Renaming a Bluetooth Device

Windows 10 does a lot of things by default, without input or asking for guidance. Typically, this is not an issue. However, as you begin to use your computer more, you might find some of these things could be confusing. For some people, one of these areas is how Windows names items you connect to your computer. In another article, we discussed how to change a printer name, and as we discussed in that article, often when we connect devices to our computers, Windows names them a generic name. This name is typically created or established by the manufacturer as relating to some naming structure that makes sense to the developer. The name assigned can be based on the device's model number, product name, or some other obscure naming convention.

One area where these naming conventions can be confusing is with Bluetooth devices. As you start adding more Bluetooth devices, the list of currently or previously connected devices will grow. If you need to identify one device from the list, this can be confusing if all you have to rely on is the default names. Renaming your connected devices can help alleviate the confusion and is simple to do.

1. Press the Windows keys and type (without quotes) "Control Panel" and then press Enter. Windows opens the Control Panel.
2. Under the Hardware and Sound section, click on "View Devices and Printers." Windows displays all the devices connected to your computer.
3. Right-click on the Bluetooth device you wish to rename. Windows displays a Context menu.
4. Choose the Properties option. Windows displays the Properties window for the device you selected.
5. In the Properties window, click on the Bluetooth tab.
6. With the Bluetooth tab selected, type a new name in the text field next to the device icon.
7. Click Apply.
8. Click OK to close the Properties window.

You will need to turn your Bluetooth off, wait a few moments, then turn it back on for the change to take effect. You can do this either in System Settings or with the Action Center. With your Bluetooth devices renamed, you will be able to manage your devices better.

 This tip (11874) applies to Windows 10.