Why you might want to change your PC's name

Your computer has a name — the one Windows or Mac assigns during setup, often something like "DESKTOP-A7K2M9X" or "MacBook-Pro-2". This name appears on your network when you share files, and it's what other devices see when you connect to a printer or file server. Changing it makes sense if the default name is confusing, if you're setting up a computer for someone else, or if you want your devices to be easier to identify on your home network.

The process is straightforward and takes about five minutes. You'll need to restart your computer afterward, but the change itself won't affect your files, passwords, or installed programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers can be renamed through Settings > System > About, where you'll click "Rename this PC" and type a new name.
  • Mac computers are renamed through System Settings > General, where you change the "Computer Name" field.
  • Your computer name can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.
  • You must restart your computer after changing its name for the change to take effect on your network.
  • Changing the computer name does not affect user accounts, files, or programs — only how the device appears to other devices on your network.

How to rename a Windows PC

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. From the left sidebar, click "System", then scroll down and click "About". On the right side of the screen, you'll see a section called "Device specifications" with your current computer name listed under "Device name".

Click the blue "Rename this PC" button. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. The name can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but Windows will not accept spaces or special characters. Click "Next", then "Restart now" to explore the change when ready, or "Restart later" if you want to save your work first.

After your computer restarts, the new name will appear on your network and in file-sharing dialogs. If you're connected to a workplace network, your IT department may have restrictions on what names are allowed — if you see an error message, contact them before trying again.

How to rename a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions). In the sidebar, click "General". At the top of the main panel, you'll see "Computer Name" with your current name in a text field.

Click in the text field, select all the text, and type your new name. Macs accept letters, numbers, and hyphens in the computer name. Press Enter to save the change. Unlike Windows, Macs do not require a restart, though it may take a few minutes for the new name to appear on your network and in file-sharing dialogs.

What to name your computer

Choose a name that's straightforward to remember and describes the computer or its user. "Bedroom-Laptop", "Kitchen-iPad", or "Office-Desktop" work well if you have multiple devices. If you're naming a computer for someone else, their name or a nickname is fine. Avoid names that are too long — while Windows and Mac both accept fairly long names, some older printers and network devices may have trouble with names longer than 15 characters.

If you're on a work network, check whether your workplace has naming conventions. Some organizations require names to start with a department code or follow a specific format. Your IT department can tell you what's allowed.

Troubleshooting: the name won't change or won't stick

If you see an error message when trying to rename your Windows PC, the most common cause is that your user account doesn't have administrator rights. You'll need to sign in with an administrator account to change the computer name. If you're not sure whether your account is an administrator, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and look for "Administrator" under your account name.

If the name changes but then reverts after a restart, your computer may be joined to a workplace domain. Domain-joined computers sometimes have their names reset by network administrators. If this is happening, contact your IT department — they may need to change the name through their management system instead.

On a Mac, if the change doesn't appear to take effect, try restarting your computer anyway. The name change is usually when ready, but network devices may take a few minutes to recognize it. If you're trying to connect to a printer or file server and it's still not finding your Mac, restart the printer or server as well.

How the computer name affects your network and sharing

When you change your computer's name, that's the name other devices will see when you share files or connect to a network printer. If you're using Windows file sharing to access another computer on your home network, you'll see the new name in the file browser. If you're printing to a shared printer, the printer's settings may show your computer's name in its list of connected devices.

The computer name is separate from your user account name. Changing the computer name does not change your Windows or Mac user account, your password, or any of your files. If you want to change your user account name instead, that's a different process handled through Accounts settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or special characters in my computer name?

No. Windows and Mac both reject spaces, and most special characters like @, #, $, and &. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens. If you want to separate words, use hyphens instead of spaces — "Home-Office-PC" instead of "Home Office PC".

Will changing my computer name affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, installed programs, user accounts, and passwords remain exactly the same. Only the name that appears on your network changes. You won't lose anything.

Do I have to restart my computer right away?

On Windows, yes — the change won't take effect on your network until you restart. On Mac, the change is usually when ready, but restarting ensures all network services recognize the new name right away.

What if my workplace won't let me change the computer name?

If your computer is connected to a work domain or network, your IT department may control the naming. Contact them to request a name change — they can usually make it through their management system.

Can I change my computer name back to the original?

Yes, anytime. Follow the same steps and type the old name back in. There's no limit to how many times you can change it.