Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager

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    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager

    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager

    How to Change the OS Name in Windows Boot Manager
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Change the OS Name in Windows Boot Manager


       Information
    When you multi boot, this will show you how to change the name of a operating system listed in the Windows Boot Manager to what you want to change the name to instead.

    You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

       Tip
    It can be real useful to rename a operating system if you have more than one OS listed with the same name, or you would like to have a better description (ex: 32-bit, 64-bit, build number), etc..)

    EXAMPLE: Windows Boot Manager
    NOTE: This is an example of the default Windows 7 name (left) renamed to Windows 7 (build 7000) (right) instead. You can rename the OS to any name that you like though.
    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-boot_manager.jpg

    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-boot_manager-2.jpg



    OPTION ONE

    Using the bcdedit Command


    1. Open an elevated command prompt or a command prompt at boot.
    NOTE: If you have a RAID setup or a PCI-E SSD as your boot drive and want to open a command prompt at boot, then you may need to use the Load Drivers option in the System Recovery Options screen to load it's drivers first before Windows will see the boot drive to be able to use the bcdedit command on it.

    2. In the elevated command prompt, type bcdedit and press enter. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE: This will let you see what the description (name) and identifier of the operating system(s) listed in Windows Boot Manager are under the Windows Boot Loader section(s). For example, Windows 7 (description) as {current} (identifier).
    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-step1.jpg
    3. In the elevated command prompt, type the command below for a listed OS that you want to change the name of, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
    bcdedit /set {identifier} Description "name you want"

    For example: If I wanted to change the name from Windows 7 (description) as {current} (identifier) to Windows 7 (build 7000), I would type this below and press Enter.

    bcdedit /set {current} Description "Windows 7 (build 7000)"
    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-step2.jpg
    4. In the elevated command prompt, type bcdedit and press enter. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE: This will let you see and verify the new name of the {current} operating system.
    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-step3.jpg
    5. Close the elevated command prompt.

    6. When you restart the computer next, you will see the new name listed for the operating system in the Windows Boot Manager screen. (see example screenshots at the top of the tutorial)



    OPTION TWO

    Using the Free "EasyBCD" Program


    1. Download and install the latest free version of the EasyBCD program, then run it.
    NOTE: The free version download is at the bottom under "Download free for limited, non-commercial use". Registration is not required to download.

    2. Click on the Edit Boot Menu button, select the OS (ex: Windows 7) that you want to rename, and click on the Rename button. (see screenshot below)
    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-easybcd-1.jpg
    3. Type in the new name (ex: Windows 7 Ultimate) and press Enter. (see screenshots below)
    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-easybcd-2.jpg

    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-easybcd-3.jpg
    4. When finished, close EasyBCD.
    That's is,
    Shawn








  1. Posts : 31,238
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #1

    Hi Shawn,

    Not sure if a Note about/link to EasyBCD and/or Vistabootpro may be useful for people who are not comfortable with the command prompt.

    Just an idea :)
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 274
    WINDOWS 7 Ultimate x64 Full
       #2

    Thank you Shawn,

    Finally got rid of that (Recoverd) I ended up with on my first install.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #3

    You're welcome Kellymac.


    Yeah Nigel, I had thought about having a method with one or both of them to, but I wanted to try and keep away from using 3rd party programs if it can be helped. If I get many requests for it, I'll add one for it. I tried to make this method pretty easy, so we'll see I guess.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 16,119
    7 X64
       #4

    Hi,

    I have already posted this a few times, but it may be a good idea to put it here as well, instead of inside the tutorial. Feel free to move this right underneath the tutorial if you feel it helps, Shawn.

    Alternatively, you can use the free Easybcd

    Download EasyBCD 1.7.2 - NeoSmart Technologies

    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager-easybcd2009-01-23_142941.jpg

    1. Click Change Settings.

    2. Select the o/s whose name you want to change in the drop down flap.

    3. Click where it says Name to put the cursor there, type any name you want.

    4. Click Save Settings.

    Hope it helps
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you SIW2. Added. :)
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 178
    Windows 7 (x64)
       #6

    Great Easy done Thanks
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #7

    You're welcome Cashis. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 76
    windows 7
       #8

    I use EasyBCD

    thanks ..
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4
    Win7 HP (RTMx86), Win7 Ultimate (7229x86)
       #9

    thanks so much for this and other truly great tutorials Brink. It is really appreciated,
      My Computer


 
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