Your computer name is the identifier your device uses on a network

Your computer name (also called a hostname or device name) is the label your machine displays when it connects to a network, appears in file sharing, or shows up in remote access tools. You need it to troubleshoot network problems, set up printers, connect to shared folders, or let someone access your machine remotely. The steps to find it differ by operating system, but the process takes less than a minute on any platform.

Unlike your username (which is the account you log into), your computer name belongs to the device itself and stays the same regardless of who is using it. It is visible to other computers on your local network but does not appear when you browse the internet or use online services.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" and select Properties to see your computer name in the Device name field.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click General, then About to find the Computer Name at the top of the window.
  • On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname to display your computer name when ready.
  • Your computer name can be changed in the same location where you find it, though the change usually requires a restart.
  • If you are on a work network, your IT department may have assigned a specific naming convention you should follow.

Finding your computer name on Windows 10 and 11

The fastest way on Windows is through the System settings. Right-click the Start button, select System, and look for "Device name" near the top of the window. That is your computer name. Alternatively, right-click "This PC" on your desktop or in File Explorer, choose Properties, and scroll to the "Device name" field under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings.

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Start menu) and type hostname, then press Enter. The name appears on the next line. This method works the same way on any Windows version and is useful if you are troubleshooting network issues or writing down the name for someone else.

Finding your computer name on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click General. Select About from the sidebar. Your computer name appears at the top of the window, labeled "Computer Name." This is the name that shows up when other devices search for your Mac on the network.

You can also use the Terminal if you prefer the command line. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight with Command + Space), type hostname, and press Enter. The full network name displays when ready. Some older Macs also show a "Local Hostname" in the same About window, which is a shorter version used for network connections.

Finding your computer name on Linux

Linux systems display the hostname most directly through the terminal. Open a terminal window and type hostname, then press Enter. Your computer name appears on the next line. This works on any Linux distribution—Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or others.

If you want to see more detail, type hostnamectl (on systems using systemd) to display the hostname alongside other network information. Some desktop environments also show the computer name in System Settings under About or Network, though the terminal method is the most reliable across all Linux versions.

What to do if you need to change your computer name

You can change your computer name in the same location where you found it. On Windows, right-click This PC, select Rename this PC, type the new name, and restart your computer. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > About and click Edit next to Computer Name, then type the new name. On Linux, use the terminal command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-name (replace "new-name" with your choice) and restart.

Before you change the name, check whether your workplace or network has naming rules. Some organizations require names to follow a specific pattern for inventory or security reasons. Also note that changing your computer name does not affect your user account name or password—it only changes how the device identifies itself on the network.

Why you might need your computer name

Network printers often ask for your computer name when you set them up, especially on shared office networks. Remote access tools like Remote Desktop (Windows) or Screen Sharing (Mac) use the computer name to locate your device. File sharing also relies on the computer name so other people can find your machine when browsing the network.

If you are troubleshooting a connection problem with IT support or a tech forum, they will almost certainly ask for your computer name. Having it written down saves time and prevents confusion, especially in large organizations where many devices exist on the same network. Network conflicts also occur when two computers share the same name, so knowing yours helps you spot and fix the problem quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my computer name the same as my username?

No. Your username is the account you log into on your device. Your computer name is what the machine itself is called on the network. You can have multiple user accounts on one computer, but the computer name stays the same for all of them.

Can I see other computers' names on my network?

On Windows, open File Explorer and click Network to see other devices on your local network. On Mac, open Finder, click Network in the sidebar, and browse available computers. On Linux, use the terminal command nmblookup -A or install and run tools like Samba to browse network devices.

What happens if two computers have the same name?

Network conflicts occur. Devices may not appear correctly in file sharing, printers may not connect, and remote access tools may connect to the wrong machine. Windows and Mac will warn you if you try to use a duplicate name on the same network. Change one of the names when ready if this happens.

Does my computer name show up when I browse the internet?

No. Your computer name is only visible to devices on your local network or to someone you give remote access to. Websites and internet services do not see it. Your public IP address is what identifies you online, and that is separate from your computer name.

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

Most systems allow letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. Stick to alphanumeric characters and hyphens to avoid network compatibility problems. Keep the name under 15 characters for best results across all devices and networks.