What changing your PC name means and why you might do it
Your PC name is the identifier Windows uses to recognize your computer on a network and in system settings. It appears in File Explorer, network folders, and when you connect to shared printers or other devices. By default, Windows assigns a generic name like "DESKTOP-ABC123" during setup, but you can change it to something more meaningful—like your last name, a project name, or anything else that helps you identify the machine.
You might change your PC name when you get a new computer and want to personalize it, when you're setting up a home network with multiple machines, or when your workplace requires a specific naming convention. The change takes effect after you restart your computer.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your PC name through Settings > System > About, then click the Rename button and type a new name.
- The new name can be up to 63 characters long and cannot contain certain symbols like asterisks, question marks, or forward slashes.
- Your computer must restart for the name change to take effect, so save your work before you begin.
- If you are on a work network, check with your IT department first—some organizations require specific naming formats or have policies about PC names.
Steps to rename your PC in Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About.
On the About page, you will see your current PC name listed under "Device name." Click the Rename this PC button. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one, then click Next. Windows will ask you to restart your computer. Click Restart now to explore the change when ready, or Restart later if you need to save work first. The new name will appear after the restart completes.
Rules for naming your PC
Windows allows up to 63 characters in a PC name, but shorter names are easier to type and remember. You can use letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (-), but the name cannot start with a hyphen or number. Spaces are not allowed—use hyphens instead if you want to separate words (for example, "Home-Office-PC" instead of "Home Office PC").
Do not use these symbols: asterisk (*), question mark (?), forward slash (/), backslash (\), quotation marks ("), pipe (|), angle brackets (< >), or colon (:). Windows will reject the name if it contains any of these. The name is not case-sensitive, so "MyPC" and "mypc" are treated the same way.
What happens if you are on a work network
If your computer is connected to a workplace domain or network, your IT department may have policies about how PCs should be named. Some organizations use naming conventions like "DEPT-USERNAME-001" or require all machines to follow a specific format. Changing your PC name without permission could cause network issues or violate company policy.
Before you rename a work computer, contact your IT support team or check your employee handbook. They can tell you whether you are allowed to change the name and what format to use. If your PC is domain-joined, you may need IT to update the network records after you change the name locally.
Renaming your PC using the Control Panel (older method)
If you prefer the older Control Panel interface, you can rename your PC there as well. Press the Windows key and type "Control Panel," then press Enter. Click System and Security, then click System. On the left side, click Advanced system settings. In the System Properties window, click the Computer Name tab, then click Change. Type your new name in the "Computer name" field and click OK. Windows will prompt you to restart.
This method works the same way as the Settings approach and produces the same result. The Settings method is faster for most people, but the Control Panel route is available if you are more comfortable with that interface.
Troubleshooting if the rename fails
If Windows rejects your new name or the rename process stalls, first check that your name does not contain forbidden symbols and does not start with a number or hyphen. Make sure you have administrator rights on your account—if you are using a standard user account, you may not have permission to change the PC name. Switch to an administrator account or ask someone with admin access to make the change.
If the rename still fails after restart, try restarting your computer again. Sometimes the change does not take effect on the first restart. If you continue to have problems, restart in Safe Mode (press F8 during startup or use Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup) and try renaming from there. If the issue persists, a full restart of Windows may be necessary, but this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my PC name without restarting?
No. Windows requires a restart to explore the name change. You can choose to restart when ready or later, but the new name will not appear in File Explorer or on the network until after the restart completes.
Will changing my PC name affect my files or programs?
No. Your files, programs, and user account remain unchanged. Only the computer's identifier on the network changes. Any shortcuts or network paths that reference the old PC name may need to be updated, but this is rare for most home users.
What if I forget my old PC name?
You can see your current PC name in Settings > System > About under "Device name," or by right-clicking "This PC" in File Explorer and selecting Properties. You can also open Command Prompt and type "hostname" to see the name when ready.
Can I change my PC name back to the original?
Yes. Follow the same steps to rename your PC and type the old name (or any new name) you want. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, though each change requires a restart.
Does changing my PC name affect my WiFi or internet connection?
No. Your internet connection and WiFi settings are not tied to your PC name. The name is only used for network identification and device discovery, not for connecting to the internet itself.