Have you ever tried to connect your computer to a network, share files, or troubleshoot an issue—only to realize you don’t know your PC’s name? Don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Knowing how to find your PC name in Windows 10 is essential for identifying your device on a local network, connecting printers, or managing multiple computers. The good news? It only takes a few seconds once you know where to look.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to find your computer name using different methods—whether you prefer clicking through menus or using quick commands.
Let’s get started!
💡 What Is a PC Name in Windows 10?
Your PC name (also called computer name, device name, or hostname) is a unique identifier that Windows assigns to your computer. Think of it as your laptop or desktop’s “nickname” on a network.
For example:
-
DESKTOP-9A1B2C3 -
Office-PC -
Abdul-Laptop
When you connect your PC to a Wi-Fi network, your device name helps other computers and devices recognize it. This is especially useful when:
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Sharing files between computers
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Using Remote Desktop
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Connecting a printer or smart device
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Managing multiple computers at home or in an office
🔍 Why You Might Need to Know Your PC Name
Here are common situations where knowing your PC name comes in handy:
| Scenario | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| File sharing | Identify your device on the local network |
| Remote Desktop setup | Connect to your specific computer remotely |
| Printer/scanner connections | Recognize devices correctly |
| Troubleshooting | Tech support may ask for your PC name |
| Device management | Rename or track multiple company laptops |
Whether you’re an IT admin or a home user, knowing your computer’s name saves time and confusion.
⚙️ Method 1: Find Your PC Name Through System Settings
This is the easiest and most user-friendly way.
Step 1: Open System Settings
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Click the Start menu.
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Select Settings ⚙️ (the gear icon).
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Choose System.
Step 2: View Your PC Name
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In the left pane, scroll down and click About.
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Under Device specifications, you’ll see Device name — that’s your computer’s name!
Example:
Device name:
HP-Laptop-1010
This screen also shows other details such as processor, RAM, and Windows edition.
💻 Method 2: Find PC Name Using Control Panel
Prefer the traditional way? You can also find your PC name in the classic Control Panel.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
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Type Control Panel in the search box and open it.
Step 2: Navigate to System Information
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Click System and Security.
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Select System.
Step 3: View Your Computer Name
You’ll see Computer name, Full computer name, and Workgroup listed near the bottom of the window.
💡 Tip: You can also rename your computer from here by clicking Change settings.
🖥️ Method 3: Find PC Name from the Desktop (Shortcut Method)
If you’re on the desktop, you can find it with just a few clicks:
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Right-click on This PC (or My Computer) icon.
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Choose Properties.
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Your computer name will appear under Device name or Computer name.
Simple, fast, and accessible from anywhere on your desktop.
🧑💻 Method 4: Find Your PC Name Using Command Prompt
Tech enthusiasts often prefer this method because it’s quick and doesn’t involve menus.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
-
Press Windows + R, type
cmd, and press Enter.
Step 2: Type the Command
Type:
and hit Enter.
The result displayed is your PC’s name.
Example Output:
💡 Pro Tip: This command works in PowerShell too!
⚡ Method 5: Find PC Name Using PowerShell
Windows PowerShell offers more flexibility and detailed information.
Step 1: Open PowerShell
-
Right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Enter the Command
Type:
and press Enter.
You’ll see:
This displays the same PC name but within a more detailed system query — great for IT professionals managing several devices.
🧾 Method 6: Find PC Name Using System Information Tool
If you want detailed hardware and software info along with your PC name, this method is for you.
Step 1: Open System Information
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Press Windows + R to open Run.
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Type
msinfo32and hit Enter.
Step 2: Check System Summary
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Look for System Name on the right panel.
That’s your PC name!
You can also view your system model, BIOS version, memory, and more — all in one place.
🌐 Method 7: Find PC Name from Windows Command (Net Config)
Another quick command-line method for users comfortable with typing commands.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Open CMD as before.
Step 2: Type:
Press Enter and look for:
This command also shows your workgroup, username, and domain information.
🖲️ Method 8: Find PC Name from Network Settings
When your computer is connected to a network, you can find its name in Network Settings.
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Open Settings → Network & Internet.
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Click Status on the left side.
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Select View your network properties.
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Scroll down to find Host name — that’s your PC’s name.
🔄 Method 9: Find PC Name Using Task Manager
Surprisingly, Task Manager can show your PC name too.
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Performance tab.
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Click Ethernet (or Wi-Fi).
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At the top right corner, you’ll see Computer name listed under Adapter properties.
