Your computer’s name, also known as the hostname, is a unique identifier that helps identify it on a network. By default, Windows assigns a generic name during installation. However, you may want to change your computer’s name to something more personalized or descriptive. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your computer’s name in Windows 10.

Step 1: Access System Properties

To begin changing your computer’s name:

1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

2. Type “Control Panel” and select it from the search results.

3. Within Control Panel, locate and click on “System.”

Alternatively:

• Right-click on the “This PC” or “My Computer” icon (usually found on your desktop) and select “Properties.”

Step 2: Open Advanced System Settings

In the System window:

1. Click on “Advanced system settings” located in the left-hand sidebar.

2. A new window titled “System Properties” will open.

Step 3: Change Your Computer’s Name

Within System Properties:

1. Go to the tab labeled “Computer Name.”

2. Click on the button named “Change.”

3. Another window called “Computer Name/Domain Changes” will appear.

Step 4: Enter New Computer Name

In this new window:

1. Underneath where it says Computer description, you’ll find a field asking for Computer: or Full computer name. 2 . Enter a new desired name for your computer into that field—make sure it meets any restrictions outlined below.

• The new name can include letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_).

• It cannot contain spaces or special characters like @,#,$,%,&, etc.

• The name can be up to 15 characters long.

2. Click on “OK” once you have entered the new name.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After clicking “OK,” a pop-up will prompt you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Ensure that all your work is saved, and then click on “OK” again to proceed with the restart.

Conclusion

Changing your computer’s name in Windows 10 allows you to personalize it or make it more recognizable within networks. By accessing System Properties through Control Panel or by right-clicking on This PC/My Computer and going into Properties, you can easily modify your computer’s name following a few simple steps. Remember to choose a new name that adheres to the character restrictions outlined above before restarting your computer for the changes to take effect.

Please note that changing your computer’s name does not affect any files or settings but only modifies its network identification.