How to Rename Your Windows 11 Computer

Why Rename Your Computer?

Changing your computer’s name helps you:

• Make your device feel more personal
• Find your PC easily on a home or work network
• Stay organized if you have multiple computers

Method 1Rename Your Computer Using Settings

You can easily rename your Windows 11 computer using the built-in ⚙️ Settings app, which is usually the fastest way to get it done.

1. Click the ⊞ Start menu (Windows icon at the bottom-left) and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I to ⚙️ open Settings right away.
2. Look at the top of the Home section. You will see your current computer name.
3. Click the Rename this PC button or link below the name.
4. A small window will pop up. Type your new computer name here. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens (but no spaces or special characters).
5. Click Next. Then choose to restart now or later. Your PC will restart to apply the new name.

Method 2Rename Using System Properties

Renaming your Windows 11 computer is also possible through the classic System Properties window, a method familiar to many users.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter. This opens the System Properties window.
3. Click the Computer Name tab if it’s not already selected.
4. Click the Change… button.
5. In the new window, enter your desired computer name in the Computer name box.
6. Click OK. Then close all windows.
7. 🔄 Restart your computer to save the changes.

Method 3Rename Using Command Prompt

For those who prefer using text commands, you can rename your Windows 11 computer using the Command Prompt, but you’ll need administrator rights.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button. Type Command Prompt.
2. FLAG: Admin privileges required — 🖱️ Right-click on Command Prompt in 🔍 the search results and choose Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command. Replace Old_Name with your current PC name and New_Name with the new name you want:
   

   wmic computersystem where name="Old_Name" call rename name="New_Name"

   
   
4. For example, if your old name is DESKTOP-ABC123 and you want to rename it to MyPC, type:
   

   wmic computersystem where name="DESKTOP-ABC123" call rename name="MyPC"

   
   
5. Press Enter. If it works, you’ll see a message saying the rename was successful.
6. 🔄 Restart your computer to apply the new name.

Method 4Rename Using PowerShell

You can rename your Windows 11 computer using PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool that requires administrator privileges to run.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button. Type PowerShell.
2. FLAG: Admin privileges required — Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Type this command. Replace NewName with the name you want:
   

   Rename-Computer -NewName "NewName"

   
   
4. For example:
   

   Rename-Computer -NewName "MyNewPC"

   
   
5. Press Enter. Then 🔄 restart your computer for the change to take effect.

Summary

You’ve learned four ways to rename your Windows 11 computer, making it easier to spot on your network and giving it a personal touch.

Why this matters: Renaming your computer makes it easier to identify on your network and adds a personal touch to your device.

What you need to do: Choose whichever method feels right for you. All methods work the same way — you just need to 🔄 restart your PC to see the new name.

Enjoy your newly named computer!