Is your Windows computer stuck with a name you don't particularly like? A new PC sports a default name courtesy of the vendor, but no matter which version of Windows you're running, you can change it to something of your own preference. But what should the name be? Here are some tips for naming a Windows PC, and how to make the change.
Best Practices to Follow
Before you go about changing the name of your computer, there are a few best practices to follow, especially if it's a networked PC. The name shouldn't be longer than 15 characters, and certain types of characters are off limits, so stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens.
It's a good idea to create a distinctive name for the machine, so you immediately know which computer it is when you (or someone else) view it on a network or need to access it remotely. A good rule of thumb is to include the name of the manufacturer, the brand or model number, and perhaps the type of PC in the name.
For instance, you might give an HP Pavilion desktop a name of HPPavilionDesk, set a Lenovo ThinkPad T14 laptop to be called LenovoT14Lap, or make MicroSurfaceTab to name of a Microsoft Surface tablet.
Rename Your PC on Windows 11
Windows 11 gives you an opportunity to choose a name for your PC during the initial setup process. At the "Let's name your device" screen, type a name for your computer, keeping in mind the guidelines. Click Next and then continue with the rest of the setup.
If you wish to change the existing PC name in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About and click Rename this PC. Type the new name and click Next, then restart your computer and sign back in for the new name to take effect.
Rename Your PC on Windows 10
The process for renaming your PC is the same in Windows 10. Go to Settings > System > About and click the Rename this PC button. Type the new name of your computer and click Next. Restart your PC and sign back in to see the new name.
Rename Your PC on Windows 8.1
To change your computer name in Windows 8.1, launch the Charms bar and click the Settings icon. Click the Change PC settings link at the bottom of the menu. In the left pane for PC settings, select the PC and devices category.
Click the PC info option at the bottom, then click Rename PC. You can then type the new name and click Next. Restart your PC and sign back into Windows to view the new computer name.
(Note that as of Jan. 10, 2023, Windows 8.1 users will no longer get new security patches or technical support, so it's time to upgrade or buy a new PC. Here's how to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or Windows 11.)
Rename Your PC on Windows 7
To change your computer name in Windows 7, you need to open Control Panel in icon view. Click the System icon to view System settings. In the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section, click Change Settings. At the System Properties window, click Change.
You can then type the new name for your computer in the Computer name field. Click OK, then restart your PC and sign back in to see the new name.
(Windows 7, of course, is even further out of date than Windows 8.1, so it's definitely time to consider a new PC or OS upgrade.)