Finding your computer name on Windows

Your computer name appears in Windows Settings and in your file explorer. The fastest way is to right-click "This PC" on your desktop or in the left sidebar of File Explorer, then select "Rename this PC" — your current name shows in the text box. You do not have to rename it; just look at what is there and close the window.

You can also find it in Settings. Open Settings, go to System, then select "About" on the left. Scroll down to the "Device name" field — that is your computer name. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

A third option is the Command Prompt. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Type hostname and press Enter. The name that appears is your computer name. This method is useful if you need to copy the name exactly or if you are troubleshooting network issues.

Finding your computer name on Mac

On a Mac, your computer name lives in System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "System Settings," then click "General" in the sidebar. Look for "About" and click it. The field labeled "Computer Name" shows your device name.

You can also use Terminal if you prefer the command line. Open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities), type scutil --get ComputerName, and press Enter. The name that prints is your computer name. Terminal also shows your "Local Hostname" if you run scutil --get LocalHostName — this is the name your Mac uses on a network.

Finding your computer name on Linux

Linux systems store the computer name as the hostname. Open a terminal window and type hostname, then press Enter. The name that appears is your computer name. This works on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and most other Linux distributions.

If you want more detail, type hostnamectl and press Enter. This shows your hostname, icon name, chassis type, and other system information. You can also check the file /etc/hostname by typing cat /etc/hostname in the terminal.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer or open Settings > System > About to see your device name.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > General > About to find your computer name, or use Terminal and type scutil --get ComputerName.
  • On Linux, open a terminal and type hostname to see your computer name.
  • Your computer name is different from your username — the computer name identifies the device itself, while the username identifies your account on that device.
  • You may need your computer name when connecting to a network, setting up file sharing, or troubleshooting connection problems.

Why you might need your computer name

Your computer name becomes important when you are setting up a network, connecting to a shared printer, or troubleshooting a connection problem. Other devices on your network use your computer name to find and communicate with your machine. If someone asks for your computer name over the phone or in a support chat, they usually need it to help you access a shared resource or diagnose a network issue.

You may also need it when you are setting up remote access software, configuring a home network, or joining a workplace domain. Knowing where to find it quickly saves time and prevents confusion with your username or email address.

Changing your computer name

If you want to change your computer name, the process differs by operating system. 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, click "Edit" next to "Computer Name," type the new name, and click "Done" — no restart required. On Linux, use the terminal command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-name, replacing "new-name" with what you want, then restart.

Choose a name that is straightforward to remember and contains only letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid spaces and special characters, as they can cause problems on networks. If you are on a work network, check with your IT department before changing your computer name.

Computer name versus username

Your computer name and your username are not the same thing. The computer name identifies the device itself — it is what other computers see when they look for your machine on a network. Your username is the account you log into on that device. You can have one computer name but multiple usernames if several people use the same computer.

When someone asks for your computer name, they want the device identifier, not your login credentials. This is why it is safe to share your computer name but not your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my computer name the same as my hostname?

On Linux and Mac, "hostname" and "computer name" refer to the same thing. On Windows, the terms are used interchangeably. They all identify your device on a network.

Can I have spaces in my computer name?

Windows allows spaces, but they can cause problems on networks and with some software. Mac and Linux typically do not allow spaces. Use hyphens or underscores instead if you want to separate words.

What happens if two computers on my network have the same name?

Network conflicts occur, and devices may not communicate properly. Each computer on a network needs a unique name. If this happens, change one of the names and restart the affected computer.

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

Windows requires a restart. Mac does not. Linux may or may not, depending on the method you use. Check the system message after you make the change.

Where do I find my computer name if I forgot it?

Use the methods listed above for your operating system. On Windows, the quickest way is right-clicking "This PC." On Mac, check System Settings > General > About. On Linux, open Terminal and type hostname.