How to Show or Hide Your Mobile Device Name in Windows Share on Windows 11
You can control how your devices are identified in Windows 11 network sharing by showing or hiding your mobile device’s name.
This setting decides if your phone or tablet’s name shows up when you look for network shares on your Windows 11 PC.
For instance, when you enable network discovery in Windows 11, your phone might show up with its specific name, like “My Samsung Galaxy S23.” This helps you tell it apart from other computers on your network. You can turn this visibility on or off based on your privacy and convenience needs.
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 lets your Windows 11 PC show your phone or tablet’s name when you use the Windows Share option, which is how you share files. If you share files often, this helps you pick the correct device.
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 Windows key + 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 easily show or hide your mobile device name in Windows Share by opening your PC’s Settings app. Just press the Windows key and I together, or click the Start menu and choose Settings.
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 make sure Windows Share works smoothly for showing your mobile device name, you’ll need a couple of things set up. Your PC must be signed in with your Microsoft account, and your phone should be linked to Windows 11 using the Phone Link feature.
For more help, you can check out this detailed guide on allowing your PC to access mobile devices in Windows 11.
Summary
The ‘Show Device Name in Windows Share’ feature in Windows 11 helps you easily see which mobile device you’re sharing files with, making it simpler to pick the right one.
How do I get the name of my device?
Right click on the Start menu and open Settings. Select System. Scroll down to About. Note the Device name.
What is the share name in Windows?
In Windows, the ‘share name’ is the specific name you give to a folder when you make it available over the network, while ‘PC NAME’ is the name of the computer itself.
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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.
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