When you pair a new Bluetooth device to your Windows 11 PC, it adopts whatever default name the manufacturer programmed into it. If you own multiple pairs of generic wireless earbuds, or if a speaker has a confusing serial number name like “BT-Speaker-X99”, it can be incredibly difficult to know which device you are connecting to.
Logically, you would assume you can rename these devices in the modern Windows 11 Settings app under “Bluetooth & devices.” However, Microsoft does not provide a rename option there. To change the name of a Bluetooth device, you have to dig into the classic Windows Control Panel.
How to Rename the Device in Control Panel
Make sure the Bluetooth device you want to rename is currently turned on and actively connected to your PC before you begin.
- Click the Start button, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
- Change the “View by” setting in the top right corner to Large icons.
- Click on Devices and Printers. (In newer versions of Windows 11, this might redirect you back to the modern Settings app. If that happens, click on More devices and printer settings on that page to force the classic window to open).
- You will see a list of all your connected hardware. Find your Bluetooth device in this list.
- Right-click on the device and select Properties.
- In the small window that pops up, click on the Bluetooth tab at the very top.
- Click inside the text box at the very top of this tab. You can now delete the default manufacturer name and type whatever custom name you want (e.g., “My Office Headphones”).
- Click Apply, then click OK.
In order for Windows 11 to register the new name across the entire operating system, you must restart your Bluetooth connection. You can do this quickly by turning your headphones/speaker off and back on again, or by toggling Bluetooth off and on in the Windows 11 Action Centre.