how to change administrator name on windows 10
Changing your computer’s name in Windows can be a simple yet important step in personalizing your device. Whether you want to make it more identifiable or simply prefer a different name,
Windows provides several ways to change your computer name. In this guide, we will explore different methods for changing your computer name in Windows.
Change Your Computer Name In Windows
Method 1: Using the Settings App
The Settings app is the most straightforward way of changing your computer name in Windows. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Click on the “Start” button on your taskbar, and then click on the “Settings” gear icon.
Step 2: Navigate to “System”
In the Settings app, click on “System” to open the System settings page.
Step 3: Click on “About”
In the left sidebar, click on “About” to open the About settings page.
Step 4: Click on “Rename This PC”
Under “Device specifications,” click on the “Rename This PC” button.
Step 5: Enter a New Name
In the pop-up window, enter the new name you want to assign to your computer. Click on “Next.”
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After you click on “Next,” Windows will prompt you to restart your computer to apply the new name.
Method 2: Using the Control Panel
The Control Panel is another way of changing your computer name in Windows. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Click on the “Start” button on your taskbar, and then type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the “Control Panel” app to open it.
Step 2: Navigate to “System”
In the Control Panel, click on “System and Security,” and then click on “System” to open the System settings page.
Step 3: Click on “Advanced System Settings”
In the left sidebar, click on “Advanced system settings” to open the System Properties window.
Step 4: Click on “Change”
Under the “Computer Name” tab, click on the “Change” button.
Step 5: Enter a New Name
In the pop-up window, enter the new name you want to assign to your computer. Click on “OK.”
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After you click on “OK,” Windows will prompt you to restart your computer to apply the new name.
Method 3: Using the Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to perform many advanced tasks, including changing your computer name. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt
Click on the “Start” button on your taskbar, and then type “Command Prompt” in the search bar. Right-click on the “Command Prompt” app, and then click on “Run as administrator” to open it with administrative privileges.
Step 2: Enter the Command
In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
sql
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wmic computersystem where name=”%computername%” call rename name=”<new_name>”
Replace “<new_name>” with the new name you want to assign to your computer.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After you enter the command, Windows will prompt you to restart your computer to apply the new name.
Option 4: Using the System Properties Window
Another method to change your computer name in Windows is to use the System Properties window. This method is available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
- Click on “System” to open the System Settings window.
- On the left-hand side of the System Settings window, click on “About.”
- On the right-hand side, under the Device specifications section, click on “Rename this PC.”
- A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to enter a new name for your computer. Type in the new name you want to use and click on the “Next” button.
- You’ll then be prompted to restart your computer to apply the changes. Click on the “Restart now” button to do so.
- Once your computer restarts, the new name you chose will be applied.
Option 5: Using PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool available in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to automate many tasks, including changing your computer name.
Here’s how to use PowerShell to change your computer name:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
- Click on “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” to open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
- In the PowerShell window, type in the following command: Rename-Computer -NewName “new_computer_name”
(Note: Replace “new_computer_name” with the new name you want to use for your computer.)
- Press Enter on your keyboard.
- You’ll be prompted to confirm the change. Type “Y” and press Enter.
- PowerShell will then change your computer name and prompt you to restart your computer to apply the changes. Type “Y” and press Enter.
- Once your computer restarts, the new name you chose will be applied.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to change your computer name in Windows. Whether you prefer using the Control Panel, Settings app, Command Prompt, System Properties window, or PowerShell, the process is straightforward and easy to follow.
By changing your computer name, you can personalize your device and make it easier to identify on your network. It’s a small but important step in making your computing experience more enjoyable and efficient.
FAQs:
Q: Can I change my computer name without restarting the computer?
A: Yes, you can change your computer name without restarting the computer. However, some changes may require a restart to take effect.
Q: Can changing the computer name cause any issues?
A: Changing the computer name should not cause any issues, but it is always recommended to create a system restore point before making any changes.
Q: Can I change the computer name in safe mode?
A: Yes, you can change the computer name in safe mode. The process is the same as changing it in normal mode.
Q: Can I change the computer name back to its default name?
A: Yes, you can change the computer name back to its default name. Simply follow the same steps to change the name and enter the default name provided by Windows.
Q: Can I change the computer name in all versions of Windows?
A: Yes, you can change the computer name in all versions of Windows.
Q: What is the maximum length of a computer name?
A: The maximum length of a computer name is 15 characters.
Q: Will changing the computer name affect my network settings?
A: Changing the computer name should not affect your network settings. However, you may need to update any network-related settings or configurations that reference the old computer name.
Q: Can I use special characters in the computer name?
A: No, you cannot use special characters in the computer name. The name can only contain letters, numbers, and hyphens.
Q: Do I need administrator privileges to change the computer name?
A: Yes, you need administrator privileges to change the computer name.
Q: How often should I change my computer name?
A: There is no need to change your computer name regularly. You can change it whenever you want for personalization or organizational purposes.
Q: Can changing the computer name affect any installed applications or software?
A: Changing the computer name should not affect any installed applications or software. However, some software may use the computer name for identification or licensing purposes. In such cases, you may need to update the software to reflect the new computer name.
Q: Is it possible to change the computer name remotely?
A: Yes, you can change the computer name remotely using PowerShell or the command prompt. However, you need administrative privileges and network connectivity to do so.
Q: Can I change the computer name without affecting my files and folders?
A: Yes, changing the computer name should not affect your files and folders. However, some applications or services that reference the old computer name may require updates to work correctly.
