How to Rename Network Connection in Windows 11 & 10

Don’t like generic network connection names? Here’s how to change the name of network connections in Windows 11 & 10.

Whenever you connect to a network in Windows 11 or Windows 10, the operating system automatically assigns it a generic name, such as Network 1, Network 2, etc., unless it receives one from your router. This is especially true for Ethernet connections. For example, when you connect to Ethernet, you will see the generic connection names. On the other hand, if you connect to a Wi-Fi network, Windows shows the SSID as the network connection name. When using multiple networks, the default names can be hard to remember or recognize one network from another. In those situations, changing the network connection name is helpful.

While you cannot rename a network connection using the Settings app or Control Panel, you can rename it using secpol or the Windows Registry. Thankfully, changing the network connection name is pretty easy. In this quick and easy guide, let me show you how to rename a network connection in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Let’s get started.

Quick navigation links:

• Know your current network name
• Local Security Policy method (works for pro and enterprise users only)
• Windows Registry method

Know Your Current Network Name

Before proceeding, it is better to know your current network connection name. This helps in finding the target network connection when you want to change its name.

Method 1:

On Windows 10: click the network icon in the taskbar. You will see the network name in the network connections flyout menu. In my case, the network name is “Network 2”.

On Windows 11: Right-click the network icon on the taskbar and select the “Network and Internet Settings” option. Next, click the “Properties” option. The network connection name is shown at the top. In my case, the name is “Network”.

Method 2:

Alternatively, you can also find the network name from the control panel. To do that, search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it. Now, select “Large icons” or “Small icons” from the “View by” dropdown menu and click the “Networking and Sharing Center” option. You will see the network connection name in bold letters under the “View your active networks” section.

Once you know your current network name, proceed to rename the network name.

1. Change Network Connection Name Using Local Security Policies (secpol)

Important Note: The Local Security Policies tool is only available for Pro and Enterprise users. If you are using the Home edition, follow the second method. i.e, registry method.

Local Security Policies is a built-in management console that allows you to change many advanced security settings, including the name of the network connection on Windows. Here’s how:

To open the Local Security Policy, we will use the Run command. So, press “Windows key + R“, type secpol.msc in the blank field, and press Enter.

In the Local Security Policy window, select “Network List Manager Policies” on the left panel. Next, in the right panel, find the network you want to rename and double-click it.

The above action will open the network properties window. Here, select the “Name” radio option and type your new network name in the blank field. Click “OK” button to save changes.

That is it. As soon as you save the changes, the network connection name is changed instantly. There is no need to reboot Windows. You can verify the network name change by clicking the network icon in the taskbar.

You can also see the changed network connection name in the control panel’s networking and sharing center.

2. Change Network Connection Name Using Windows Registry

Important note: Before making any changes, please create a quick registry backup so you can restore it as and when needed.

In addition to using the secpol tool, you can easily rename the network connection in the Windows Registry. This method is especially useful to Windows Home Edition users, as secpol is not available in that edition. Let me show you how:

To open the Windows Registry, press “Windows key + R“, type regedit in the blank field, and press “Enter” on your keyboard.

In the registry editor, go to the following location. You can copy and paste the path below in the registry editor’s address bar and press Enter to go to the target folder instantly.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles

Under the “Profiles” folder, you will see a few more folders with random alphanumeric names. Each folder represents a network connection in your system. When you select a folder under the Profiles folder, you will see the network name next to the “ProfileName” value on the right panel. In my case, the network name I’m looking for is “Network 2,” represented in the second folder under the Profiles folder.

To change the network connection name, double-click the “ProfileName” value on the right panel.

Type the new name in the “Value data” field and click the “OK” button.

Once that is done, close the registry editor by clicking the “X” icon in the top-right corner.

Generally, you don’t have to restart to see the changes. However, to make sure the changes are applied, reboot your PC. After restarting, you will see the new network name when you click on the network icon in the taskbar or in the control panel.

That is all. It is that simple to rename a network connection in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If needed, you can also rename a specific network adapter, which is very helpful when you have two similar types of adapters, such as two Ethernet ports. Read the linked guide to learn how.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.