can rename your PC as many times as you want using the same method. Just go back to Settings > System > Rename your PC (Windows 11) or Settings > System > About > Rename this PC (Windows 10), type the old name, and restart.
Can I use spaces in my PC name?
No, Windows does not allow spaces in PC names. Use hyphens or underscores instead — for example, "Home-Office-PC" or "Home_Office_PC" will work, but "Home Office PC" will not.
Do I need to tell my internet provider about my PC name change?
No, your internet provider does not track your PC name. The name is only used on your local network for identifying your computer to other devices and printers. Your internet connection is not affected by renaming your PC.