How to Show or Hide Your Mobile Device Name in Windows Share on Windows 11
Windows Share on Windows 11 is the built-in file sharing menu that lets you send links and files between your PC and nearby devices. Changing your mobile device name visibility in Windows 11 lets you control whether other computers on your network can see the name of your connected phone or tablet.
Hiding your device name keeps your local network private and stops your phone from showing up on other nearby Windows 11 PCs. You can turn this setting on or off in the Settings app whenever you want to change who sees your phone name.
Show or hide your mobile device name in Windows Share by opening Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, selecting Mobile devices, and toggling the “Show device name in Windows Share” option for your linked device. This makes it easier to identify which device you are sharing files with.
What is “Show Device Name in Windows Share”?
This feature allows your Windows 11 computer to display your phone or tablet’s name whenever you use the Windows Share option. Frequent file sharing benefits from this visibility because confirming the correct device prevents sending files to the wrong destination.
Easy Steps to Turn On or Off Your Mobile Device Name
- Open the Settings app: Click the Start menu (the Windows logo at the bottom left) and select Settings. Or simply press the Win+I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices: In the Settings window, look at the left side and click Bluetooth & devices.
- Find Mobile devices: On the right side, find the tile called Mobile devices and click on it.
- Manage your devices: Click the Manage devices button under the option that says “Allow this PC to access your mobile device.”
- Choose your device: Under My devices, find the mobile device you want to change and click the arrow to expand it.
- Toggle the device name visibility: Look for the setting “Show device name in Windows Share” and turn the switch On to show the name or Off to hide it.
You can change your Windows Share device name directly through the Settings app on Windows 11. To show or hide your phone name, open Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, and select Mobile devices to update your preferences in just a few clicks.
Why Use This Feature?
- It makes sharing easier by clearly showing which device you’re sending files to.
- Helps you manage multiple devices if you have more than one linked.
- You can turn it off anytime for privacy or simplicity.
More Helpful Tips
- To use this, you need to be signed into your Microsoft account on your PC.
- Link your phone to Windows 11 with the Phone Link feature.
- You can share files easily from Windows Share directly to your Android phone.
- If you want to disconnect your phone later, don’t forget to sign out from the device in Settings.
To get the Windows Share device name feature working properly, you need to sign into your Microsoft account and connect your phone using the Phone Link (an app that links your phone and PC) feature. This lets you share files directly between your computer and your Android phone.
Consulting this comprehensive guide on allowing your PC to access mobile devices in Windows 11 provides additional assistance.
Summary
The 'Show Device Name in Windows Share' feature helps you identify connected hardware quickly during file transfers.
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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.
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