Applies to Windows 7

Change your computer name

Computers on a network need unique names so they can identify and communicate with each other. Most computers come with default names, but you can usually change them. It's best to keep computer names short (fifteen characters or less) and easily recognizable.

We recommend that you use only Internet-standard characters in the computer name. The standard characters are the numbers 0 through 9, uppercase and lowercase letters from A through Z, and the hyphen (-) character. Computer names can't consist entirely of numbers, nor can they contain spaces. The name also can't contain special characters, such as the following:

< > ; : " * + = \ | ? ,

Note

Note

  • Some Internet service providers (ISPs) require you to use a specific computer name so they can identify your computer and validate your account. If your ISP requires a specific computer name, don't change the name they give you.

Watch this video to learn how to change your computer name (1:19)

To change your computer name

  1. Open System by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.

  2. Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  3. On the Computer Name tab, click Change.

  4. Under Computer name, delete the old computer name, type a new computer name, and then click OK. If your computer is part of a domain, you will be prompted to provide the name and password of an account that has permission to rename the computer in the domain.