- Use valid names: only letters, numbers and hyphens, no spaces and a maximum of 15 characters for full compatibility.
- The change requires a restart to take effect on the system and network; it does not affect data or applications.
- The team name is different from the user account name; each is managed separately.
- Clear conventions improve organization, security, and management in networks with multiple devices.
¿How to change the computer (PC) name in Windows 11? You may never have thought about it, but Rename your PC in Windows 11 It's a small gesture that makes life much easier when you're managing multiple devices, sharing on a network, or simply want to identify your computer at a glance. By default, the system assigns a cryptic name with letters and numbers that, frankly, isn't very helpful in everyday use.
The good news is that changing it is quick, reversible, and doesn't require advanced knowledge: There are several routes and they are all easy.You can do this both from the Settings app and from the classic Windows tools. We'll also explain the rules, limits, and tips to ensure your new name is valid, clear, and secure.
Why it's worth changing the team's name
There are very practical reasons for doing so: order, security and administrationIf you use more than one computer with your Microsoft account or live with several computers at home, a good name allows you to distinguish each device instantly.
In terms of privacy, factory-set names can reveal clues about the model or the user; Personalizing it reduces that exposure. And it helps you blend in better on shared networks. It's not foolproof, but it definitely improves your security.
And if we're talking about environments with many teams (offices, classrooms, workshops), having a consistent naming convention It simplifies inventory, support, and all IT administration tasks. Clear naming conventions prevent confusion and save time.
How to see the current name and what rules the new one must follow
First, it's a good idea to confirm the current name. In Windows 11, open Settings with WIN+I, then go to System > About You'll see the device name at the top. From that same screen, you can change it in seconds.
Windows imposes rules for the name to be valid: Only letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9) and hyphens (-) are allowedYou cannot use spaces or unusual symbols, and it is good practice for the name not to be solely numeric.
Furthermore, the classic NetBIOS identifier limits the length to a maximum of 15 charactersAlthough longer lengths are used in DNS contexts, in practice this number is the safe standard to avoid conflicts in networks and services that still depend on NetBIOS.
Also note that to apply the change, the system will ask you Restart the systemYou can do it right away or later, but the new name won't be reflected on the network or in all tools until you complete that reset.
Change PC name in Windows 11 from Settings
The most direct way is through the Settings app. It's a modern, simple method accessible to everyone, so if you don't want to complicate things, This is the recommended route.
- Open Settings with WIN+I or from Start ⊞ > Settings ⚙.
- Sign in System.
- Accede to About.
- Push the button Rename this PC.
- Write the new name respecting the rules (letters, numbers and hyphens; no spaces).
- Click on Next and choose Restart now o Restart later.
After restarting, you'll see the new identifier in Settings, File Explorer, and when discovering devices on the network. It's a clean process. It does not affect your data, applications or licenses, and you can change it again whenever you want.
Rename from System Properties (classic method)
If you prefer the traditional panel or need to access domain or workgroup options, the System properties They're still there with a very fast route. It's ideal for advanced users or those already familiar with this interface.
- Press WIN + R to open Run.
- Write sysdm.cpl and hit Enter.
- Go to the tab Team name.
- Click on Change….
- Enter the new team name (letters, numbers, and hyphens only). maximum 15 characters).
- Confirm with Accept and restart when the system prompts you.
This method will also show you whether the team belongs to a workgroup or domain, which is useful if you manage corporate environments. In any case, the end result is the same: Your PC will appear with the new name in Windows tools and on the local network.
Do it from the Control Panel
Some users still access this task from the Control Panel, especially in Windows 10. Although Windows 11 prioritizes Modern Settings, The Control Panel path continues to help as a shortcut to the "About" screen.
In Windows 10, go to Start and enter Control Panel > System and Security > SystemInside, you'll find the option Show the name of this teamwhich opens the "About" Settings page where you'll see the button Rename this team.
From there, the process is identical: you enter the new name, click on Next and you decide whether to restart now or later. This flow is very practical if you're already used to navigating through Security system within the Control Panel.
Changing the name in Windows 10: equivalent paths
Although Windows 11 has been on the market for some time, Windows 10 is still used on many computers. The good news is that The procedure is virtually identical., and you have two options: Settings and Control Panel.
From Settings (Windows 10), open Start > Settings, enter System and go down to AboutYou'll see the device specifications and the button Rename this team to open the renaming dialog box.
If you prefer the Control Panel, navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > System and click on Show the name of this teamThat action will take you to the same "About" screen where you can rename in a couple of clicks.
Remember that the rules don't change: letters, numbers and hyphens, without spaces or symbols, and a restart is required for the change to take effect across the entire system and network.
Naming guidelines and best practices
To avoid mistakes, the first thing is to respect the technical rules: only A–Z, 0–9 and hyphens, without spaces and up to 15 characters. Beyond that, it's a good idea to think of a clear and consistent identifier that will help you in your day-to-day work.
