Change your computer's name through Settings on Windows or System Preferences on Mac

Your computer's name is the identifier that appears when you connect to a network, share files, or set up printers. On Windows, you change it in Settings under System > About, then click "Rename this PC." On Mac, you go to System Settings > General > About and click the "Edit" button next to the computer name field. Both processes take less than a minute, though your computer will ask you to restart before the change takes effect.

The name you choose can be anything up to 63 characters on Windows and 255 on Mac, but keep it straightforward — use letters, numbers, and hyphens only. Avoid spaces and special characters like @ or !, which can cause problems when connecting to networks or printers. A good name is something you'll recognize at a glance, like "Kitchen-Laptop" or "Office-Desktop."

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers are renamed through Settings > System > About by clicking "Rename this PC," while Mac computers use System Settings > General > About with an "Edit" button.
  • Your computer will require a restart after you change the name, so save any open work before starting the process.
  • Use only letters, numbers, and hyphens in your computer name — spaces and special characters can interfere with network connections and printer setup.
  • The new name appears when ready after restart on your local network, but devices that have already connected to your computer may take a few minutes to recognize the change.

Steps to rename a Windows computer

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Click "System" in the left sidebar, scroll down, and click "About." You'll see a section labeled "Device name" with your current computer name displayed. Click the blue "Rename this PC" button.

A dialog box will appear with a text field containing your current name. Clear the field and type your new name. Click "Next," then "Finish." Windows will tell you that you need to restart your computer for the change to take effect. Save any open documents, close your programs, and click "Restart now." Your computer will restart and the new name will be active when it boots back up.

Steps to rename a Mac computer

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar, click "General," then look for the "About" section at the top of the window. You'll see your current computer name displayed. Click the "Edit" button next to the name field.

A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Type your new name and press Return or click "OK." The change takes effect when ready on your Mac — you do not need to restart. However, if your Mac is connected to a network or has shared folders open, you may want to restart anyway so that other devices on the network recognize the new name right away.

What happens to your files and programs after renaming

Renaming your computer does not affect any of your files, programs, or settings. Everything stays exactly where it is. Your documents, photos, installed software, and user accounts all remain unchanged. The only thing that changes is how your computer identifies itself to other devices and networks.

If you have shared folders set up or use file-sharing software, other people on your network may need to reconnect using the new computer name. Printers and other devices that were connected to your old computer name may also need to be reconnected, though many will find your computer automatically once it restarts.

Common mistakes to avoid when renaming

The most common mistake is using spaces in the computer name. While Windows and Mac will accept spaces, they can cause problems when you try to connect to certain networks or when other devices try to find your computer. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens only — for example, use "Home-Office-PC" instead of "Home Office PC."

Another mistake is using special characters like @, #, $, or %. These characters have special meaning in network protocols and will either be rejected or cause connection problems later. If you're naming a computer that will be part of a business network, check with your IT department first — some organizations have naming rules you need to follow.

Avoid using very long names. While technically you can use up to 63 characters on Windows, shorter names are easier to type and less likely to cause problems. A name like "Bedroom-Laptop" is better than "My-Bedroom-Laptop-That-I-Use-For-Work-And-Gaming."

What to do if you cannot rename your computer

On Windows, if the "Rename this PC" button is grayed out or missing, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Ask the person who set up your computer to rename it for you, or contact your IT support if this is a work computer. If you own the computer, you can create a new administrator account and use that to rename the device.

On Mac, if you cannot click the "Edit" button, your user account may not have administrator rights. Go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups, unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon, and make sure your account is listed as an "Admin." If you're the only user and still cannot edit the name, restart your Mac in Recovery Mode by holding Command + R during startup, then try again from System Preferences.

How network devices find your computer after renaming

When you rename your computer, it broadcasts the new name to your local network through a system called mDNS (multicast DNS). Devices like printers, phones, and other computers will see the new name within a few seconds on most home networks. However, some older printers or network devices may take up to five minutes to recognize the change, and a few may not recognize it at all.

If a device cannot find your computer by its new name, restart both the device and your computer. If that does not work, you may need to "forget" the old connection on that device and reconnect using the new name. For printers, this usually means going into the printer's settings menu and removing your computer from its list of known devices, then adding it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer right after renaming it?

On Windows, yes — the system will prompt you to restart and the change will not take effect until you do. On Mac, the change takes effect when ready, but restarting is still a good idea if your computer is connected to a network, because it helps other devices recognize the new name faster.

Can I change my computer name back to what it was before?

Yes, anytime. Follow the same steps you used to rename it the first time, and type your old name back in. There is no limit to how many times you can change your computer's name.

Will changing my computer name affect my internet connection?

No. Your internet connection depends on your network settings and router, not your computer's name. Renaming your computer will not disconnect you from the internet or change your IP address.

What if I share files with other people on my network?

They will need to know your new computer name to access your shared folders. You can tell them the new name, and they can reconnect by typing it into their file browser. On Windows, they would type the new name in the format "\\ComputerName" in File Explorer. On Mac, they would use "smb://ComputerName" in Finder.

Can I use the same name for two computers on the same network?

No. Each computer on a network must have a unique name. If you try to use a name that already exists, your computer will add a number to the end (like "Computer-2") to make it unique. It is best to choose distinct names from the start to avoid confusion.