What changing your computer's name means and why you might do it
Your computer's name is the identifier that appears when you connect to a network, share files, or set up devices like printers. By default, manufacturers assign generic names like "DESKTOP-A1B2C3D4" or "MacBook-Pro". Changing it to something meaningful—like "Kitchen-Laptop" or "Home-Office-PC"—makes it easier to find your machine on a shared network and helps you keep track of multiple devices.
The process is straightforward on both Windows and Mac, though the steps differ. You do not need special software or technical knowledge, and the change takes effect when ready after you restart your computer.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, you change your computer's name through Settings > System > About, then click "Rename this PC".
- On Mac, go to System Settings > General > About and click "Edit" next to the computer name field.
- Computer names can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.
- Your computer must restart for the name change to take effect on Windows, though Mac applies the change when ready.
- Changing your computer's name does not affect your files, passwords, or user accounts.
How to rename your computer on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About. You will see your current computer name listed under "Device name".
Click the button labeled Rename this PC. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Computer names can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but cannot contain spaces or special characters. Keep it under 63 characters. Click Next, then Rename to confirm.
Windows will ask you to restart your computer. You can restart when ready or delay it until later, but the name change does not take effect until you do. When you restart, your computer will use the new name on any network you connect to.
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 current computer name at the top of the window.
Click the Edit button next to your computer name. A text box will appear. Delete the old name and type your new one. Use letters, numbers, and hyphens only—no spaces or special characters. Click Done to save the change. Unlike Windows, Mac applies the name change when ready without requiring a restart, though you may need to reconnect to your network for other devices to recognize the new name.
Rules for naming your computer
Computer names must follow specific rules to work properly on networks. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (-). Do not use spaces, periods, underscores, or special characters like @, #, $, or &. Names are not case-sensitive, so "Home-PC" and "home-pc" are treated the same.
Keep your name under 63 characters, though shorter names are easier to type and remember. Avoid names that are all numbers, and do not start or end with a hyphen. If you are on a work network, check with your IT department first—some organizations have naming policies you must follow.
What happens after you change your computer's name
On Windows, your computer will restart automatically or on your schedule. When it comes back online, the new name appears in File Explorer, network settings, and any shared network folders. Other people on your network will see the new name when they browse for shared devices.
On Mac, the change is when ready. Your computer's name updates in System Settings, Finder, and network settings right away. If you have shared folders or screen sharing enabled, other users will see the new name the next time they browse the network.
Your files, user accounts, passwords, and installed programs are not affected by the name change. You will still log in with the same username and password. If you have set up file sharing or printer sharing, those settings remain active under the new computer name.
Troubleshooting if the name change does not work
On Windows, if the rename button is grayed out, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Right-click Settings and select "Run as administrator", then try again. If you see an error message saying the name is already in use, choose a different name—another device on your network has that name.
On Mac, if you cannot click the Edit button, your account may not have administrator rights. Open System Settings, click General > About, and look for a lock icon. Click it and enter your password to unlock the settings, then try editing the name again.
If other devices on your network still show the old name after you have changed it, restart your router or wait a few minutes for the network to refresh. Some devices cache the old name and need time to update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my computer's name back to the original?
Yes, anytime. Follow the same steps and enter your original name or any new name you prefer. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.
Will changing my computer's name affect my internet connection?
No. Your internet connection depends on your network settings and router, not your computer's name. You will stay connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet after the change.
What if I share files with other people on my network?
They will see your new computer name when they browse shared folders or devices. If they have bookmarked your old computer name, they may need to update those shortcuts to use the new name, though the shared folders themselves remain accessible.
Do I need to restart my Mac after changing the name?
No. Mac applies the change when ready. However, if other devices on your network are not seeing the new name, restarting your Mac can help refresh the network connection.
Can I use spaces or special characters in my computer's name?
No. Computer names only accept letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces and special characters can cause problems with network sharing and device discovery. Use hyphens instead of spaces if you want to separate words.