Renaming Your Computer

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated January 8, 2018)

Renaming your computer is a simple task that can make your personal computer a bit more, well, personal. There are a couple of ways to do it:

  • If you are using Windows 7, click the Start button, right-click on Computer, select Properties, then click the "Advanced system settings" link on the left side of the window.
  • If you are using Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10, display the Control Panel, click the "System and Security" link, click "See the name of this computer" under the "System" group, then click the "Advanced system settings" link on the left side of the window.

Either method will take you to the System Properties dialog box. Make sure the Computer Name tab is displayed. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Computer Name tab of the System Properties window.

The name given to your computer is shown to the right of the Full Computer Name label. To change the name of your computer, click the Change button. Windows displays the Computer Name/Domain Changes dialog box. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The Computer Name/Domain Changes window.

Your computer name is in the top textbox. To change it, delete what's there, enter the new name, and click OK. You will need to reboot your computer for the name to go into full effect.

Note that you may not have permission to change the name of a company computer. And even if you do, you likely don't have permission to change the record in the domain name server. To change the name of your computer on your company's network, you will probably need to get your network administrator involved.

 This tip (12147) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding the NTFS File System

The NTFS file system is at the core of the Windows operating system. This tip explains a bit about it.

Discover More

Changing the Size of Icons Used by Windows

Microsoft Windows can be highly personalized to suit your needs. This personalization includes the ability to change the ...

Discover More

Using Maps

Offline maps is a useful app if you want to look someplace up or get directions. This tip explains how to use these maps.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Reviewing the Windows Update History

Windows installs updates automatically by default. If you want to review what updates have been installed, seeing the ...

Discover More

Changing How the Power Button Behaves

When you shut down your system, you normally use the Power button that is visible after you click the Start button. You ...

Discover More

Turning Off Window Drop-Shadows

Windows adds its own bells and whistles to what you see on your desktop. One of those flourishes is a drop-shadow added ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is four less than 4?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.