Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Computer Name in Windows 10
Step 1: Open the System Properties Window
To change your computer’s name, the first step is to open the System Properties window. To do this, right-click on the Windows icon located on the taskbar, and select System from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + Pause/Break key simultaneously to open the window. Next, click on the Change settings link located under the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section.
Step 2: Access the Computer Name Tab
After opening the System Properties window, switch to the Computer Name tab and click on the Change button.
Step 3: Enter a New Computer Name
Next, enter a new name for your computer in the Computer Name field. It is advisable to use a name that is easy to identify and remember.
Step 4: Choose a Workgroup or Domain
If your computer is not a member of a domain, choose the Workgroup option and enter a workgroup name. For domain-joined computers, the domain name is automatically displayed.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Click on the OK button to save the changes. A prompt will appear, requesting you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Click on the OK button to restart your computer.
Step 6: Verify the New Computer Name
Once your computer has restarted, verify if the new name has been applied by following these steps: right-click on the Windows icon located on the taskbar and select System from the context menu. Within the System window, you should see the new computer name listed under the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section.
Step 7: Update Network Share Names
If your computer is sharing files and folders on the network, you may need to update the share names to match the new computer name.
Step 8: Update Printer Names
If your computer is connected to a printer, you may also need to update the printer names to match the new computer name.
Step 9: Update Remote Desktop Connection Settings
If you frequently access your computer remotely from another device, you may need to update the Remote Desktop Connection settings to reflect the new computer name.
Step 10: Update HomeGroup Network Settings
If your computer is part of a HomeGroup network, you may need to update the network settings to reflect the new computer name.
Step 11: Update Windows Firewall Rules
If your computer’s firewall is configured to block incoming traffic from specific computers on the network, you may need to modify the settings to reflect the new computer name.
Step 12: Update Your Microsoft Account
If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to your computer, you may need to update the account information to reflect the new computer name.
Additional Tips and Tricks
TIP 1: Restart Your Computer After Renaming It
It is recommended to restart your computer after changing its name to ensure that all applications and services can recognize the change.
TIP 2: Use a Descriptive Name
Use a name that is easy to identify, especially if you have multiple computers on the network. Avoid using special characters or spaces in the computer name.
TIP 3: Update All Network Settings
After changing a computer’s name, it is important to update all network settings, including printer names, share names, and home network settings, to ensure that all devices can access the computer correctly.
TIP 4: Check for Duplicate Names on the Network
Before renaming your computer, check to ensure that another computer on the network isn’t already using the name you want to use. Duplicate names can cause conflicts and make it difficult to access network resources.
TIP 5: Use a Password-Protected Account
Using a password-protected account will ensure that your computer remains secure, especially when accessing resources on the network.
TIP 6: Verify Firewall Settings
After changing a computer’s name, it is important to verify that the firewall settings have been updated to reflect the new name. This will ensure that incoming traffic is not blocked unnecessarily.
TIP 7: Use a Backup Before Renaming
It is always good practice to create a backup of your computer before making any significant changes, such as changing the computer name. This ensures that you can easily restore your system to its original state if something goes wrong.
TIP 8: Use a Shorter Name
Using a shorter name can save time when typing the computer name, especially when accessing network resources frequently.
TIP 9: Avoid Changing the Computer Name Frequently
Changing the computer name frequently can cause confusion for other users on the network and disrupt access to network resources. It is advisable to choose a name that can be used for the long term.
TIP 10: Consider Using a Naming Convention
Using a naming convention can make it easier to identify computers on the network and their purpose. For example, naming conventions such as [Department]-[Asset]-[Number] can provide a quick reference to where the computer is located and its intended use.
Advantages and Disadvantages: How to Change Computer Name in Windows 10
Advantages:
1. Easy customization: Changing your computer name in Windows 10 is a simple process that can easily be done by users with basic computer knowledge.
2. Improved security: Changing your computer name increases security as hackers target computers with generic names or default names.
3. Personalization: A personalized computer name can make your device feel more like your own, making it easier to navigate and locate on a network.
4. Helps with organizational purposes: Changing the name of your computer can help you organize your files and folders and make searches for them easier.
