Change Your Computer Name Through Settings

The fastest way to change your PC 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 PC 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 — save your work first, then restart.

Your new name takes effect after the restart. The entire process takes about five minutes, including the restart time. This method works whether your computer is on a home network or a work domain, though domain-connected PCs may have restrictions set by your IT administrator.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest route: go to System > About and click Rename this PC.
  • Your computer must restart for the new name to take effect, so close programs and save work first.
  • PC names can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.
  • If you're on a work network, your IT department may have locked the rename function, and you'll need to contact them for permission.
  • The old name stays visible in File Explorer's "This PC" section until you restart, so don't worry if you see both names briefly.

What Characters Are Allowed in a PC Name

Windows 10 accepts letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens in PC names. The name can be up to 63 characters long, though shorter names are easier to remember and type. Avoid spaces, periods, underscores, and special characters like @, #, $, or %. If you try to use a forbidden character, Windows will show an error message and won't let you proceed.

Choose a name that describes the computer or its location — for example, "Living-Room-PC" or "Bedroom-Laptop" — so you can identify it easily on your network. Avoid names that are too similar to other computers on your network, since that can cause confusion when you're trying to connect to a specific machine.

Rename Your PC Using System Properties

An older method that still works is through System Properties. Right-click This PC on your desktop or in File Explorer and select Properties. Look for "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" and click Change settings. A window labeled "System Properties" will open. Click the Change button next to "To rename this computer or change its domain or workgroup, click Change." Type your new name and click OK, then restart when prompted.

This method reaches the same result as the Settings app but requires more clicks. Most people find the Settings route faster, but System Properties is useful if Settings isn't responding or if you need to change your domain settings at the same time.

Restart Your Computer to Finalize the Change

Windows 10 requires a restart to explore the new PC name. You can restart when ready after renaming, or Windows will remind you to restart the next time you shut down. If you don't restart, other computers on your network won't see the new name yet, and some programs may still refer to the old name.

Before restarting, close any open programs and save your work. If you're in the middle of a large read or file transfer, wait until it finishes. After the restart, log back in — your user account and files remain unchanged, only the computer's network name has changed.

Verify Your New PC Name After Restart

Once your computer restarts, you can confirm the name change took effect. Open Settings again and go to System > About. The "Device name" field should now show your new name. You can also right-click This PC in File Explorer and select Properties to see the updated name in the System Properties window.

If you're on a network, other computers should now see your PC under the new name when you browse the network. It may take a few minutes for the change to propagate across your network, so don't worry if other machines still show the old name when ready after restart.

Troubleshooting if the Rename Button Is Grayed Out

If the "Rename this PC" button appears grayed out or inactive, your computer is likely connected to a work domain. Organizations often lock this setting to prevent employees from changing their PC names without permission. Contact your IT department or help desk — they can either unlock the setting temporarily or rename the computer for you.

Another reason the button might be inactive is if you don't have administrator rights on your account. If you're using a standard user account, switch to an administrator account or ask the account owner to make the change. Right-click Settings and select "Run as administrator" if you want to try again with elevated permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my PC name affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and user account remain exactly the same. Only the computer's network name changes. You won't lose anything, and all your shortcuts and settings stay in place.

Can I change my PC name without restarting?

Windows requires a restart to explore the change. You can delay the restart, but the new name won't take effect until you do. Other computers on your network also won't see the new name until after the restart.

What if I use the same PC name as another computer on my network?

Windows will warn you if a duplicate name exists, but it may still allow the change. However, this can cause confusion and connection problems on your network. Choose a unique name for each computer.

Can I change my PC name back to the old one?

Yes, follow the same steps and enter your old name. Windows treats it like any other rename, so you can change your name as many times as you want.

Does my PC name have to match my user account name?

No, they're separate. Your PC name is what the computer is called on the network. Your user account name is what you log in with. You can change one without affecting the other.