How to View and Change the "Computer Name" in Windows 7

   Information

Computers on a network must have a unique computer name so they can identify and communicate with each other. If two computers have the same name on the same network, it creates a conflict for network communications.

This tutorial will show you how to view and change your computer name in Windows 7.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to change your computer name.

   Note

It is 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 cannot consist entirely of numbers, nor can they contain spaces. The name also cannot contain special characters, such as the following:

` ~ @ # $ % ^ & ( ) = + [ ] { } | ; : , ‘ “ . < > / ?

   Warning

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, then do not change the name they give you.

EXAMPLE: Computer Name
NOTE: This is in the System window from the Control Panel.

OPTION ONE

To Change Computer Name in System Properties

1. Do step 2 or 3 below for how you would like to open the System window.

2. Open the Start menu, right click on the Computer button, click on Properties, and go to step 4 below.

3. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the System icon, and go to step 4 below.

4. Click/tap on either Advanced System Settings in the left column, or Change settings link. (see screenshot below)

5. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.

6. Click/tap on the Computer Name tab, then click/tap on the Change button. (see screenshot below)

7. Under Computer name, type in the computer name that you want for your computer to be identified as on the network, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: See the blue note box at the top of the tutorial.

8. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This does not restart the computer yet.

9. Click/tap on Close. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Notice the new computer name.

10. Click/tap on Restart Now. (see screenshot below)
WARNING: This will restart the computer immediately. Be sure that you save and close anything you have open first.

11. After the restart, verify the new computer name.

12. If your old computer name still shows in Network, then restart your router/modem.

OPTION TWO

To Change Computer Name in Command Prompt

1. Open an elevated command prompt.

2. In the elevated command prompt, type the command below, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

Code:

wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call rename name="Computer-Name"

   Note

Substitute Computer-Name in the command below with the actual name you want for your PC within quotes.

3. When successfully finished, close the command prompt, and restart the computer to apply.

That's it,
Shawn

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