🧠 Bonus Tip: How to Change Your PC Name in Windows 10
Want to personalize or simplify your computer’s name? It’s easy!
Option 1: Change Name via Settings
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Go to Settings → System → About.
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Under Device name, click Rename this PC.
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Type your preferred name (no spaces, but you can use hyphens).
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Click Next and then Restart now.
Example: Change DESKTOP-XY12Z to Abdul-Laptop.
Option 2: Change Name via Control Panel
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Go to Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings.
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Click Computer Name → Change.
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Enter your new name and restart your PC.
📝 Note: Choose a name that’s short, clear, and recognizable (especially useful on a shared network).
🧩 What’s the Difference Between PC Name, Username, and Workgroup?
These terms are often confused — here’s how they differ:
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| PC Name (Computer Name) | Identifies the device on a network | Abdul-PC |
| Username | Identifies a specific user account | Abdul |
| Workgroup | A group of computers connected for file sharing | WORKGROUP |
So when you’re asked for a PC name, it means the device identifier, not your personal login.
🧰 Quick Reference Table: All Ways to Find PC Name in Windows 10
| Method | Access Path | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Settings → System → About | GUI method, easiest for beginners | ⭐ |
| Control Panel → System | Traditional interface | ⭐⭐ |
| Right-click This PC → Properties | Desktop shortcut | ⭐ |
Command Prompt → hostname | Fastest for advanced users | ⭐⭐ |
PowerShell → Get-ComputerInfo | Detailed info | ⭐⭐ |
System Information (msinfo32) | Hardware + PC name | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Network Settings → View network properties | Useful for connected PCs | ⭐⭐ |
🧭 Why Should You Rename Your PC?
Having a descriptive name makes managing multiple devices easier.
For instance, instead of using:
you can rename it to:
or
This helps when connecting to devices like:
-
Printers
-
Shared folders
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Smart TVs
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Workgroup networks
A clear name prevents mistakes and speeds up network identification.
🧯 Troubleshooting: Can’t Find or Rename PC Name?
If you can’t find your computer name:
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Make sure Windows 10 is activated and fully updated.
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Restart your computer and try again.
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Use Command Prompt or PowerShell (works even if Settings is unresponsive).
If you can’t rename it:
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Log in as an administrator.
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Ensure your device is not managed by a company domain.
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Disconnect from your work network temporarily and try again.
🕵️ Expert Tip: How to Find PC Name Remotely
If you’re managing several PCs, you can find a device name remotely using Command Prompt.
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Open CMD on another computer.
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Type:
-
Once it responds, type:
You’ll see:
That’s the remote PC’s name!
🧮 Bonus: Find PC Name Using Windows Registry (Advanced)
If you enjoy tinkering under the hood, here’s how to find your computer name from the Registry Editor.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to:
On the right, you’ll see ComputerName — double-click to view or copy it.
⚠️ Caution: Be careful not to edit anything here unless you know what you’re doing.
✅ Conclusion
Finding your PC name in Windows 10 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you prefer using Settings, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Control Panel, the steps are quick and reliable.
Your PC name plays a vital role in networking, file sharing, and remote access, so it’s worth knowing — and perhaps customizing — to make your life easier.
🧭 Key Takeaways
| 💡 Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| PC name identifies your computer | It’s how other devices recognize you on a network. |
| You can find it in multiple ways | Settings, CMD, PowerShell, Control Panel, or System Info. |
| You can rename your PC | Go to Settings → System → About → Rename this PC. |
| Descriptive names help | Especially if you manage multiple computers. |
| Use command line for speed | hostname or Get-ComputerInfo works instantly. |
💬 FAQs About Finding PC Name in Windows 10
1. What’s the fastest way to find my PC name in Windows 10?
The quickest way is to open Command Prompt and type:
Press Enter — your PC name appears instantly.
2. Is the device name the same as the computer name?
Yes! “Device name” and “computer name” mean the same thing in Windows 10.
3. Can I change my computer’s name anytime?
Absolutely. Go to Settings → System → About → Rename this PC, then restart your computer.
4. Will renaming my PC affect my files or programs?
No. Changing your PC name won’t delete files or apps — it only changes the device identifier.
5. How do I find my PC name if Windows doesn’t boot?
You can access Command Prompt via Recovery Mode (F11) and type hostname — it will show your computer’s name even without booting into Windows.
Now you know exactly how to find PC name Windows 10!
Whether you’re connecting to a printer, sharing files, or setting up remote access, these steps will help you identify your computer quickly and confidently.