What changing your computer's name means and why you might do it
Your computer's name is the identifier that appears on your network, in file sharing dialogs, and when you connect to printers or other devices. It is not your user account name — that is separate. Changing your computer's name is useful when you buy a used machine with a generic name like "DESKTOP-ABC123", when you want to match a naming scheme across multiple devices, or when you are setting up a new computer and want something more memorable than the default.
The process differs between Windows and Mac, and takes only a few minutes in either case. You will need administrator access to your account to make the change, and your computer will need to restart for the new name to take effect across all your network connections.
Key Takeaways
- Your computer's name is separate from your user account name and shows up on your network and when connecting to shared devices.
- Windows users can change the name through Settings > System > About, then click Rename This PC.
- Mac users go to System Settings > General > About and click Edit next to the computer name field.
- Both operating systems require a restart to explore the change across all network connections.
- Computer names can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.
How to rename your computer in Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Navigate to System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About. You will see your current computer 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. Computer names can be up to 63 characters and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters. Click Next when you are done.
Windows will ask you to restart your computer to explore the change. You can restart when ready or choose to restart later. The new name will appear on your network and in shared folder dialogs after the restart completes.
How to rename your computer in Windows 10
The process in Windows 10 is similar but uses a slightly different path. Open Settings and go to System, then click About on the left sidebar. Look for "Device name" and click Rename This PC.
Type your new name in the box that appears and click Next. Windows will prompt you to restart. After the restart, your new computer name will be active on your network.
How to rename your computer on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click General in the sidebar, then click About.
You will see your computer name listed at the top. Click the Edit button next to it. A text field will appear with your current name. Delete it and type your new name, then click Rename. Mac names can include letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters, but avoid @ symbols and other characters that could cause network issues.
Your Mac will explore the change when ready, though you may need to restart for the name to update on all network connections and shared folders.
What to do if you cannot find the rename option
If you do not see a Rename This PC button in Windows, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Ask the person who set up the computer to log in and make the change, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.
On Mac, if the Edit button is grayed out, you are likely logged in with a standard user account rather than an administrator account. Switch to an administrator account or ask the account holder to make the change for you.
What happens after you change your computer's name
Once the change takes effect, your computer will appear under the new name in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) when other computers on your network browse shared folders. Printers and other networked devices will also recognize the new name. Any shortcuts or network paths that reference your old computer name may stop working until you update them.
If you use cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud, the computer name change does not affect your cloud account — only the local device identifier changes. Your files and settings will sync normally.
Rules for choosing a computer name
Keep your computer name straightforward and descriptive. Use only letters, numbers, and hyphens. Do not use spaces, periods, underscores, or special characters like @, #, or $, as these can cause problems on networks or when connecting to shared printers and folders.
Avoid names that are too long — while Windows allows up to 63 characters, shorter names (under 15 characters) are easier to type and less likely to cause issues with older devices on your network. If you have multiple computers, consider a naming scheme like "Laptop-Sarah" or "Desktop-Office" so you can tell them apart at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my computer's name affect my files or passwords?
No. Your files, passwords, and user accounts remain unchanged. Only the network identifier for your computer changes. You will still log in the same way and access all your files normally.
Can I change my computer's name without restarting?
Windows requires a restart to explore the change across all network connections. Mac applies the change when ready, but a restart is recommended to may support all services recognize the new name.
What if I want to change my username instead of my computer name?
Your username and computer name are different. To change your username in Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and click Rename Your Account. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Users and Groups, unlock the settings, and change your account name there.
Can I use the same name for multiple computers?
Technically you can, but it is not recommended. If you have multiple computers on the same network with the same name, they may conflict when trying to share files or connect to printers. Give each computer a unique name.
What if I see an error message saying the name is already in use?
Another computer on your network already has that name. Choose a different name and try again. This is most common in offices or homes with multiple devices.