How to Change the Computer Name in Windows 10

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Changing a computer name in Windows 10 is a task that users may need to perform for a variety of reasons. Whether you are personalizing your device, organizing computers on a network, or preparing to sell your computer, knowing how to change a computer name can be quite helpful. In this detailed guide, we will explore various ways to change a computer name in Windows 10, providing simple steps and explanations.

1. Why change the computer name?

Before we discuss the methods in detail, let's discuss why someone would want to change a computer's name. There are several reasons to do so:

• Personalization: Having your name or a unique identifier as the computer name can make it seem more personal and unique.
• Network identification: On a network, many computers may have similar names, making them confusing and difficult to identify. Changing the name can help make it clear which device is which.
• Business use: In a business environment, a consistent naming convention helps manage systems efficiently.
• Security: Sometimes, changing the default computer name can add a layer of security by not revealing the manufacturer's default settings.

2. Using System Properties to change the computer name

The most common way to change your computer's name in Windows 10 is through the System Properties window. This method is quite straightforward and requires just a few steps:

1. First, open the Control Panel. You can do this by typing "Control Panel" into the search box located on the taskbar, then clicking on it in the search results.
2. In Control Panel, go to System and Security, then click System.
3. In the System window, find the Advanced system settings link on the left and click on it.
4. The System Properties window will appear. From here, click on the Computer Name tab.
5. Now, click on the Change button. A new window will open where you can edit the computer name.
6. In the Computer name box, type the new name you want for your computer.
7. After typing the new name, click OK to close the window.
8. You will be asked to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Save all your work and click Restart Now or if you want to restart later, select Restart Later.

After the system restarts, your computer will have the new name you specified.

3. Change the computer name using Settings

Windows 10 also offers a more modern way to change the computer name through the Settings application. This method is user-friendly and is often the preferred method for those using newer PCs:

1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings window, click the System category.
3. On the left side you will see a menu. Click on About at the bottom of this menu.
4. In the About section, you will see a section called Device Specifications. Here you will find your current computer name.
5. Click the Rename this PC button.
6. A dialog box named Rename your PC will appear. Enter the new name for your computer.
7. After entering the new name, click on the Next button.
8. As with the previous method, you will need to restart your computer for the name change to take effect. Click Restart Now or Restart Later as per your preference.

4. Using PowerShell to change the computer name

For users who prefer the command-line interface or who need to script changes across multiple devices, using PowerShell is an efficient way to change a computer's name. Here's how you can achieve it:

1. Click the Start menu, then type PowerShell in the search box.
2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the results and select Run as administrator.
3. To change the computer name, type the following command:

   Rename-Computer -NewName "New_PC_Name"

   Replace "New_PC_Name" with the name you want to give your computer. Be sure to put the name in quotation marks if it contains spaces.
4. Press Enter. You may be asked to enter the administrator password or for confirmation.
5. Once done, you will need to restart the computer for the changes to take effect. You can do this by typing:

   Restart-Computer

   And press Enter.

5. Using Command Prompt to change computer name

Command Prompt is another tool available in Windows 10 that can be used to change the computer name. Here is how you can use it:

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd in the search box.
2. Right-click Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command:

   wmic computersystem where caption="Current_Name" rename "New_Name"

   Replace "Current_Name" with your computer's current name and "New_Name" with the new name you want to apply.
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. After the command is successful, restart your computer to see the changes:

   shutdown /r /t 0

   Then press Enter.

6. Important tips and ideas

Although changing your computer's name is a relatively simple process, there are several things to keep in mind to avoid problems:

• Name length: The new name should not exceed 15 characters. Keep it short and understandable.
• Special characters: Avoid using special characters, spaces, or tabs in your computer name. Use letters, numbers, and hyphens only.
• Broadcast and DNS: After you change your computer's name, it may take some time for the change to take effect on the network, especially on networks that use DNS.
• Checking for Updates: It is a good practice to update your computer and ensure system settings are up to date before making changes.
• Administrator rights: Changing the computer name requires administrator privileges. Make sure you have these rights before proceeding with any method.

7. Conclusions

Changing a computer name in Windows 10 is a basic customization that can be accomplished in several ways, from navigating System Settings to using command-line tools like PowerShell and Command Prompt. The method you choose largely depends on your comfort level with each tool and your specific needs.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the process is smooth and successful, increasing the personalization and functionality of your Windows 10 device. Whether for personal, network or business reasons, understanding how to change your computer's name increases your knowledge and control over your computer's configuration.

Remember to consider any potential impact on your network or applications that may depend on the computer name to function correctly. With this comprehensive guide, you should be able to manage and update your computer's identity with confidence.

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