How to Change the Name on a PC

by Contributing Writer

Overview

When first turning on a new PC you will be presented with the option of giving your computer a name. This can help you to better recognize your PC within a network, or to identify it if stolen. A PC's name has little bearing on its everyday use other than these applications, but the steps for changing its name can be confusing to some.

Step 1

Click "Start," or Windows button at the bottom left corner of the screen. This button will be on the taskbar (the bar which runs along the bottom of the screen).
Step 2

Click "Control Panel." When the start menu opens, it should feature two columns. The button for the control panel will be in the center of the right-most column.
Step 3

Click "Performance and Maintenance" if you're using Windows XP. Then, click the "System" icon. If you're using an earlier version of Windows, or if your Control Panel is in Classic View, then you will not need to go through the beginning of this step. Instead, immediately double click the "System" icon.
Step 4

Click the tab next to "General," which will be "Computer Name."
Step 5

Click the "Change" button, about halfway down in the window. This will open up a new text box, where you can input what you would like to change the name of your PC to. Click "OK" when completed.

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