How to Change Your Computer's Name and Workgroup in Microsoft Windows

If you have a home network set up with multiple computers on it then it can be useful to give them meaningful names so that you can easily refer to them on your network. Also, sharing files or printers over the network is easier to do if all of the computers belong to the same workgroup. This article will show you how to change your computer's name and workgroup in Microsoft Windows. The instructions here are specifically for XP and Vista although they will probably be very similar for older versions of windows.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows
• Home Network

1. 
    
   Vista System window

   Bring up the System Properties for your computer by holding down the Windows key and pressing the Pause/Break key. If you have Windows XP, move on to Step 2. If you have Windows Vista, you will see the dialog box shown in the image to the left. Click on "Change Settings" that's highlighted in red on the image.

2. 
    
   Vista System Properties

   Go to the Computer Name tab. If desired, type a computer description in the edit field next to "Computer description:". Click on the "Change" button.

3. 
    
   Computer Name/Domain Changes dialog box

   Type a name for your computer in the edit box below "Computer name:". In the "Member of" box below, click on the radio button next to "Workgroup". Type in a workgroup name below. Click OK. You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 for each computer on your network. Make sure that each computer has a unique name but that they all belong to the same workgroup.

Tips & Warnings

• On Windows XP, you can get to System Properties by right-clicking on My Computer and going to Properties.

[karileighk]

on 7/9/2009 I actually had a friend wanting to know this info earlier.

[ladym33]

on 6/2/2009 Excellent advice! Thank you very much. Gave you a 5!

[firstwriter]

on 6/2/2009 Thank you. Very good article.

[acole]

on 5/31/2009 Good information. Thanks for this how to!