The quickest way to rename your Windows 10 computer

You can change your computer name in Windows 10 through the Settings app in about two minutes. Open Settings, go to System, then About, and click "Rename this PC" — type your new name and restart. That's the full process. Your computer name is what appears on your network and in shared folders; changing it does not affect your files, passwords, or how Windows runs.

The name you choose can be up to 63 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #. Windows will reject the name if it contains forbidden characters and ask you to try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, select System, then About, and click "Rename this PC" to change your computer name in Windows 10.
  • Your new name takes effect after you restart your computer — you will be prompted to restart when ready after you enter it.
  • Computer names can be up to 63 characters and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters.
  • Changing your computer name does not delete files, change passwords, or affect how Windows or your programs work.
  • If you are on a work network, your IT department may have locked the computer name — contact them before attempting to change it.

Step-by-step: using Settings to rename your PC

Start by opening the Settings app. Press the Windows key and type "settings," then click the Settings icon, or press Windows key + I to open it directly.

Once Settings is open, click System in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click About at the bottom of the list. On the About page, you will see your current computer name listed under "Device name." Click the "Rename this PC" button.

A dialog box will appear with a text field containing your current name. Delete the old name, type your new one, and click Next. Windows will tell you that you need to restart your computer for the change to take effect. Click Restart now if you are ready, or Restart later if you need to save work first. Your computer will restart and the new name will be active when it boots back up.

What happens if Windows rejects your new name

If you see an error message after clicking Next, your name contains a character Windows does not allow. The most common mistake is including a space — "My Computer" will be rejected, but "My-Computer" will work. Other forbidden characters include @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) = + [ ] { } ; : ' " , . < > / \ | ?

Remove the forbidden character, try a shorter name, or use hyphens or underscores instead of spaces. Once you have removed the problem character, click Next again and proceed to restart.

Renaming a computer on a work or school network

If your computer is connected to a work or school network, your IT department may have restricted the ability to change the computer name. When you click "Rename this PC," you may see a message saying you do not have permission, or the button may be grayed out and unclickable.

In this case, contact your IT support team or help desk before attempting to change the name. They may need to make the change for you, or they may need to grant you permission first. Attempting to work around these restrictions can cause network connection problems or lock you out of shared files and printers.

Why your computer name matters on a network

Your computer name is how other devices on your network identify your machine. When you share a folder, print to a network printer, or connect to shared drives, other computers use your computer name to find you and send data to the right place. If you change your name, devices that were connected to your old name may not find you when ready — they may need a few minutes to refresh, or you may need to reconnect manually.

If you share files with others on your network, let them know you have changed your computer name so they can update their shortcuts or network paths if needed. Most of the time, Windows will handle the transition automatically, but in some cases a colleague may need to re-add your computer to their network locations.

Changing your computer name does not affect your user account

Your computer name and your user account name are two separate things. Changing your computer name does not change your username, password, or any of your account settings. You will still log in the same way, and all your files, programs, and settings remain exactly as they were.

If you want to change your user account name instead — the name that appears on the Windows login screen — that is a different process done through Settings > Accounts > Your info. But for most people, changing the computer name is what they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to restart my computer right away after changing the name?

Yes, Windows requires a restart for the new name to take effect. You can click "Restart later" and finish what you are doing first, but the name change will not be active until you restart. When you do restart, the new name will appear on your network and in shared folders.

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

Yes, you can change it as many times as you want using the same Settings > System > About > "Rename this PC" process. Each change requires a restart. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your computer.

What if I forget what my computer name is?

You can see your current computer name in Settings > System > About under "Device name." You can also right-click "This PC" on your desktop or in File Explorer and select Properties to see it. On a network, your computer name also appears in Network settings under "View your network properties."

Will changing my computer name affect my internet connection or WiFi?

No. Your computer name is only used on your local network to identify your device to other computers and printers. It does not affect your internet connection, WiFi password, or how you connect to the internet. Your internet connection will work exactly the same after the rename.

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

No. Each computer on a network must have a unique name. If you try to use a name that already exists on your network, Windows will warn you and ask you to choose a different one. If you see this error, pick a new name that no other device is using.