How to Find and Change Your Computer Name in Windows 10

To find your computer name in Windows 10, select Start > Settings > System > About and look at Device name. To change it, select Rename this PC on the same page, type a new name, select Next, and restart.

The computer name is also called the PC name, device name, or hostname. It’s how your PC shows up on your network and in your Microsoft account.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.

Find your computer name

• Settings: select Start > Settings > System > About. The name is next to Device name.
• Command Prompt: type hostname and press Enter.
• System Properties: press Windows logo key + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. The name is on the Computer Name tab.

Change your computer name

1. Select Start > Settings > System > About.
2. Select Rename this PC.
3. Type the new name and select Next.
4. Select Restart now, or Restart later to finish your work first. The new name takes effect after a restart.

Name rules: use up to 15 characters. Letters, numbers, and hyphens work. Spaces and most symbols don’t.

Change the name from System Properties

1. Press Windows logo key + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. On the Computer Name tab, select Change.
3. Type the new name, select OK, and restart.

This is also where you can join a workgroup.

Frequently asked questions

Will renaming my PC delete anything?

No. Your files, apps, and settings stay the same. Only the name that other devices see changes.

Why does my PC name look like DESKTOP-7X2K9QF?

Windows gives new PCs a random name. Rename it to something easy to spot, such as ALEX-LAPTOP.

How do I find my IP address too?

See how to find your IP address in Windows 10.

To add the PC to a work network, see how to join a Windows 10 PC to a domain.

Microsoft’s guide is Rename your Windows device. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.