How to rename your computer on Windows and Mac

Your computer's name is the identifier that appears on your network and in system settings. On Windows, you change it through Settings > System > About, then click "Rename this PC" and type the new name. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > About and click the "Edit" button next to the computer name field. Both require a restart to take effect.

The process takes less than five minutes on either system. You do not need administrator tools or special software — the rename function is built into the operating system itself. The new name appears when ready after restart, though networked devices may take a few minutes to recognize the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users access the rename function through Settings > System > About, where a single button lets you type and confirm the new name.
  • Mac users find the rename option in System Settings > General > About under an "Edit" button next to the current computer name.
  • Both operating systems require a restart before the new name takes effect across all network connections.
  • Computer names can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or &.
  • Renaming does not affect your files, accounts, or installed programs — it only changes how the computer identifies itself.

Step-by-step for Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then select the Settings icon. Once Settings opens, click "System" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "About." You will see a section labeled "Device name" with your current computer name displayed.

Click the "Rename this PC" button. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one. Click "Next," then "Finish." Windows will ask you to restart your computer. Click "Restart now" to explore the change when ready, or "Restart later" if you need to save work first.

Step-by-step for Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In System Settings, click "General" in the sidebar, then click "About." You will see your computer name listed at the top of the window.

Click the "Edit" button next to the computer name. A text field will appear. Delete the current name and type the new one, then click "Done." Mac will explore the change without requiring a restart, though you may want to restart anyway to may support all network services recognize the new name when ready.

Naming rules and what characters work

Computer names can be up to 63 characters long on both Windows and Mac, though shorter names are easier to remember and type. Use only 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 — "MyComputer" and "mycomputer" are treated the same way by the system. If you are on a work network, check with your IT department before renaming, as some organizations require names to follow a specific format for inventory or security reasons.

Why you might want to change your computer name

The most common reason is clarity on a home network. If you have multiple computers, a descriptive name like "bedroom-laptop" or "kitchen-desktop" makes it obvious which device you are connecting to when sharing files or printing. Generic names like "DESKTOP-ABC123" are harder to distinguish at a glance.

You may also rename after buying a used computer, to replace a name left by the previous owner. Some people rename when setting up a new device to match their personal naming system. If your computer name contains characters that cause problems with certain programs or network services, renaming can resolve those issues.

What happens after you rename

The new name appears in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) when ready after restart. On a home network, the computer will show up under the new name when you browse for shared devices. If you use cloud storage like OneDrive or iCloud, the device list in those services will update within a few minutes.

Printers and other networked devices may take a few minutes to recognize the renamed computer. If a printer or network drive does not respond right away, wait five minutes and try again. You do not need to re-enter passwords, reconnect to Wi-Fi, or reconfigure any settings — renaming only changes the computer's identifier, not its configuration.

Troubleshooting if the rename does not work

If the rename button is grayed out or you cannot access the rename function, you may not have administrator rights on the account you are using. Log out and sign in with an administrator account, then try again. On Windows, right-click Settings and select "Run as administrator" if the standard method does not work.

If the new name does not appear after restart, restart again — sometimes the change requires a second restart to propagate fully through all system services. On Mac, if the Edit button is not clickable, make sure you are signed in with an administrator account. If you are on a work network and the rename is blocked, your organization may have policies that prevent name changes; contact your IT support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces in my computer name?

No. Windows and Mac both reject spaces in computer names. Use hyphens instead — "my-computer" works, but "my computer" does not. If you try to enter a space, the system will either remove it automatically or show an error message.

Will renaming my computer affect my files or programs?

No. Renaming only changes how the computer identifies itself on the network. Your files, folders, installed programs, user accounts, and settings remain exactly as they were. You will not lose anything or need to reinstall software.

Do I need to restart when ready after renaming?

On Windows, yes — the system will prompt you to restart and the change does not take effect until you do. On Mac, the change applies without a restart, but restarting ensures all network services recognize the new name right away.

What if I forget my old computer name?

You can see your current computer name anytime by going back to the same settings location where you renamed it. On Windows, that is Settings > System > About. On Mac, it is System Settings > General > About. The name is displayed at the top of the window.

Can I change my computer name back to the original?

Yes. Use the same process to rename it again. If you do not remember the original name, you can choose any new name you want. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your computer.