How to Rename Network Adapter in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
Key Notes
- Rename network adapters via Settings for easy identification.
- Use Control Panel, PowerShell, or Command Prompt as alternatives.
- Follow straightforward steps tailored for each method.
A Comprehensive Guide to Renaming Network Adapters in Windows 11
Understanding how to rename network adapters in Windows 11 enhances device management, making it simpler to identify different connections. This guide details multiple methods for achieving this, ensuring that whether you prefer using the Settings app or command line tools, you can personalize your network configuration effortlessly.
How to Rename a Network Adapter in Windows 11
Windows 11 provides users with several methods to easily change the name of their network adapters. Below, we’ll explore each method in detail, including the use of Settings, Control Panel, PowerShell, and Command Prompt.
Step 1: Using Settings to Rename Your Network Adapter
Follow these steps to rename a network adapter through the Settings app:
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Open Settings on your Windows 11 device.
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Click on Network & internet.
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Navigate to Advanced network settings.
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Select the desired Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter from the “Network adapters” section.
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Click the Rename button.
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Enter a new name for the adapter, such as Ethernet 10Gb or Wi-Fi6E.
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Click the Save button.
Pro Tip: Choose descriptive names to easily identify each adapter, especially in complex setups.
Step 2: Renaming from Control Panel
To rename an adapter via the Control Panel, perform the following:
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Open Start.
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Type Control Panel in the search bar and click the top result to open it.
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Select Network and Internet.
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Click on Network and Sharing Center.
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Select Change adapter settings from the left navigation pane.
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Right-click on the appropriate network adapter and select Rename.
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Confirm the new adapter name, such as Ethernet 10Gb or Wi-Fi6E.
Step 3: Renaming Using PowerShell
To use PowerShell to rename your network adapter, follow these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for PowerShell, right-click on the top result, and select Run as administrator.
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Type in the command to list all network adapters:
Get-NetAdapter | Format-List -Property Name -
To rename your adapter, type the command below, replacing OLD-NAME and NEW-NAME as necessary:
Rename-NetAdapter -Name "OLD-NAME" -NewName "NEW-NAME"
Step 4: Renaming through Command Prompt
If you prefer Command Prompt, here’s how:
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
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Enter the following command to display all network adapters:
netsh interface show interface -
To rename an adapter, use:
netsh interface set interface name="OLD-NAME" newname="NEW-NAME"
Additional Tips
- Always verify the new names for consistency across your networks.
- Use unique identifiers if you’re managing multiple devices to avoid confusion.
- Regularly update your network settings documentation.
Summary
Renaming network adapters in Windows 11 can be easily accomplished through multiple methods: Settings, Control Panel, PowerShell, and Command Prompt. Choose the technique that best suits your proficiency and comfort level to manage your network devices effectively.
Conclusion
By renaming your network adapters, you improve the manageability of your network configuration. Use the methods outlined in this guide to customize your setup, making it faster and easier to identify which connection is which.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I rename my network adapters back to their original names?
Yes, you can rename your network adapters at any time using the same methods outlined above.
Will renaming adapters affect their performance?
No, renaming network adapters is purely for identification purposes and does not impact their performance or functionality.