Simple questions: What is the computer name and how to view it, in Windows?
When you install Wіndows and set up your computer for the first tіme, the operating system askѕ you to assign it a name. Since people have a name and we namе even our pets, why not name our computers? However, then you might ask yourself: What is the purpose of a computer name? Can you see it latеr on? To learn the answers to these questions, reаd this article:
What is the computer name?
A computer's name is not just something whimsical that its owner can apply to make it seem more human. The name is used to distinguish that computer from others when placed in a network. It does not matter what the name is, just that there is one. This is why Windows offers you a default name when you install it.
The computer name must be unique when your device is part of a network. Otherwise, communication issues and conflicts can appear between two or more computers with the same name. When that happens, others are not able to access them correctly and neither their shared resources.
The computer name can be anything you want. However, there are some restrictions when it comes to its length and the characters that are allowed as part of the computer name. In recent versions of Windows such as Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, the computer name can have up to 63 characters in length. For best compatibility, however, you should not use more than 15 characters. A computer name can contain letters, hyphens, and numbers. You cannot use blank spaces and special characters like: ` ~ @ # $ % ^ & ( ) = + [ ] { } | ; : , ' " . / ?.
You might be wondering how you can see what name your Windows computer has. To make it easier for you, in the next part of this article, we show you a few ways in which you can find out the PC name in Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
1. How to see the computer name in Windows 10, using the Settings app
If you are using Windows 10 and you want to see your computer's name, one of the fastest ways to do it is to use the search. In the search field from the taskbar, type the words "pc name." When the search results are displayed, click or tap on "View your PC name."
Windows 10 opens the Settings app and takes you to the "System -> About" settings. There, in the "Device specifications" section from the right side of the window, there is a field called "Device name." On its right, you can see your computer's name.
An alternative way to find your computer's name is to manually open the Settings app, navigate to the "System -> About" settings, and then check the "Device name."
2. How to see the computer name in Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, using the Control Panel
Regardless of what version of Windows you use, you can find out what the name of your computer is by using the Control Panel. Open it and go to "System and Security -> System." Then, look for the section called "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings." The first text line from this section tells you your computer's name.
3. How to see your computer's name in Windows, using the Command Prompt or Powershell (all versions)
Another method that works the same no matter what Windows operating system you have, is to use the Command Prompt or the Powershell.
Open the command-line app that you prefer, and type hostname in it. Press Enter on your keyboard, and the app immediately tells you your computer's name.
There are also other commands that you can use to learn the name of your computer. If you prefer, you can also use one of these:
wmic computersystem get name
net config workstation | findstr /C:"Full Computer name"
4. How to see the computer name in Windows 8.1, using PC Settings
If you are still using Windows 8.1, there is another way in which you can find out what your computer name is, by using search and the PC Settings app. Switch to the Start screen and type the words "pc name." Once the search results are displayed, click or tap "View PC name."
Windows 8.1 opens the PC Settings app and takes you to the "PC info" settings. On the right side of the screen, you can see your computer's name in the "PC name" field.
Alternatively, if you do not want to use the search feature, you can get to the same screen if you launch PC Settings and navigate to "PC and devices -> PC info," where your computer's name is displayed.
Do you want to change your Windows computer's name?
As you can see, finding out your computer's name is simple and straightforward. However, you may not like your computer's name. What if you do not want your computer to continue being named WhizbangPC or TricorderPC? If you want to pick something that is to your liking, read and follow this guide: 3 ways to change the computer name in Windows (all versions). With its help, and a few easy steps, you can name your Windows computer any way you like. Out of curiosity, what name did you choose for your Windows PC? Comment below and let's discuss.