Where to find your PC's name on Windows

Your PC's name is stored in Windows settings and appears in a few places. The quickest way to find it is to right-click the Start button, select "System", and look for "Device name" near the top of the window. That's your PC's name.

You can also find it by pressing the Windows key and typing "About your PC", then opening that settings page. The device name appears under "Device specifications".

A third option: press Windows key + Pause/Break together. An older-style window opens showing your computer name under "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings".

Key Takeaways

  • Your PC's name is visible in Windows Settings under System > About, listed as "Device name".
  • You can also see it by right-clicking the Start button and selecting System, or by pressing Windows key + Pause/Break.
  • Your PC's name appears in File Explorer at the top of the sidebar and in network settings when you share files.
  • Changing your PC's name requires a restart and is done through the same System settings page where you found it.
  • Your PC's name is different from your user account name — one identifies the machine, the other identifies you on that machine.

Finding your PC's name in File Explorer

Open File Explorer and look at the left sidebar. Under "This PC" you'll see your computer name displayed. It's the same name that appears in Windows Settings.

When you're browsing network folders or shared drives, your PC's name also shows up in the address bar and in network discovery lists. This is the name other computers on your network use to find yours.

What your PC's name is actually used for

Your PC's name serves as an identifier on your home or work network. When you share files with another computer, print to a network printer, or connect to shared folders, Windows uses this name to locate your machine.

If you're troubleshooting network problems or setting up remote access, IT support or a technician will ask for your PC's name. It's also the name that appears in your router's list of connected devices.

The name is not the same as your user account name. Your user account name is who you are on the computer; your PC's name is what the computer itself is called.

How to change your PC's name

To rename your PC, go to Windows Settings, select System, then scroll down and click "Rename this PC". Type the new name you want and click "Next". Windows will ask you to restart your computer for the change to take effect.

When choosing a new name, keep it straightforward: use letters, numbers, and hyphens only. Avoid spaces and special characters, as some networks have trouble with them. The name can be up to 63 characters long, but shorter names are easier to type and remember.

After you restart, the new name appears when ready in Windows Settings and File Explorer. Other computers on your network may take a few minutes to recognize the change.

Why you might want to rename your PC

Many PCs come with a generic name like "DESKTOP-ABC123" that's hard to remember. Renaming it to something meaningful — like "home-office-pc" or "bedroom-laptop" — makes it easier to identify when you're sharing files or managing multiple devices.

If you're setting up a home network with several computers, distinct names help you keep track of which device is which. It also makes troubleshooting clearer when you're talking to support and need to specify which machine has the problem.

Finding your PC's name on older Windows versions

On Windows 10, the steps above work exactly as described. On Windows 11, the System settings page looks slightly different but the "Device name" field is in the same location.

If you're using Windows 7 or earlier, right-click "Computer" on the desktop or in File Explorer, select "Properties", and look for "Computer name" in the window that opens. The Windows key + Pause/Break shortcut also works on older versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PC's name the same as my user account name?

No. Your user account name is the login you use to sign into Windows. Your PC's name is what the computer itself is called on a network. You can have multiple user accounts on one PC, but the PC itself has only one name.

Can I see my PC's name from another computer?

Yes, if both computers are on the same network. On another Windows PC, open File Explorer and look under "Network" to see other computers on your network listed by their names. You can also see your PC's name in your router's connected devices list.

What happens if two PCs have the same name?

Windows will warn you and prevent the second computer from using that name. Network sharing and file access can become confused when two devices share a name, so Windows blocks it during setup. You'll need to choose a different name for one of them.

Does changing my PC's name affect my files or programs?

No. Renaming your PC does not delete files, uninstall programs, or change any settings. It only changes how the computer identifies itself on a network. You'll need to restart for the change to take effect, but everything else stays the same.

Why does Windows assign such a long random name by default?

Windows generates a unique name during setup to may support no two computers have the same identifier. The random string prevents naming conflicts, especially in large organizations. You can change it to anything you prefer after setup is complete.