How to Change Your Device Name for Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

Do you use Nearby Sharing to send files to other people? It is a great way to move photos or documents quickly using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. By default, your computer shows its boring, technical name to others. Now, you can give it a friendly nickname.

Why do this? Using a custom name makes it much easier to spot your computer when you are trying to send a file to your own device or a friend’s device.

What happens when done? Your computer will broadcast your chosen nickname instead of its system name whenever you use the Nearby sharing feature.

Note: This feature is currently rolling out to users. If you do not see the option, your version of Windows may need an update.

Change your device name in Settings

1. Open the Windows Settings app. You can find this in your Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings app.
2. Click on the System button on the left side of the window.

3. Select the Nearby sharing tile on the right side.

4. Click on the box that says “Your device is discoverable as YourPCName.”

5. Click the Rename link.

6. Type your new, friendly name in the box and click save.

Close the Settings app when finished.

Rename using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Note: This method requires admin privileges. Be careful, as changing registry settings can affect your system.

1. Open the Windows Registry editor by searching for it in the Start menu.

2. Go to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters

3. If you do not see a folder named Parameters, right-click the Tcpip folder, select New, and then select Key to create it.

4. Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the folder. Select New, then String Value.

5. Name the new item ShareFriendlyDeviceName.

6. Double-click ShareFriendlyDeviceName, type your new device name, and click save.

Summary

Changing your Nearby sharing name helps you identify your computer faster when transferring files. You can easily do this through the System settings menu or by editing the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters registry path if you are an advanced user. This update makes your Windows 11 experience more personal and convenient.