How to Change Device Name in Android Nearby Share on Windows 11
Nearby Share in Windows 11 lets you send files wirelessly between your PC and Android devices by broadcasting a network name to nearby screens. Changing this default label stops you from sending photos or documents to the wrong computer when multiple machines share identical manufacturer names.
Access Nearby Share settings in Windows and click “Rename” under the Device name tile. Enter your new name and save. This personalized name will then appear on your Android device’s share menu.
How to change your device name
You can change device name Nearby Share settings in a few seconds so other people can find your computer easily when you send files. Open the Nearby Share app on your Windows 11 PC, click the gear icon to open the settings menu, and type a new name for your computer in the device name box.
Open the Nearby Share app by clicking the Start menu and finding the Nearby Share icon in your app list. This opens the application settings where you can update your PC’s identifier.
2. Click the Settings button (the gear icon) at the top right of the app window.
3. Find the Device name tile and click the Rename link.
4. Type in your new name and save your changes.
Troubleshooting: When the Name Does Not Update
Windows network profiles and discovery services sometimes retain old cached data instead of showing a changed device name immediately. Follow these steps to refresh those services if your PC still shows the outdated moniker.
Restarting Discovery Services (Admin Required)
[ADMIN PRIVILEGES REQUIRED] Open the Start menu and type 'Services,' then press Enter. Find 'Function Discovery Resource Publication,' right-click it, and select 'Restart.' This forces Windows to broadcast your updated name to nearby hardware.
Clearing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Cache
Persistent naming issues usually point to your Android device holding onto the old PC name. Toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and on again on your phone. This clears the local device cache and triggers a fresh scan for nearby hardware.
Registry and System Name Sync
Nearby Share pulls its identity from your Windows system name. This name lives inside the Windows registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft. Keeping both names identical prevents confusion during file transfers.
Summary
Customizing your device name in Nearby Share keeps your workflow organized and helps you spot your computer faster.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!