At home you can opt for something simple and descriptive: for example, DESKTOP-SALON, PORTABLE-MARIA o MINIPC-OFFICETry to make the name say something useful about the team (location, use, type of device).
In professional settings, it is ideal to apply a stable convention: BRAND-ROLE-LOCATION o DEPT-POSITION-NNNFor example, HP-EDITION-01, FIN-TABLE-07, or IT-SUPPORT-02. This consistency speeds up support, inventory, and diagnostics.
For privacy reasons, it is usually advisable to avoid mentioning people's names or overly obvious information (email, phone number, company, etc.). The less you reveal, the betterespecially if the device connects to public or shared networks.
If you manage many devices, consider including a numerical suffix To avoid duplicates (PC-SALES-01, PC-SALES-02…). It's a simple way to grow without losing the logic of the scheme.
Difference between team name and user account name
It's not uncommon to confuse them, but they are different things. The device name identifies the device. on the network and in Windows, while the user account name is what your profile (local or Microsoft) shows when you log in.
If you need to switch users quickly, click on Home and tap on your account icon or image to see the list of available users; from there you can switch to another user without further complications.
To change the name displayed on your account, the process depends on the type of account. For a Microsoft account, the most effective way is to go to account.microsoft.comOpen Your Information and edit the name; on a local account you can change it from Control Panel > User Accounts or through Windows account options.
Remember: Editing the account name does not change the team name, and renaming the team does not alter Your username. These are separate configurations with different purposes.
Check the change and where it is reflected
After restarting, the new name is displayed in several places: in Settings> System> AboutIn system properties and network device discovery, you may see the change reflected in your list of associated devices. If you use Microsoft services, you might see the change reflected in your system properties and network device discovery.
If you work on a network with multiple PCs, you'll notice the difference when browsing computers from Explorer or connecting to shared resources. A clear name makes it identify the correct device it's a matter of seconds.
In administration and support tools, the new identifier will also appear after the restart and the information update of equipment. This propagation may take a little while in certain environments, but it is usually almost immediate on home networks.
Common problems and how to solve them
If the rename button appears disabled, make sure you're using an account with administrator permission or starts in safe mode with network For diagnostic purposes. Without elevated privileges, Windows will not allow you to change the computer name.
When the system rejects the name, check the rules: spaces and symbols like @, #, $, /, etc. are not allowed. Also, avoid excessively long names and remember the limit. 15 characters for maximum compatibility.
If you don't see the change on the network after renaming, try restarting your router or refreshing the discovery cache on the devices you're using to search. Sometimes it's just a matter of refreshing the environment.
In domain-joined corporate environments, there may be policies that regulate or block renaming. In that case, contact your IT administrator to apply the change following the organization policies.
Use cases and practical examples
If you suspect there are multiple computers on your network and you're unsure which is which, rename them using a clear system. For example, add the location (ROOM, OFFICE), the type of computer (DESKTOP, LAPTOP), or the role (EDITING, OFFICE). The combination helps a lot..
Those who use the same PC for multiple purposes can create a name that reflects its primary use: CREATIVE-PC, STREAMING-RIG, DEV-LAPTOPThis detail may seem minor, but it facilitates the management of profiles and resources.
In classrooms or companies, a convention of the type DEPT-AREA-NNN (for example, MKT-DISENO-03) allows you to locate the equipment instantly and speeds up support requests, inventory, asset control and internal audits.
Remember that you can change the name as many times as you want; if your scheme evolves, it's fine to adjust the nomenclature. The key is clarity and that everyone in your environment understands it.
Routes summarized by method
For those who prefer shorter routes, here are the most common paths. Use them as a quick reference when you need to rename a device without any hassle, and choose the one that's most convenient for you in each case. (Settings, Classic or Panel).
- Configuration (Windows 11/10): WIN+I > System > About > Rename this PC.
- Properties of the (classical) system: WIN+R > sysdm.cpl > Computer Name > Change….
- Control Panel (Windows 10): Panel > System and Security > System > Show this computer name (opens “About”).
Whichever route you take, the final process is the same: you choose a valid name, confirm with Next and restart now or later. After the restart, the new name will be active.
quick questions
I can use upper case and lower caseYes. Windows doesn't differentiate between capitalization in the context of the computer name, but you can use them to improve readability.
Can I put spacesNo. Use hyphens if you need to separate words. Spaces will cause an error and the name will not be saved.
Does the change affect my programs or filesNo. Renaming the device does not delete data or uninstall applications; it a purely identifying change.
Is it mandatory? ReiniciarYes, so that the new name is fully applied and reflected across the network and system services.
Giving your PC a clear and consistent name in Windows 11 is a quick task with an immediate impact on your organization and day-to-day security: using the paths in Settings, System Properties, and Control Panel, and following the naming rules (letters, numbers, and hyphens, without spaces and up to 15 characters), renaming your device becomes simple, reversible, and very useful when you work with multiple machines or need to instantly identify your device.
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