What a machine name is and why you need it

Your computer's machine name (also called a hostname or computer name) is a label Windows or Mac uses to identify your device on a network. It's the name that appears when you connect to Wi-Fi, share files with other computers, or set up a printer. You'll need this name when troubleshooting network problems, connecting to a work network, or helping a technician diagnose an issue remotely.

The machine name is different from your user account name — it's the device itself, not the person logged in. A single computer might have multiple user accounts, but it has only one machine name.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, select System, then About to find your device name listed under "Device name".
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click General, then About to see your computer name under "Computer Name".
  • You can also right-click This PC (Windows) or click the Apple menu (Mac) to find the name without opening Settings.
  • Machine names can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.
  • If you need to change your machine name, do so through the same Settings menu where you found it.

Finding your machine name on Windows 10 and 11

The quickest route is through Settings. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type "about your pc" into the search box, and select the result. This opens the About page directly. Look for the line labeled "Device name" — that's your machine name.

If you prefer not to use search, open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then select System from the left menu. Scroll down and click About. The device name appears near the top of the page, usually in a blue box or highlighted section.

A third option: right-click the Start button, select System, and you'll land on the same About page. All three routes show the same information — use whichever feels most natural to you.

Finding your machine name on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac. A window opens when ready showing your computer name at the top, labeled "Computer Name". This is the fastest method on Mac.

If that menu doesn't appear, you can also open System Settings (the gear icon in the Dock or Applications folder), click General in the sidebar, then click About. The computer name appears in the same location.

What to do if you can't find the Settings menu

On Windows, if the Settings app won't open, try using the Command Prompt instead. Press Windows key + R, type "cmd" and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type "hostname" and press Enter. Your machine name appears on the next line.

On Mac, if System Settings won't respond, open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, then type "terminal"). Type "hostname" and press Enter. Your machine name displays when ready below.

Changing your machine name if needed

On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings > System > About, then click the Rename this PC button. Type your new name (letters, numbers, and hyphens only — no spaces), then click Next. Windows will ask you to restart your computer to explore the change. Save any open work before restarting.

On Mac, open System Settings > General > About, then click the Edit button next to Computer Name. Type your new name and press Return. The change takes effect when ready without a restart.

Keep your machine name straightforward and descriptive — something like "Office-Desktop" or "Home-Laptop" helps you identify the device quickly if you're managing multiple computers.

Why your machine name matters for network troubleshooting

When you connect multiple devices to the same Wi-Fi network, each one needs a unique machine name so the network can tell them apart. If two computers have the same name, they can't both stay connected reliably. This is why changing your machine name sometimes fixes network problems — especially if you've recently set up a new computer or moved one to a different location.

Technicians also ask for your machine name when helping you remotely because it confirms they're looking at the right device. If you're troubleshooting a printer or shared folder that isn't showing up, knowing your machine name helps you verify the connection is working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows and Mac both restrict machine names to letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces, underscores, and symbols like @ or # will cause errors. If you want to separate words, use a hyphen instead — "Home-Office-PC" works, but "Home Office PC" does not.

Will changing my machine name affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and settings remain exactly the same. The machine name is just a label for the device itself. You won't lose anything or need to reinstall anything after a rename.

What if I see two different names in Settings?

You might see both a "Device name" and a "Full computer name" on Windows. The device name is what you use most often. The full name includes a domain suffix if your computer is connected to a work network — ask your IT department if you're unsure which one to use.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the machine name on Windows?

Yes. Windows requires a restart to explore the name change. You'll see a prompt asking you to restart before the change takes effect. Save your work first, then restart when you're ready.

Can other people on my network see my machine name?

Yes. Anyone connected to the same Wi-Fi network can see your machine name when they look at available devices. This is normal and necessary for file sharing and printer connections to work. If privacy is a concern, choose a generic name that doesn't reveal personal information.