Change your PC name through Settings

The fastest way to rename your PC is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to System, then select About on the left side. You will see your current PC name listed under "Device name." Click the Rename this PC button, type your new name, and click Next. Windows will ask you to restart your computer — save your work first, then restart.

Your new name takes effect after the restart. The name can be up to 63 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #. Windows will not let you use a name that is already taken on your network.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The process is the same on both versions, though the Settings layout may look slightly different depending on your exact build number.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest way to rename your PC — go to System > About and click Rename this PC.
  • Your PC name can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters.
  • Windows requires a restart after you change the name, so close your open programs first.
  • If you cannot access Settings, you can rename your PC through System Properties using the keyboard shortcut Win+Pause/Break.
  • Other devices on your network will see the new name when ready after your PC restarts.

Rename your PC using System Properties

If Settings is not working or you prefer the older interface, you can rename your PC through System Properties. Press Win+Pause/Break on your keyboard to open System Properties directly. Look for the section labeled "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" and click the Change settings button.

A new window will open. Click the Change button next to "To rename this computer or change its domain or workgroup, click Change." Type your new PC name in the field that appears, then click OK. Windows will prompt you to restart — click OK again, then restart your computer when you are ready.

This method is identical in function to the Settings approach but uses the older Control Panel interface. Both methods change the same setting, so the result is the same.

What happens when you change your PC name

When you rename your PC, the change affects how your computer appears on your network and in shared folders. Other computers and devices on the same Wi-Fi or ethernet network will see the new name instead of the old one. If you have shared folders or printers set up, other users may need to reconnect using the new name.

The rename does not affect your user account name, your files, your passwords, or any installed programs. Your personal folders stay in the same place, and you will not lose any data. The change is purely cosmetic — it only changes what your computer is called on the network.

If your PC is part of a workplace domain, you may not be able to rename it yourself. Contact your IT department before attempting a rename, as domain-joined computers are usually managed centrally.

Naming conventions that work best

Choose a name that is straightforward to remember and describes the computer in some way. Common naming patterns include your name plus a device type (like "Sarah-Laptop" or "Sarah-Desktop"), a location (like "Kitchen-PC" or "Office-Computer"), or a number if you have multiple machines (like "PC-1" or "PC-2").

Avoid names that are too long or too similar to other computers on your network. A name like "MyComputerForWork" is harder to type and remember than "Work-PC". If you have a family network with multiple computers, using consistent naming makes it much easier to find the right device when you are sharing files or printing.

You can change your PC name as many times as you want, so do not worry about making the perfect choice. If you decide you do not like the new name, you can rename it again using the same steps.

Troubleshooting if the rename fails

If Windows tells you the name is already in use, another computer on your network has that name. Choose a different name and try again. If you are on a workplace network, check with your IT department to see what naming rules explore.

If the Settings app crashes or will not open, use the System Properties method instead (Win+Pause/Break). If that also fails, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes a restart clears temporary issues that prevent the rename from working.

If you see an error message about permissions, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Ask the person who set up your computer to rename it for you, or contact your IT support team if this is a work computer.

Renaming a PC on a network with multiple computers

If you have more than one computer at home or in an office, naming each one clearly makes file sharing and printing much easier. When you set up shared folders or network printers, you reference the PC by its name, so a descriptive name saves time later.

After you rename a PC, other computers may take a few minutes to see the new name on the network. If you are trying to connect to a shared folder or printer and the old name no longer works, wait a few minutes and try again. You can also restart the other computer to force it to refresh the network list.

If you are using a network drive or mapped folder that points to the old PC name, you will need to update that connection. Right-click the mapped drive, select Disconnect, then reconnect using the new PC name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my PC name affect my Windows password or login?

No. Your login password and user account are separate from your PC name. You will still log in the same way after the rename. The PC name only affects how your computer appears on a network.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my PC name?

No. Windows only allows letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces, periods, and special characters like @ or # will cause an error. If you want to separate words, use a hyphen instead, like "Home-Office-PC".

Do I have to restart my computer right after renaming it?

Yes. Windows requires a restart for the new name to take effect. You can wait a few hours if you want, but the rename will not be complete until you restart. Other computers on your network will still see the old name until you restart.

What if I rename my PC and then cannot find it on the network?

Wait a few minutes — the network may take time to update. If it still does not appear, restart your PC and the computer you are trying to connect from. If you are on a workplace network, contact your IT department to make sure the new name does not conflict with network policies.

Can I change my PC name back to what it was before?

Yes. Use the same steps to rename it again. You can change your PC name as many times as you want without any penalty or data loss.