Where to Find Your PC's Name

Your computer's name is a label Windows or Mac assigns to identify your machine on a network. You can find it in your system settings in under a minute. On Windows, right-click "This PC" on your desktop or in File Explorer, select Properties, and look for the device name near the top of the window. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click General, and you'll see the computer name at the top.

The name matters most when you're connecting to a printer, joining a network, or troubleshooting with tech support. It's also what appears when other people on your home or work network browse for shared files. If you've never changed it, Windows likely gave your PC a name like "DESKTOP-ABC123" and Mac likely used something like "John's MacBook Pro."

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open File Explorer, right-click "This PC," select Properties, and read the device name in the window that opens.
  • On Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General and look at the top of the window for the computer name.
  • You can also find your PC's name by opening Command Prompt on Windows and typing "hostname," then pressing Enter.
  • Your computer's name is useful when connecting devices, joining networks, or getting help from tech support.
  • If the default name is hard to remember, you can change it to something more personal in the same settings window.

Finding Your Name on Windows Using File Explorer

The quickest way on Windows is through File Explorer. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E, or click the folder icon on your taskbar. On the left side, you'll see "This PC" — right-click it and select Properties from the menu that appears.

A window titled "System" will open. Look for the section labeled "Device name" near the top — this is your computer's name. You'll also see other information like your Windows version and processor, but the device name is what you're looking for. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for later.

Finding Your Name on Windows Using Command Prompt

If you prefer typing commands, Command Prompt will show you your computer's name in seconds. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type "cmd" and press Enter. A black window will open.

Type the word "hostname" (all lowercase) and press Enter. Your computer's name will appear on the next line. This method is useful if File Explorer isn't working or if you're troubleshooting a network problem and need to confirm the name quickly.

Finding Your Name on Mac

On Mac, the process is straightforward. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (on newer Macs) or System Preferences (on older versions). Once the window opens, click General in the sidebar on the left.

At the top of the General window, you'll see "Computer Name" followed by your machine's name. This is the name that appears when other devices on your network search for shared files or printers. Below it, you may also see "Local Hostname," which is a technical name used for network connections — both refer to the same machine.

What to Do If You Want to Change Your Computer's Name

If your computer's default name is confusing or you want something more personal, you can change it. On Windows, go back to the System Properties window (right-click This PC > Properties), click "Rename this PC" near the top, type a new name, and restart your computer. Names can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.

On Mac, go to System Settings > General and click the edit button next to "Computer Name." Type your new name and press Enter — the change takes effect when ready without a restart. Keep the name short and straightforward to remember, especially if other people will see it on a network.

Why Your Computer's Name Matters

Your computer's name becomes important in several situations. When you connect a wireless printer, the printer's setup screen will ask you to select which computer to connect to — you'll see your computer's name in that list. If you're on a work network and need to share files with colleagues, they'll search for your computer by its name. Tech support staff will also ask for your computer's name when helping you troubleshoot problems.

On a home network with multiple devices, a clear computer name makes it easier to find the right machine when backing up files or accessing shared folders. If you have a laptop and a desktop, naming them something like "Living Room Desktop" and "Work Laptop" saves confusion later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't confuse your computer's name with your user account name — they're different. Your user account is the login you use to start your computer; your computer's name is the label for the entire machine. You can have multiple user accounts on one computer, but the computer itself has only one name.

If you change your computer's name, any saved network connections (like shared printers or folders) may need to be reconnected. Windows will usually handle this automatically, but on a work network, you may need to contact your IT department. Also, avoid using spaces or special characters in your computer's name — stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens to prevent connection problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my computer's name the same as my Windows or Mac username?

No. Your username is what you type to log in to your account. Your computer's name is the label for the entire machine. You can have multiple usernames on one computer, but there's only one computer name. You'll find your username in the same System Properties or System Settings window, but it's listed separately.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my computer's name?

Windows and Mac both allow letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. If you try to use a space, the system will either remove it or replace it with a hyphen. Stick to straightforward names like "Home-Desktop" or "Office-Laptop" to avoid connection problems on networks.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing its name?

On Windows, yes — you'll be prompted to restart, and the change takes effect after the restart. On Mac, no — the change happens when ready. If you're on a work network, check with your IT department before changing your computer's name, as it may affect network connections or security settings.

What if I can't find my computer's name in System Properties?

Make sure you're looking at the right window. On Windows, right-click "This PC" and select Properties — not Settings. The device name appears near the top of the System window. If you still don't see it, try the Command Prompt method: press Windows key + R, type "cmd," and type "hostname." On Mac, go to System Settings > General and look at the very top of the window.

Will changing my computer's name affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and settings will remain unchanged. The only thing that changes is the label other devices use to find your computer on a network. If you have printers or shared folders connected, you may need to reconnect them, but this is usually automatic.