Change Your Computer Name in Windows 7, 8, or 10

If you’ve ever bought a new computer with the operating system already installed, you might be annoyed by the default name of the computer when you start trying to connect different computers together. I like to use more descriptive names than HP686811UX… for example, I called my new desktop slowdown and my old computer sos.

Changing this in XP was extremely simple, but in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Vista it’s buried behind a few more menus. Here are three routes you can take to open up System Properties:

• Type sysdm.cpl into the start menu search box (quickest)
• Right-click on the Computer option on the start menu or in My Computer.
• Open Control Panel, and go to System and Maintenance, and then System

The simplest thing to do is open up the Windows Run menu using the WIN + R shortcut key and then type in sysdm.cpl into the window and hit enter.

If you chose one of the last two options, then you’ll need to click on Advanced System Settings on the left menu. If you use the Run box, you can skip this one.

Once you have either clicked on Advanced system settings or used the Run box method, you’ll see a dialog like the one below, which should say System Properties. Make sure you are on the Computer Name tab.

Click on the “Change” button to rename the computer, which will pop up this dialog:

Now you can finally change the name of the computer. You could also change the name of the workgroup to something more descriptive as well. You’ll have to reboot after you make this change.

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