How to Change your PC Name in Windows 8 and 8.1
Information
PCs on a network need unique names so they can identify and communicate with each other. If two PCs have the same name on the same network, it creates a conflict for network communications. Most PCs come with default names, but you can usually change them. It's best to keep PC names short (fifteen characters or less) and easily recognizable.
It is recommend that you use only Internet-standard characters in the PC name. The standard characters are the numbers 0 through 9, uppercase and lowercase letters from A through Z, and the hyphen (-) character. PC names cannot consist entirely of numbers, nor can they contain spaces. The name also cannot contain special characters, such as the following:
` ~ @ # $ % ^ & ( ) = + [ ] { } | ; : , ‘ “ . < > / ?
This tutorial will show you how to change your PC name (aka: computer name) to any name you like in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to change the PC name.
It is recommend that you use only Internet-standard characters in the PC name. The standard characters are the numbers 0 through 9, uppercase and lowercase letters from A through Z, and the hyphen (-) character. PC names cannot consist entirely of numbers, nor can they contain spaces. The name also cannot contain special characters, such as the following:
` ~ @ # $ % ^ & ( ) = + [ ] { } | ; : , ‘ “ . < > / ?
This tutorial will show you how to change your PC name (aka: computer name) to any name you like in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to change the PC name.
Note
Some Internet service providers (ISPs) require you to use a specific PC name so they can identify your PC and validate your account. If your ISP requires a specific PC name, then don't change the name they give you.
OPTION ONE
To Change Computer Name in PC settings
NOTE: This option is only available in Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Update.
1. Open PC settings, and click/tap on PC and devices on the left side. (see screenshot below)
2. Click/tap on PC info on the left side of "PC and devices", and click/tap on the Rename button under the PC section on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3. Type in a new name you want for your PC, and click/tap on Save. (see screenshot below)
4. Click/tap on Restart now to restart your PC and apply the new PC name. (see screenshot below)
WARNING: This will restart your PC immediately. Be sure that you save and close anything you have open first.
5. If your old computer name still shows in Network, then restart your router/modem.
OPTION TWO
To Change Computer Name in System Properties
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for how you would like to open System Properties.
2. Open the (Win+X) Power Users Tasks Menu, click/tap on System, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)
3. Open the Control Panel (icons view), click/tap on the System icon, and go to step 4 below.
4. Click/tap on either the Advanced system settings link on the left side or Change settings link on the right side. (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. Type in a new name you want for your PC at the top, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
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 your new "Full computer name".
10. Click/tap on Restart Now. (see screenshot below)
WARNING: This will restart your PC immediately. Be sure that you save and close anything you have open first.
11. If your old computer name still shows in Network, then restart your router/modem.
OPTION THREE
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="[B][COLOR=red]Computer-Name[/COLOR][/B]"
Note
Substitute Computer-Name in the command above with the actual name you want for your PC within quotes.
Note
3. When successfully finished, close the command prompt, and restart the computer to apply.
That's it,
Shawn
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