If you don’t like the current name, you can change the computer name in Windows 11. Here are the steps to rename the PC in Windows 11.
Unlike the older versions, including Windows 10, Windows 11 lets you set the computer name while installing. In fact, it is one of the must-do installation steps.
If you are wondering, Windows used to automatically set a random alphanumeric value as the computer name in older versions. You have to manually change the computer name after installing the OS. In Windows 11, that changed. You can set the computer name while installing the operating system.
If you don’t know, the computer name is how you recognize the PC on a network or in your Microsoft account.
Of course, you can rename the PC as and when needed in Windows 11. There may be any number of reasons like not liking the current PC name, conflicting names in a workgroup, similar computer names in a network, etc.
No matter the reason, if you ever want to change the computer name, you can do that with just a few clicks.
So, without further ado, let me show you the steps to rename the PC in Windows 11.
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Rules to set the computer name
To set a computer name, you have to follow a set of rules. That way, the name applies appropriately, won’t interfere with anything, and the system won’t reject it. Here are what those rules are.
- The PC name can contain numbers 0 through 9.
- The PC name can have uppercase and lowercase letters.
- You can use the Hyphen (-) character.
- You cannot use any special characters other than Hyphen.
- PC name should not contain numbers only.
- The PC name should not have spaces.
Rename via the Settings app
The Windows 11 Settings app provides a simple way to rename the PC quickly. As such, using the Settings app to change the PC name is the easiest way. All you have to do is click an option, type the name, and you are good to go. Here is how to do it.
- Launch Settings with the “Win + I” shortcut.
- Click the “Rename” link on the header.
- Type the name of your choice.
- Click the “Ok” button.
- Close the Settings app.
- Reboot the computer.
- With that, the PC is renamed with the new name.
Detailed steps with screenshots:
The first thing to do is open the Settings app. You can do that in multiple ways. Click on the Settings icon in the Start menu or open the Power User menu with the “Win + X” shortcut and select the “Settings” option. You can also use the “Win + I” shortcut too.
In the Settings app, click on the “Rename” link on the header.
Type the new computer name and click the “Ok” button when prompted. Remember to follow the above-mentioned naming rules while settings a computer name.
If everything goes right, Windows 11 will change the PC name. Finally, reboot the PC to apply the name entirely.
Command to rename PC in Windows 11
You can also rename the Windows 11 PC via the Command Prompt in Windows Terminal. All you have to do is execute a single command, and you are good to go.
- Right-click on the Start menu.
- Select the “Windows Terminal (Admin)” option.
- Click on the dropdown menu on the top bar.
- Select “Command Prompt” from the dropdown menu.
- Execute the below command in the CMD tab while replacing “<NewPCName>” with the actual name.
wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call rename name="<NewPCName>" - Close the Windows Terminal.
- Reboot the computer.
- With that, you have changed the command name.
Detailed steps with screenshots:
First, we need to open Windows Terminal with admin rights. To do that, right-click on the Start menu to open the Power User menu and then select the “Windows Terminal (Admin)” option. You can also search for Windows Terminal in the Start menu, right-click on it and select the “Run as administrator” option.
After opening Windows Terminal, click the dropdown menu on the top bar and select the “Command Prompt” option. This action will open Command Prompt with admin rights in a new tab inside Windows Terminal.
In the Command Prompt window, execute the below command while replacing “<NewPCName>” with the actual PC name you want to set. Remember to follow the naming rules we discussed above.
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.
Related: How to change the system product name in Windows 11.
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That is all. It is that simple to rename a PC in Windows 11.
I hope this simple Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
