How to change your PC name in Windows 11: tips, steps, and recommendations

Personalize your computer name with Windows 11 It may seem like a simple task, but it is more important than many people think. name of your pc It's key to recognizing it on home networks or in professional environments, especially if you manage multiple devices at once. Changing this identifier can help you both organizationally and in terms of privacy and security.

If you've ever entered your network settings and found names that don't sound familiar to you, or if you simply want to give your computer a more personal touch and easily distinguish it from the rest, this article is for you. We'll tell you everything you need to know about how to change your PC name in Windows 11, the different methods available, and some practical tips for choosing the best possible name.

Why change your PC name in Windows 11?

Before you jump into changing your computer's name, it's important to understand the advantages and reasons for doing so:

• Simple identification: If you have multiple devices connected to the same network, giving them custom names helps you recognize them at a glance.
• Greater security: Generic names often give clues about the brand or model of the device, and even about the user. Change it can make it difficult for intruders or hackers to work.
• Ease of administration: Especially useful in offices, businesses and environments with multiple computers, since using a consistent naming convention streamlines management and technical support.
• Personalization: It's always nicer to see a proper or creative name than a meaningless set of numbers and letters.

How to see the current name of your PC?

Before changing your name, it may be helpful to know what your current name is. By default, Windows assigns a name with random letters and numbers or the computer modelTo check, just follow these steps:

• Go to the Start menu search and look for 'Settings'.
• Go to 'System' and then 'About'.
• At the top you will see the current name of your device.

This information can also be seen in network information when browsing connected devices or sharing files.

Various methods to change your PC name in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers several ways to change your computer name., both from the simplest graphical interface and from more advanced options for those seeking total customization.

Change the name from Settings

The most direct and easy way is to do it from the Settings menu, which is usually accessible to most users. Here's the step-by-step guide:

1. Access the application ConfigurationYou can do this from the Start menu or by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
2. In the left menu, go to the section System.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and select About.
4. At the top will appear the Device Name. Press on Rename.
5. A pop-up window will open where you can enter the new name you want to give your PC.
6. You can use letters (uppercase or lowercase), numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters.
7. Click 'Next' to continue.
8. Finally, you'll need to choose whether to restart your computer now to apply the change or do so later.

It's that easy! When the computer restarts, the new name It will appear both on the system itself and on the networks you connect to.

From System Properties

If you prefer a more classic method or are used to using keyboard shortcuts, you can change the computer name from the System properties:

1. Press the keys Win + R to open the 'Run' window.
2. Write sysdm.cpl and hit Enter.
3. The System Properties window will open. Go to the tab Team name.
4. Click on Change.
5. Enter the new name following the same rules (letters, numbers and hyphens, without spaces or Symbols specials).
6. Click 'OK', confirm the change, and restart your computer when prompted.

This method is equally valid and can be useful if you are a more advanced user or if you prefer classic Windows interfaces.

Using the Control Panel (Windows 10 and still available in Windows 11)

Although it's becoming less common, the Control Panel is still functional in Windows 11 and can be useful if you're coming from previous versions:

• Open the Start menu and search for 'Control Panel'.
• Go to 'System and Security' and then 'System'.
• You will see several options; select Show the name of this team.
• From here you'll access the same System Properties window we explained in the previous section, where you can change the name.

Remember that, regardless of the method you use, you'll need to restart your computer for the change to take effect.

How to choose the best name for your PC

It is not enough to put anything. name of the team must meet some requirements to avoid errors and facilitate identification:

• Maximum 15 characters. You cannot use more letters, numbers, or symbols than that limit.
• are only allowed letters (AZ, az), numbers (0-9) and hyphens (-).
• Spaces are not allowed nor other characters such as periods, commas, slashes or accents.
• Avoid entering personal information, such as your real name, to increase privacy.
• Use clear and recognizable names, especially if you have multiple computers on a network or work in an office. Examples: PC-office1, Laptop-Carlos, HP-Edition, etc.

A good trick is to combine the brand of the computer, the primary use (gaming, work, editing), or the location (living room, office, study) to keep everything under control.

Possible problems when changing your name and how to solve them

Changing your name is usually a simple process, but sometimes issues can arise. Some inconvenients:

• The rename button does not appear: Sometimes, if your account doesn't have administrator permissions, the system blocks the option. Make sure you're using an account with sufficient privileges.
• Error saving new name: This usually happens if you include an illegal symbol or try to enter a name that exceeds the 15-character limit. Correct this and try again.
• No changes appear: If the name remains the same after restarting your computer, try restarting it again. You can also check if you made the change to the correct user or the primary computer.

If you can't change the name after several attempts, check to see if your Windows is up to date or if there are group policies that restrict these changes (common in business environments). Here's a guide to optimize your PC's startup..

Is there a difference between changing the PC name and the username?

A frequent doubt is confusing the team name with the username. The first is the device identifier within the network, while the second is the name linked to your Windows and Microsoft user profile.

If you want to change your username (the one displayed on the sign-in screen and in your Microsoft account), you need to follow these steps:

1. Go to the start menu, click on your name or profile picture.
2. Choose Change account settings.
3. From there, go to 'Manage my accounts' and visit account.microsoft.com.
4. On the 'Your Information' tab, click 'Edit Name' and enter your preferred name.
5. Save the changes and restart your computer. If you're connected to the Internet, the new username will appear in your profile after restarting.

Change username It affects all Microsoft services where you are logged in with that account, not just the PC in question.

Extra tips and recommendations for advanced users

If you have some knowledge and want to go further, you can also use PowerShell or the symbol of the system To change the team name:

• Open PowerShell as administrator.
• Write the command Rename-Computer -NewName «NewName» and hit Enter.
• Restart your computer when prompted.

This method is especially useful when you manage multiple computers remotely or in automated scripts.

Ideas for organizing your team names at home or in the office

If you belong to a professional environment or have many devices at home, here are some Tips for planning your computer naming conventions:

• Identify the equipment by physical location: Office1, Meeting Room, Workshop2.
• Use the primary user name: PC-Maria, Laptop-Carlos.
• Brand and number or functionality combinations: HP-01-Edition, ASUS-Room.
• Avoid repeating names or using combinations that could lead to confusion.
• If you work with sensitive information, limit the team name from revealing personal or company information.

This way, you'll have everything perfectly organized and save yourself the trouble of sharing resources or receiving technical support.

Related article:

How to optimize PC startup with MSConfig and reduce boot time

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.