How to change your computer's name
Your computer has a name that appears on your network and in system settings. Changing it takes about five minutes and requires you to restart your machine afterward. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, but all three let you pick any name you want — though keeping it simple (letters and numbers, no spaces) prevents problems later.
The name matters most if you share files over a home network, use remote access software, or need to identify your machine in a list of devices. If you are the only user on your computer and never connect to a network, changing the name is optional.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users open Settings, go to System, then About, and click Rename This PC to change the name in one place.
- Mac users open System Settings, click General, then About, and click Edit next to the computer name field.
- Linux users open a terminal and use the hostnamectl command to change the hostname without restarting.
- You must restart your computer after changing the name in Windows or Mac for the change to take effect.
- Use only letters, numbers, and hyphens in your computer name to avoid connection problems on networks.
Changing your computer name in Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click on System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About. You will see a section labeled "Device name" with your current computer name displayed.
Click the button labeled "Rename this PC." A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Click Next, then Restart Now to apply the change immediately, or click Restart Later if you want to finish what you are doing first. Your computer will restart and the new name will be active.
If you are using Windows 10, the process is nearly identical: open Settings, click System, then About, and look for the "Rename your PC" button instead.
Changing your computer name on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click General in the sidebar, then click About. You will see a field labeled "Computer Name" at the top of the window.
Click the Edit button next to the computer name. A text box will appear. Delete the old name and type your new one, then click Rename. Your Mac will apply the change immediately, but you should restart your computer to ensure all services recognize the new name. Restart by clicking the Apple menu, selecting Restart, and confirming.
Changing your computer name in Linux
Linux systems use a command-line tool called hostnamectl to change the computer name (called the hostname in Linux). Open a terminal window — the exact method depends on your Linux distribution, but usually you can right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal" or search for "Terminal" in your applications menu.
Type this command and press Enter: sudo hostnamectl set-hostname your-new-name (replace "your-new-name" with the name you want). You will be asked for your password. Type it and press Enter. The change takes effect immediately on most modern Linux systems without requiring a restart, though some older distributions may need one.
To verify the change worked, type hostnamectl and press Enter. Your new hostname will appear in the output.
What to avoid when naming your computer
Use only letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (-) in your computer name. Do not use spaces, periods, underscores, or special characters like @, #, or $. Names with these characters can cause problems when connecting to networks or using remote access tools.
Keep the name reasonably short — under 15 characters is safest. Avoid names that are all numbers or start with a number, as some network tools have trouble with purely numeric hostnames. If you have multiple computers, use names that help you tell them apart at a glance, like "bedroom-laptop" or "office-desktop" rather than generic names like "computer1."
When you need to change your computer name
Change your computer name if you are setting up a new machine and want something more descriptive than the default name Windows or Mac assigned. If you share files with other computers on your home network, a clear name makes it easier to find your machine in the file browser. Remote access software and network printers also display your computer name, so renaming helps you identify which device you are connecting to.
If you recently inherited a computer or bought a used one, renaming it is a good way to mark it as yours. Some people rename machines when they upgrade components or change the machine's primary purpose — for example, renaming "work-laptop" to "backup-drive" if you repurpose it for storage.
Troubleshooting if the name did not change
In Windows, if the Rename button is grayed out, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Contact whoever set up the computer and ask them to give you administrator permissions, then try again.
On Mac, if you cannot click Edit next to the computer name, your account may not have permission to change system settings. Open System Settings, click General, then About, and look for a lock icon. Click it, enter your password, and try again.
In Linux, if you get a "permission denied" error, make sure you typed sudo at the start of the command. If the change does not appear to take effect, try restarting your computer or logging out and back in.
After changing your name in Windows or Mac, restart your computer if you have not already. Some network services do not recognize the new name until you restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my computer name affect my files or programs?
No. Renaming your computer does not touch your files, programs, or settings. Everything stays exactly where it is. The only thing that changes is the name other computers see when you appear on a network.
Can I change my computer name back to the original?
Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time and enter your original name or any other name you prefer. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your computer.
Do I need to tell my internet provider about the name change?
No. Your internet provider does not care what your computer is named. The name is only used on your local network or when you connect to other computers directly.
What if I share my computer with other people?
The computer name applies to the entire machine, not to individual user accounts. Everyone who uses the computer will see the same name. If you want different names for different people, you would need separate computers.
Will the name change affect my WiFi connection?
No. Your WiFi connection is tied to your network password and router settings, not your computer name. You will stay connected to the same WiFi network after renaming.