How to Rename PC in Windows 11 (Change Computer Name)

By default, you are prompted to set your PC name while installing Windows 11. Windows uses this name to not only personalize the system for you but also make it easy to recognize your PC on a network and in your Microsoft account. However, if you skipped that prompt, Windows 11 will set a random string as your PC name, something like “DESKTOP-AB124.” While the default name might be functional, imagine trying to connect to your computer on a network and seeing multiple devices named “DESKTOP-YYYY”—it’s confusing and time-consuming to find your PC.

Thankfully, you can change your computer name in Windows 11 to whatever you want using the Settings app and Command Prompt. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to change the computer name in Windows 11 using these two methods. Let’s get started.

Before You Start

• You need administrator rights to change the computer name in Windows 11.
• While setting up the computer name, you should follow the below naming requirements:
  • The PC name can include numbers (0 through 9).
  • The PC name can include both uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • You can use a hyphen (-) in the PC name.
  • The PC name cannot include any special characters other than a hyphen.
  • The PC name should not be composed of numbers only.
  • The PC name should not contain spaces.

Change the Computer Name in Windows 11 Using Settings

On Windows 11, you can use the Settings app to quickly and easily rename the PC. Here’s how:

1. Launch Settings with the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
2. Click the “Rename” option at the top in the right panel.
3. Enter the name of your choice.
4. Click the “Next” button.
5. Click the “Restart Now” button.
6. With that, you have changed the computer’s name.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

First, open the Settings app on your computer. To do that, you can either press the Windows key + I shortcut or right-click on the Start button on the taskbar and select “Settings.”

Once it opens, select the Home tab on the left sidebar and then click the Rename option at the top in the right panel.

Enter the new computer name in the blank field and click the Next button. Remember that the name should not contain any special characters other than hyphen (-) and should not be composed of only numbers (take a look at the Before You Start section at the top for detailed naming requirements).

Finally, click the Restart Now button.

After restarting, your computer name is changed. To verify, open the Settings app and you will see the new name on the right panel.

Command to Change the Computer Name in Windows 11

If you prefer a command line approach, follow the below steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu.
2. Select the “Terminal (Admin)” option.
3. Click the dropdown icon on the top bar.
4. Select “Command Prompt” from the dropdown menu.
5. Run the following command while replacing “<NewPCName>” with the actual name.
   wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call rename name="<NewPCName>"
6. Close the Terminal window.
7. Reboot the computer.
8. With that, you have changed the Windows 11 computer name using Command Prompt.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

First, right-click on the Start button and select the Terminal (Admin) option. This action opens Windows Terminal with administrator rights.

Once the terminal window opens, click the dropdown icon and select the Command Prompt option. This opens a new Command Prompt tab in the terminal window.

In the Command Prompt tab, run the below command while replacing “<NewPCName>” with the actual PC name you want to set. Remember that the name should not contain any special characters other than hyphen (-) and should not be composed of only numbers (take a look at the Before You Start section at the top for detailed naming requirements).

wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call rename name="<NewPCName>"

As soon as you execute the command, Windows changes the name instantly. Now, close the Windows Terminal and reboot the computer to apply the changes.

After restarting, you will see the new name in the Settings app and other places.

Wrapping Up — Changing PC Name in Windows 11

As you can see, whether you use the Settings app or Command Prompt, changing the name of your computer is pretty simple. As I said before, while naming your computer, make sure to follow the naming requirements listed in the “Before You Start” section.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist. Also, just as you rename your PC, you can also change the system product name that displays under the PC name in Windows 11. Follow the linked guide to learn how.