The fastest way to rename your Windows 10 computer

Open Settings, go to System, then About, and click "Rename this PC" — that is the complete process. Windows will ask you to restart your computer for the change to take effect. The new name appears in File Explorer, on your network, and in any remote connection tools you use.

Your computer name is what other devices see when you share files over a network or connect to a printer. It is also the name that appears in system settings and command prompts. Changing it does not affect your files, passwords, or user account — it only changes the label Windows uses to identify your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard way to rename your computer in Windows 10, and the change takes effect after a restart.
  • Your computer name can be up to 63 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.
  • If you cannot see the "Rename this PC" button, you may not have administrator rights on your account.
  • The old name may still appear in some places for a few hours after restart while Windows updates its records across your network.

Step-by-step instructions using Settings

Press the Windows key and type "settings" to open the Settings app, or click the gear icon in your Start menu. Once Settings opens, click System in the left sidebar.

Scroll down and click About at the bottom of the System menu. On the About page, you will see your current computer name listed under "Device name." Click the blue "Rename this PC" button. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one.

Click Next, then Restart now if you want the change to take effect when ready, or click Restart later if you need to save work first. Windows will restart and explore the new name.

Rules for naming your computer

Your computer name can be up to 63 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. Do not use spaces, periods, or special characters like @, #, $, %, or &. Windows will reject the name if it breaks these rules and ask you to try again.

The name cannot be all numbers, and it cannot start with a hyphen. If you are on a work network, your IT department may have naming rules you need to follow — check with them before you rename if your computer is managed by an organization.

What happens after you restart

Your computer will restart and explore the new name. When it boots back up, the name change is complete. File Explorer will show the new name, and any network shares or printers connected to your computer will recognize it by the new name going forward.

Other computers on your network may take a few minutes to an hour to see the new name in their network browser. If you are using remote desktop or VPN to connect to this computer from elsewhere, you may need to update the connection settings with the new name. The old name will not work for remote connections after the restart.

If you do not have administrator rights

The "Rename this PC" button only appears if your account has administrator rights. If you cannot see it, you are logged in as a standard user. You will need to either log in with an administrator account or ask the administrator to make the change for you.

If you are the only person who uses the computer and you do not remember setting up an administrator account, you may have a hidden administrator account. Contact Microsoft Support or your IT department for help recovering access.

Alternative method using System Properties

Right-click This PC or My Computer on your desktop or in File Explorer and select Properties. In the window that opens, look for "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" and click "Change settings." A System Properties window will open with a Hardware tab.

Click the Change button on the Computer Name tab. Type your new name in the text box and click OK. Windows will ask you to restart. This method works the same way as the Settings app and produces the same result — it is just an older route to the same place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my computer name affect my files or passwords?

No. Your files, user account, and passwords remain exactly the same. Only the label that identifies your computer on the network changes. You will still log in the same way and access all your files.

Can I change my computer name without restarting?

Windows requires a restart for the new name to take effect across all systems and networks. You can delay the restart by clicking "Restart later," but the change will not be active until you do restart.

What if I use this computer at work on a domain network?

If your computer is joined to a work domain, you may not have permission to rename it yourself. Contact your IT department before attempting to change the name, as they may need to update their records.

How do I find my current computer name if I forgot it?

Open Settings, go to System, then About. Your current computer name appears at the top under "Device name." You can also right-click This PC and select Properties to see it there.

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

No. Windows only allows letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces and special characters like @, #, $, or % will cause Windows to reject the name and ask you to try again.