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 appears in system settings, shows up when you connect to shared printers or file folders, and helps IT support or a technician identify which computer is which when you call for help.

You might need this name when setting up a printer, connecting to a work network, troubleshooting a connection problem, or giving remote support access to someone. It is usually a combination of letters and numbers — something like "DESKTOP-A7K9M2" on Windows or "MacBook-Pro-2024" on Mac.

Finding it takes less than a minute on either system, and you do not need administrator access or special software.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to System, then About, and look for the "Device name" field near the top.
  • On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and the computer name appears at the very top of the window.
  • You can also right-click This PC (Windows) or open System Preferences and search for "sharing" (Mac) to see the same information.
  • The machine name is different from your user account name — it identifies the physical computer, not the person logged in.

Finding your machine name on Windows 10 or 11

The fastest route on Windows is through Settings. Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left), then type "settings" and press Enter. The Settings window opens.

Once Settings is open, click "System" on the left side. Then scroll down and click "About" at the bottom of that list. Look near the top of the About page for a field labeled "Device name" — that is your machine name. It will be something like "DESKTOP-ABC123" or a custom name you or someone else set up.

If you want to change the name later, you can click "Rename this PC" on the same About page, but for now you just need to write down or copy what you see.

Finding your machine name on Mac

On Mac, click the Apple menu (the apple symbol) in the top left corner of your screen. From the dropdown, select "About This Mac." A window appears when ready.

At the very top of that window, you will see a line that says "Computer Name:" followed by your machine name. This is usually something like "Sarah's MacBook Pro" or "iMac-Office" — whatever was set when the computer was first configured.

If you do not see the About This Mac option, you can also reach this information by clicking System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), then searching for "sharing" in the search box at the top. The computer name appears under the Sharing settings as well.

Alternative ways to find it if Settings does not work

If you cannot open Settings or prefer a different method, Windows has a backup route. Right-click on "This PC" in File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar), then select "Properties." A window opens showing system information, and your device name appears near the top under "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings."

On Mac, if the Apple menu method does not work, you can open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command+Space, typing "terminal," and pressing Enter). Type the command hostname and press Enter. Your machine name appears on the next line. This method is less common but works if the graphical menus are not responding.

Understanding the difference between machine name and user account name

A common source of confusion: your machine name is not the same as your user account name. The machine name identifies the physical computer itself. Your user account name is the profile you log into — you might see it in the top right corner of your screen (Mac) or when you first turn on the computer (Windows).

For example, you might have a machine named "DESKTOP-7XK2M9" but log in with the account "Jennifer." If someone asks for your machine name, they want the first one, not the second. Writing down the wrong one will cause confusion when you are trying to connect to a network resource or give someone remote access.

What to do once you have found it

Once you have located your machine name, write it down or take a screenshot and save it somewhere you can find it later. Many people keep it in a notes app or a document on their desktop labeled "Computer Info" alongside other details like their Windows product key or Mac serial number.

If you are setting up a printer, connecting to a work network, or troubleshooting with support, have this name ready before you start. It saves time and prevents the back-and-forth of trying to identify which device is having the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my machine name?

Yes. On Windows, click "Rename this PC" in the Settings > System > About page, type a new name, and restart your computer. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > About and click "Edit" next to the computer name. Choose something descriptive like "Office-iMac" or "Bedroom-Laptop" so you can identify it easily on a network.

Why does my machine name have random letters and numbers?

Windows assigns a default name like "DESKTOP-ABC123" when you first set up the computer. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. You can rename it to something more meaningful at any time. Mac usually assigns a name based on the device type and owner, but it can also be changed if you prefer something different.

Is the machine name the same on every network I connect to?

Yes. Your machine name stays the same whether you are at home, at work, or at a coffee shop. It is a property of your computer itself, not of the network. However, some networks may display it differently or not show it at all depending on their security settings.

What if I cannot find the machine name in Settings?

On Windows, try right-clicking This PC in File Explorer and selecting Properties. On Mac, try opening Terminal and typing hostname. If neither method works, your computer may have a system issue worth investigating, or you may need to restart and try again.