Step-by-Step Guide to Renaming Your PC on Windows 11

Key Notes

  • Multiple methods are available to change your PC name.
  • An organized PC name helps with device identification across networks.
  • Each method requires a restart for the changes to take effect.

How to Effortlessly Change Your PC Name on Windows 11

Renaming your PC in Windows 11 is not just about aesthetics, but also about organization and ease of use across devices. This guide will walk you through different methods to change your PC name effectively.

Utilizing Settings to Rename Your PC on Windows 11

To rename your PC using the Windows Settings, follow these steps:

  1. Access Settings on your Windows 11.

  2. Navigate to System.

  3. Click on About.

  4. Hit the “Rename this PC” button under the “Device specifications” section.

  5. Enter your desired PC name and click Next.

  6. Select Restart now to apply changes.

Upon completion, your PC will restart, applying the new name.

Renaming Your PC via Control Panel

Change your PC name using Control Panel with these steps:

  1. Open Control Panel.

  2. Go to System and Security.

  3. Select Allow remote access under the “System” section.

  4. Open the Computer Name tab.

  5. Click on the Change button.

  6. Input a new name for your device and click OK twice.

  7. Finally, select Restart Now to apply the changes.

After your PC restarts, it will operate under the new name.

How to Change Your PC Name Using Command Prompt

Follow these steps to rename your PC using Command Prompt:

  1. Open the Start menu.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.

  3. Type hostname to display your current PC name, and press Enter.

  4. Use the following command to rename your PC and press Enter :

    WMIC computersystem where caption='YOUR-CURRENT-PC-NAME' rename 'NEW-PC-NAME'

  5. Type shutdown -r -t 00 and press Enter to restart your PC.

Your new PC name will be applied after the system reboots.

Changing Your PC Name with PowerShell

To rename your PC using PowerShell, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu.

  2. Search for PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

  3. Execute the following command to rename your PC:

    Rename-Computer -NewName "NEW-PC-NAME"

  4. Run Restart-Computer to restart your PC and finalize the name change.

Your PC will reboot with the new name once the process is complete.

Renaming Your PC via Nearby Sharing (Preview)

To change your PC name using the Nearby Sharing feature, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to System.

  3. Select the Nearby Sharing option.

  4. Click the “Rename” button under “Your device is discoverable as User’s PC.”

  5. Input a new name and click Next.

  6. Finally, hit Restart now to apply the changes.

Your new PC name will take effect after the restart.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure your new PC name is unique to avoid conflicts on the network.
  • Avoid special characters and keep your PC name concise.
  • Consider using your name or favorite location in the device name for easy identification.

Summary

Changing your PC name in Windows 11 helps improve organization and makes it easier to keep track of multiple devices. Whether you prefer using Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Nearby Sharing, each method provides a simple solution for personalizing your computer.

Conclusion

Renaming your Windows 11 device is an essential step for better management and personal identification of your computers. It enhances efficiency, especially in households or organizations with multiple devices. Follow the methods outlined in this guide, and feel free to share your experiences and preferences in renaming your PCs!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I change my PC name without restarting?

No, Windows 11 requires a restart for the changes to the PC name to take effect.

What should I avoid when naming my PC?

Avoid using special characters and ensure the name is easy to remember but descriptive.