When you set up a new Windows 11 PC, Microsoft often assigns it a generic, difficult-to-remember name like “DESKTOP-7X9B4.” If you share files on a local network, cast your screen to a smart TV, or try to manage your devices from your Microsoft account, this random string of letters makes it very hard to figure out which computer is yours. Thankfully, renaming your PC is incredibly simple.
How to Change Your PC Name
- Open the Settings app. The fastest way is to press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard, or right-click the Start button and select “Settings.”
- Ensure you are on the System tab on the left-hand sidebar (this is usually selected by default).
- Scroll down the right side of the window and click on About at the very bottom.
- Look near the top of the About screen. Next to your current computer name, click the button that says Rename this PC.
- A blue dialog box will appear. Type in your desired new name.
- Note: You can use letters, hyphens, and numbers, but you cannot use spaces or special characters like @ or *.
- Click Next.
- Windows will prompt you to restart your computer to apply the changes. You can click Restart now or Restart later.
Your new computer name will not take effect until you perform that restart. Once the PC boots back up, your custom name will be visible to all devices on your local network!