Your computer name is the label Windows or macOS uses to identify your device on a network

Your computer name (also called hostname or device name) is a text label that identifies your machine when it connects to a network, shares files, or appears in a list of devices. You might need it to set up a printer, connect to a work network, troubleshoot a connection, or help a tech support person locate your machine remotely. The steps to find it differ slightly between Windows and macOS, but both take less than a minute.

Once you know where to look, finding your computer name takes about 30 seconds. You do not need any special permissions or tools — it is built into your operating system and visible in the same place most people go for other system information.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to System, then About, and look for "Device name" near the top of the page.
  • On macOS, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and the computer name appears at the top of the window.
  • You can also right-click This PC (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to see the name without opening settings.
  • If you need to change your computer name, the same settings pages let you rename it, though you may need to restart afterward.

Finding your computer name on Windows 10 and 11

The quickest route is through Settings. Click the Start button (Windows logo in the bottom left), type "settings" into the search box, and press Enter. When Settings opens, click System on the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About. Near the top of the page, you will see a field labeled Device name — that is your computer name.

If you want to see it without opening Settings, right-click the This PC icon on your desktop or in File Explorer, select Properties, and your device name appears under "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings." Write it down or take a screenshot if you need to share it with someone.

Finding your computer name on macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac. A window opens showing system information. The very first line, labeled Computer Name, is what you are looking for. This is the name your Mac uses on networks and when connecting to other devices.

You can also find it in System Settings if you prefer. Click the Apple menu, select System Settings, then go to General and click About. The computer name appears at the top under "Name."

What your computer name looks like

Computer names are usually short and straightforward — something like "DESKTOP-ABC1234" on Windows (if you have never changed it) or "Johns-MacBook-Pro" on macOS. Some workplaces assign names like "OFFICE-LAPTOP-05" or "ACCOUNTING-PC-12." Names can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.

If your computer name looks random or unfamiliar, it was likely assigned automatically when the operating system was installed. You can change it anytime, though some workplaces lock this setting so only IT can make changes.

When you need your computer name

Tech support often asks for your computer name to identify your device in a company network or to send you remote help. If you are setting up a printer or network drive, you may need to enter your computer name so other devices can find yours. Some software also uses it to track licenses or settings across your account.

If someone is helping you troubleshoot over the phone or email, having your computer name written down saves time — you can read it aloud or paste it into a message without hunting for it while they wait.

Changing your computer name

On Windows, open Settings, go to System, then About, and click the Rename this PC button. Type a new name (letters, numbers, and hyphens only), click Next, then Rename. Windows will ask you to restart your computer for the change to take effect.

On macOS, click the Apple menu, select System Settings, go to General, then About, and click the Edit button next to "Computer Name." Type the new name and press Enter. The change takes effect when ready without a restart. If the Edit button is grayed out, your account does not have permission to change it — contact your IT department or system administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my computer name the same as my username?

No. Your username is the account you log into (like "john.smith" or "jsmith"). Your computer name is the device itself. One computer can have multiple user accounts, but it has only one computer name. You can see your username in Settings under "Your info" (Windows) or System Settings under "General" (macOS).

Can I see other computers' names on my network?

Yes, if they are connected to the same network. On Windows, open File Explorer and click "Network" in the sidebar to see other devices. On macOS, open Finder, click "Network" in the sidebar, and browse available computers. You will see their computer names listed.

What if I forgot my computer name and cannot access Settings?

On Windows, restart your computer and watch the login screen — your computer name sometimes appears there. On macOS, restart and the computer name may show in the login window. If neither works, you can also check your router's connected devices list — most routers show all connected computers by name.

Does changing my computer name affect my files or programs?

No. Renaming your computer does not delete or move any files, and programs will continue to work normally. However, if your computer is part of a work network, changing the name might disconnect shared drives or printers temporarily until they reconnect to the new name.