How to Change Your Device Name for Nearby Sharing in Windows 11
Changing your device name for Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 lets you pick a custom name for your PC that others see. This is the name that shows up when you use Windows 11’s Nearby Sharing feature, which is a simple way to send files wirelessly between computers.
Nearby Sharing uses your PC’s name to make it easy for other devices to find it using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Giving your PC a unique name means it will be easy to spot when you’re sharing files.
This custom name replaces the default name Windows gives your computer, which can sometimes be hard to understand. Once you change it, this new name will appear whenever your device is ready for sharing or seen on the network.
Change your device name for Nearby Sharing in Windows 11 by going to Settings > System > About. Click “Rename this PC,” enter your desired name, and restart your computer. This makes your PC easier to identify on the network.
Computer Name vs. Device Manager Names
Your computer’s name is what other devices see when you’re connected to a network, like for Nearby Sharing. This is different from the names you see in Device Manager, which refer to specific hardware parts inside your PC. Knowing this difference helps you change the right name.
It’s important to know that your “Computer Name” (which is like a hostname) isn’t the same as the hardware names you see in Device Manager. Your computer name is what other devices see on your network. Device Manager names refer to specific hardware drivers like your graphics card or network adapter. Renaming your computer won’t change these hardware driver names.
Change Your Device Name via System Settings
For a user-friendly approach, you can change your device name in Windows 11 via the System Settings app. This is how other PCs will identify you for features like Nearby Sharing. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I. Navigate to System and select About at the bottom of the list. Click the ‘Rename this PC’ button, enter your new name, and then click Next. Remember to restart your computer to apply these changes.
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
- Go to System and select About at the bottom of the list.
- Click the Rename this PC button.
- Enter your new name and click Next.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Rename Using PowerShell
For users comfortable with the command line, renaming can be done quickly using PowerShell with the Rename-Computer cmdlet.
- Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Rename-Computer -NewName "New-Friendly-Name" - Restart your computer to finish.
Advanced Registry Method
To alter only the device name for Nearby Sharing without changing your main computer name, you can edit the Windows Registry. This involves opening the Registry Editor and navigating to a specific system services path. Be cautious, however, as making incorrect changes can impact your system’s stability.
Changing registry settings requires administrator privileges. Modifying the registry improperly can impact your computer's performance. For instance, mistakes when modifying `🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft` could lead to system instability.
- Open the Registry Editor by searching for regedit in the Start menu.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters - Right-click in the empty space, select New, then String Value.
- Name it
ShareFriendlyDeviceName. - Double-click it and enter your preferred name.
Summary
Renaming your PC in Windows 11 makes it easier to spot on your network and when using features like Nearby Sharing.
Does changing my device name affect my Microsoft Account?
No, changing your local device name does not affect your Microsoft Account. Your account settings, cloud storage, and linked services remain tied to your email address, not the name of the physical hardware you are using to access them.
Why does my device name have a number appended to it?
Windows often appends a number to your device name if it detects a conflict on your local network. This ensures that every device has a unique identifier so that network discovery and file sharing protocols do not get confused by duplicate names.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!