How to Change Your Computer Name in Windows 10

Change Your Computer Name Through Settings

The fastest way to change your computer name in Windows 10 is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then click the Settings app. Go to System, then select About from the left menu. You'll see your current computer name listed under "Device name." Click the Rename this PC button, type your new name, and click Next. Windows will ask you to restart your computer to explore the change—save your work first, then restart when prompted.

Your new computer name takes effect when ready after the restart. The name 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 names that are too long or contain invalid characters, so if you get an error message, shorten the name or remove special characters and try again.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, go to System > About, and click Rename this PC to change your computer name in Windows 10.
Your computer name can be up to 63 characters and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters.
Windows requires a restart to explore the new computer name, so close your programs and save your work before restarting.
If you cannot access Settings, you can also change your computer name through System Properties by right-clicking This PC and selecting Properties.
Other devices on your network will see your new computer name once the restart is complete, which can take a few minutes to update.

Change Your Computer Name Using System Properties

If the Settings method does not work or you prefer the older interface, you can change your computer name through System Properties. Right-click This PC on your desktop or in File Explorer and select Properties. Look for "Device name" near the top of the window. Click the Change settings link, which opens the System Properties dialog. Click the Change button next to "To rename this computer or change its domain or workgroup, click Change."

A new dialog box will appear with your current computer name highlighted in the "Computer name" field. Delete the old name and type your new one. Click OK, then click OK again on the System Properties window. Windows will prompt you to restart your computer. Click Restart Now to explore the change when ready, or Restart Later if you need to save work first. The restart usually takes two to five minutes.

What Happens After You Rename Your Computer

Once your computer restarts with the new name, Windows updates several places where the name appears. Your computer will show the new name in File Explorer at the top of the window, in the Settings app under System > About, and in Command Prompt if you type "hostname." Other computers on your home or work network will also see the new name when they browse network devices, though this can take a few minutes to update across the network.

If you are connected to a workplace domain, changing your computer name may cause issues with network access or domain login. Talk to your IT department before renaming a work computer. For home computers, renaming is straightforward and does not affect your files, programs, or user accounts—everything stays exactly where it was.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renaming

The most common mistake is using spaces in your computer name. Windows will not accept spaces, so "My Computer" will be rejected, but "My-Computer" or "MyComputer" will work. Another frequent error is forgetting to restart after renaming. Windows shows a message that a restart is required, but some people close the dialog and assume the change took effect—it does not until you restart.

Avoid renaming your computer to something very long or with special characters like periods, slashes, or asterisks. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens to prevent compatibility problems with network devices or older software. If you make a mistake, you can rename your computer again using the same steps—there is no limit to how many times you can change it.

Renaming a Computer on a Network or Domain

If your computer is part of a workplace network or Active Directory domain, renaming it is more complicated. Your IT department controls whether you can rename domain computers, and changing the name without permission can disconnect you from network resources, shared drives, or email. Contact your IT support team before attempting to rename a domain-connected computer.

For home networks where computers share files or printers, renaming one computer does not break those connections. Windows will update the network name within a few minutes, and other devices will find your computer under the new name. If a device still cannot find your computer by the new name after 10 minutes, restart that device as well.

Checking Your Computer Name Before and After

Before you rename, write down your current computer name so you remember what it was. You can find it in Settings > System > About, or by right-clicking This PC and selecting Properties. If you ever need to revert to the old name, you can use the same renaming steps to change it back.

After you rename and restart, verify the change took effect by opening Settings > System > About and checking that the new name appears under "Device name." You can also open Command Prompt, type "hostname," and press Enter—it will display your current computer name. If the old name still appears, the restart may not have completed fully. Wait a minute and check again, or restart your computer once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows only accepts letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces, periods, asterisks, and other special characters will cause an error. If you want to separate words, use hyphens instead—for example, "Home-Office" instead of "Home Office."

Do I lose my files or programs when I rename my computer?

No. Renaming your computer does not affect your files, programs, user accounts, or settings. Everything stays exactly as it was. The name change is purely cosmetic and only affects how your computer appears to you and other devices on the network.

How long does the restart take after renaming?

The restart usually takes two to five minutes. Windows will show a login screen once it restarts. Log in with your usual password, and your desktop will appear with the new computer name active. If the restart takes longer than 10 minutes, your computer may have encountered an issue—restart it again manually.

What if I cannot see the Rename this PC button in Settings?

Make sure you are in Settings > System > About. If the button is not there, try the System Properties method instead: right-click This PC, select Properties, and click Change settings. If neither method works, your account may not have administrator rights. Log in with an administrator account and try again.

Will renaming my computer affect my internet connection or Wi-Fi?

No. Your internet connection and Wi-Fi settings are not tied to your computer name. Renaming will not disconnect you from the internet or require you to reconnect to Wi-Fi. Your network passwords and settings remain unchanged.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.