Where to find your computer's name

Your computer's name is a label that identifies it on a network. You may need it to connect to a printer, join a work network, or troubleshoot a connection problem. The location depends on your operating system.

On Windows, the name lives in System settings. On Mac, it is in System Settings under General. On Linux, the command line is usually the fastest route, though the location varies by distribution.

The name is not the same as your user account name. Your account name is what you log in with; your computer name is what other devices see when they look for machines on the network.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find the computer name by opening Settings, selecting System, and looking at the Device name field on the About page.
  • Mac users should open System Settings, click General, and look for the Computer Name field in the About section.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type hostname to see the computer name when ready.
  • The computer name is different from your user account name and is used by other devices to identify your machine on a network.
  • You can change your computer name in the same location where you find it, though some changes require a restart.

Finding your computer name on Windows

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. Look for the field labeled Device name — that is your computer name.

If you prefer the older Control Panel method, press Windows key + Pause/Break, or right-click This PC on your desktop and select Properties. The computer name appears under the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section.

You can also find it by opening Command Prompt (search for cmd in the Start menu) and typing hostname, then pressing Enter. The name will print on the next line.

Finding your computer name on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar. Look for the Computer Name field near the top of the window — that is your machine's network name.

You can also find it by opening Terminal (search for Terminal in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space) and typing hostname, then pressing Enter. The full network name will display on the next line.

If you see both a computer name and a local hostname, the computer name is what other devices will see on your network. The local hostname is used for network services and usually ends in .local.

Finding your computer name on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type hostname and press Enter. Your computer name will print when ready on the next line.

If you want more detail, type hostnamectl and press Enter. This shows the static hostname, pretty hostname, and other network information in one view.

On some distributions, the name also appears in the system settings GUI under Details or About, but the terminal method works on every Linux system.

Changing your computer name

On Windows, go to Settings > System > About and click Rename this PC. Type the new name and click Next. Windows will ask you to restart — do so to explore the change.

On Mac, go to System Settings > General and click the Edit button next to Computer Name. Type the new name and press Return.

On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo hostnamectl set-hostname newname, replacing newname with what you want. You will need to enter your password. A restart is usually required for the change to take full effect.

Why you might need your computer name

Network printers often ask for the computer name when you set them up. If you are joining a workplace network or domain, IT support may ask for it. Remote access tools and file-sharing software also use it to identify your machine.

If you are troubleshooting a connection problem, knowing your computer name helps you verify that your device is visible to other machines on the network. It also appears in network logs and help desk tickets.

What to do if you cannot find it

If the Settings or System Preferences window does not show a computer name, your device may not have one set yet. You can create one using the steps above — Windows, Mac, and Linux all allow you to set a name even if one does not exist.

If you are on a work or school network, your computer name may have been set by an administrator and locked against changes. Contact your IT department before trying to rename it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my computer name the same as my username?

No. Your username is what you log in with on your own machine. Your computer name is what other devices see when they look for your machine on a network. You can have the same name for both, but they are separate settings.

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

Most operating systems allow spaces, but some network devices and older software do not recognize them. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens to avoid connection problems. Avoid symbols like @, #, $, or %, and do not start the name with a number.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing its name?

Windows requires a restart. Mac usually does not, though some network services may not update until you do. Linux typically requires a restart for the change to take full effect on all services.

What if my computer name is too long or hard to remember?

You can change it to anything you want using the steps above. Keep it short and straightforward — something like "bedroom-laptop" or "office-desktop" is easier to work with than a long string of numbers or letters.

Will changing my computer name affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. The name change only affects how other devices identify your machine on a network. Some network-connected software may need to reconnect after the change, but your local data is not touched.