If you want to rename your PC in Windows 11, here is how you can do that using Windows Settings, Control Panel, Windows PowerShell, and Command Prompt. Although the method is almost the same as Windows 10, you might find some differences here and there.
Windows 11 asks you to enter your computer name while installing the operating system. We have already seen how to find Computer Name in Windows 11. Now, let’s assume that you have made a spelling mistake or the person who set up your computer has entered a random name. As the computer name reflects, whenever you try to connect your computer to another device, you might want to change the name to something specific.
How to Rename PC in Windows 11
To rename this PC in Windows 11, follow these methods:
- Rename this PC using Windows Settings
- Using Control Panel
- Using Windows PowerShell
- How to change PC name in Windows 11 using Command Prompt.
To learn more about these methods, you need to continue reading.
1] Rename this PC using Windows Settings
It is probably the best and easiest method to rename a PC in Windows 11. There is a dedicated option in the Windows Settings panel that you can use to change the name of your Windows 11 computer. To rename PC in Windows 11 using Windows Settings, do the following:
- Press Win+I to open the Windows Settings panel.
- Go to System > About.
- Click on the Rename this PC button.
- Enter the name of your PC.
- Click the Next button.
- Click on the Restart Now button.
After restarting, you can find the new name of your computer.
2] Using Control Panel
It is the traditional method you can use on Windows 10, 8.1, and all the other versions, including Windows 11. The steps are slightly different on other versions than Windows 11 because of the Windows Settings redirection. However, if you want to use the Control Panel option to rename PC in Windows 11, do the following:
- Click on the Taskbar search box.
- Search for advanced system settings and click on the individual result.
- Switch to the Computer Name tab.
- Click on the Change button.
- Enter the new name in the Computer name box.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer to complete the process.
Instead of using the Taskbar search box, you can press Win+R, type systempropertiesadvanced, and hit the Enter button to open the same panel.
3] Using Windows PowerShell
It is another method you can use to rename Windows 11 PC within moments. You need to open Windows PowerShell with administrator privilege and enter a command. For that, follow these steps:
- Search for powershell in the Taskbar search box.
- Click on the Run as Administrator option.
- Click the Yes option.
- Enter this command:
Rename-Computer -NewName "the-new-name" - Restart your computer.
Don’t forget to replace the-new-name with the desired name you want.
4] How to change PC name in Windows 11 using Command Prompt
This method is almost the same as the Windows PowerShell method. In other words, you need to open an elevated Command Prompt window and enter a command. However, to use this method, you must know the existing name of your computer. To learn more in detail, do the following:
- Search for cmd in the Taskbar search box.
- Click on the Run as administrator option.
- Click on the Yes button.
- Enter this command:
wmic computersystem where caption='current-name' rename 'new-name' - Restart your computer.
Don’t forget to replace current-name with your existing computer name and the new-name with the name you want.
Read: The PC name is invalid in Windows 11
How do I change the name of my computer in Windows?
There are multiple methods to change the name of your computer in Windows. If you are using Windows 11, you can use the Windows Settings panel method mentioned above. Otherwise, you can use Control Panel, Windows PowerShell, and Command Prompt to change the name of your PC.
Does changing computer name affect anything?
No, you might not find any problem by changing the name of your computer. However, if you use your computer as a Wi-Fi hotspot, you must change the SSID on other devices after renaming your PC.
Rename this PC greyed out or disabled
If you can’t rename your PC in Windows 11, maybe because the Rename this PC button in Windows Settings is greyed out or disabled, check with your administrator if he has and restriction or setting in place. Also make sure you are logged in as an administrator and then see if you can rename your PC. This post will help you if you receive The PC name is invalid message.
How do I rename This PC item in File Explorer?
To rename the This PC item in File Explorer of Windows 11, simply select This PC, right-click on it, click on Show more options and then on Rename. You will then be able to rename This PC item according to your choice. You can also press F2 (or Fn+F2) to rename it.
That’s all! I hope this tutorial helped.
Read: How to rename built-in Administrator Account in Windows.