5. Simplifies remote access: A personalized computer name can make it easier for you to remotely access your device when using a virtual private network (VPN).
6. Helps identify your device on a network: Renaming your computer enables you to easily identify your device on a network, making it easier for you to interact with other devices.
7. Makes troubleshooting easier: Assigning a unique name to your computer can help with troubleshooting issues that may arise.
8. Easier to communicate with others: A personalized computer name is easier to communicate to others, such as IT support, when seeking technical assistance.
9. Enables you to express your personality: You can choose a computer name that relates to your personality, hobby, or background.
10. Helps with monitoring system resource usage: Assigning a custom name to your computer makes it easier to monitor system resource usage and identify issues that are affecting your computer’s performance.
Disadvantages:
1. Loss of standardized naming conventions: Renaming your computer can lead to inconsistent naming conventions when naming devices on a network.
2. Can cause network problems: Changing the name of your computer can cause problems if other devices on the same network are unable to communicate with it.
3. Can result in system errors: Renaming your computer can cause system errors and may require troubleshooting to fix.
4. May require additional configuration: Changing your computer name may require additional configuration, which can be challenging for users with little technical knowledge.
5. Can create conflicts among applications: Renaming your computer can cause conflicts among applications that rely on the old computer name.
6. Overly personal names can be inappropriate: Choosing an overly personal name for your computer can be inappropriate in a professional or work-related setting.
7. Potential to damage files: If the renaming process is not done correctly, there is a potential for the files on your computer to become damaged or lost.
8. May require system restart: To complete the renaming process, your computer may need to be restarted, which can cause inconvenience if you’re in the middle of something.
9. Difficult to change back: Renaming your computer can be difficult to undo if you decide to revert back to the original name.
10. Can be time-consuming: Depending on the number of files on your computer, the renaming process can be time-consuming.
FAQ
1. Why would you want to change your computer name?
Changing your computer name can help you better identify your computer on a network or distinguish it from other devices.
2. How can I access the computer name setting in Windows 10?
You can access the computer name setting by opening the Settings app and going to System > About.
3. Can I change my computer name to anything I want?
Yes, as long as the name meets the requirements for computer names in Windows 10, such as not containing any special characters.
4. Will changing my computer name affect my installed software?
No, changing your computer name should not affect your installed software or files.
5. Do I need to restart my computer after changing the name?
It is recommended to restart your computer for the changes to fully take effect.
6. Will changing my computer name affect my login credentials?
No, changing your computer name should not affect your login credentials.
7. Is it possible to change my computer name using Command Prompt?
Yes, you can change your computer name using the Command Prompt by using the command “WMIC ComputerSystem where Caption=’CurrentName’ rename NewName”.
8. Can I change my computer name without administrator rights?
No, you need administrator rights to change your computer name.
9. Can I change the name of a local account on my computer?
Yes, you can change the name of a local account on your computer through the Settings app or Control Panel.
10. Will changing my computer name affect my IP address?
No, changing your computer name should not affect your IP address.
11. Can I change my computer name multiple times?
Yes, you can change your computer name multiple times as you see fit.
12. Will changing my computer name affect my ability to connect to a network?
No, changing your computer name should not affect your ability to connect to a network.
13. Can I change the name of a remote computer?
Yes, if you have the necessary permissions and access to the remote computer, you can change its name using Command Prompt or remote management tools.
How to Change Computer Name in Windows 10
Changing the name of your computer can be necessary for various reasons, such as personal preference or security purposes. If you’re wondering how to change your computer name in Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Conclusion
Overall, changing your computer name in Windows 10 is quick and straightforward. You can do it in just a few clicks by following the steps outlined in this article. Once you’ve changed your computer name, make sure to restart your system to ensure the changes take effect. With the new name, your computer will feel more personalized and secure, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your system is well-protected.
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to read this article on how to change computer name in Windows 10. We hope that you found the information helpful and that you’re now able to change your computer name with ease. If you have any further questions or concerns about the process, we encourage you to reach out to a computer expert or support team for assistance. Until next time, happy computing!