Computer Name as the term itself suggests is the name by which we can identify a particular computer in the presence of other devices and not get confused. It is given to a computer for a very similar reason as a name is given to a person or pet. So that when contacted or given instruction by its name it can respond to it. In this article, we will be learning what is the computer name and its needs, and how we can find our computer name.
What is the Computer’s Name and its Need?
A computer name is a label assigned to a computer or device on a network. It is used to distinguish one computer from another within a networked environment. The computer name is generally assigned to a computer during its setup or configuration process. In different operating systems Computer names are called in different names example: host name or device name.
Now we should know what the need of a computer name and what convenience it provides to us. The most basic use it in a case when our device(computer) is connected to a network, then the name can help in uniquely identifying and addressing a particular computer on a network without getting us confused in the presence of multiple devices.
When troubleshooting network issues, accessing shared resources, or connecting to a computer remotely, knowledge of the computer’s name is essential. The process for finding or setting the computer name can vary depending on the operating system used.
We can observe its importance by observing some details in our daily lives example: When connecting earbuds via blue tooth we open the tooth option in our device and search for the name of the earbuds as there might be multiple blue tooth devices in our surroundings so knowing the right name is important. Similarly, when the hotspot is shared to allow its access through mobile we should know the right name of the computer.
Now you might be curious to know your device name as you know its importance. So let’s move forward to the next topic which is showing the way to find your computer name.
How to Find Computer Name?
Different operating system have different procedures to follow to get to know about Computer name. There will be different steps to follow for different operating system. We have shown for Windows with the help of steps along with screenshots as for other Operating System , the steps are provided , you can just follow them and will get to know your device name.
Find Computer Name For Windows
In windows there are multiple ways to know about device name, out of which some are listed below. So to know about your device name follow any of the given steps and you will be able to find the name of your device.
1. Using Command Prompt
It is one of the most direct way as command prompt is used to give instruction to computer without the need of mouse just through some specific cmd.
- First we have to search for “cmd” in the Start menu.
Search cmd in search bar.
- Open Command Prompt.
Open command prompt
- Type “hostname” and press Enter.
Type hostname and enter. Here STARDUST is the name of device in shown picture
- The command will display your computer name as you can see in above screen shot.
2. Using Control Panel
- Search Control Panel in search bar.
Search Control Panel in search bar
- Go to System and Security.
Open System and Security
- Click System option and check under Device specification .
Open System or directly click on see computer name under System
- Name of the computer will be shown.
Here we can see device name
3. Using Settings App (Windows 10 and 11)
We can also check device name through Stetting. To know about device name through setting follow the steps:
- Open Settings by searching in search bar.
Searching Settings in search bar
- At home or System of settings, Name of device will be present at top. You can see it in screenshot.
We can see the name of device is present at top.
4. Using System Information
- Open System Information (search for “msinfo32 or System Information” in the search bar near start menu).
Search System Information in search bar
- In System Summary list computer name will be present as shown in below screenshot.
System name is the device name we are searching for.
Find Computer Name for macOS
In macOS operating system two ways for searching name of computer are provided below:
1. Using System Preferences
- Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Sharing.
- Computer name will be displayed at the top of the Sharing pane.
2. Using Terminal
As terminal is found in every operating system but is called in different name like one other name is command prompt for the same. The command for macOS devise name in terminal is hostname and the steps to find device name using terminal are as follows:
- Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities).
- Type “hostname” and press Enter.
- The command will reveal your computer name.
This is similar to Windows Command prompt.
Find Computer Name for Linux
We can see computer name in Linux OS by using Terminal.
Using Terminal
Below are three steps by which we can see name of system in Linux.
- Open a terminal window.
- Type “hostname” and press Enter.
- Your computer name will be displayed on screen.
Now, hopefully you have get to know about how to find your computer name in any of the above stated operating system.
How to Find Computer Name – FAQs
During computer setup and configuration, do we get option to name our computer?
Yes, during setup we are required to name our computer.
Can we update our computer name?
Yes, we can update our computer name.
Is there a limit to number of times we can update our computer name?
No, there is not any limits. So we can update any number of times.
Is there any rule in naming or we can just name it as we wish?
No, there is no rules or restriction in naming. So we can name as we wish with numbers, symbols or alphabet.