Windows 8.1 PC: PC name (host name) change procedure

The PC name (host name) is an identifier used as the name of a computer or server. We recommend a maximum length of 63 bytes for the PC name and a maximum of 15 characters.

Immediately after OS installation, it is automatically configured with “WIN-” + “random alphanumericals”. The default value of the host name does not affect the operation, but in many companies, the host name is changed in order to manage the user’s personal computer in an easy-to-understand manner. This time, I will introduce how to change the computer name of Windows 8.1 and how to check it with the command prompt (cmd) as a supplement.

Windows 8.1 PC：Change the PC name (Host name)

Step 1:
Right-click on the windows mark at the bottom left of your desktop –> select “System”.

Step 2:
Select “Change settings”.

Step 3:
Select Computer Name Tab -> “Change”

Step 4:
Enter the PC name you want to change -> select Next.

For the PC name, specify up to 15 single-byte alphanumers (uppercase and lowercase letters A to Z).
Names containing spaces or special characters (<>;: “_ * = |? +, \) Cannot be set.
Cannot be set to the same name as the workgroup name

When I entered the special character _ (underscore) and checked it, an error screen was output saying “The PC name is invalid.” Do not use special characters.

Step 5:
Select “OK”.

Step 6:
Select “Close”.

Step 7:
Select “Restart Now”.

Step 8:
After restarting the PC, make sure that the computer name has changed.

Windows 8.1 PC：How to find the PC name of the command prompt (cmd)

Step 1:
Right-click the Windows mark at the bottom left of the desktop –> select Run.

Step 2:
Specify the file and enter cmd on the run screen –> select OK.

Step 3:
You can check the host / PC name with the “hostname” command from the command prompt.