How to Change a Work Group Name

You can network computers on the same workgroup.

In order to create a network for a group of Windows computers, each computer must belong to the same workgroup or domain. All of the computers in a workgroup are on the same level, which means that one does not control another and each computer can still have several user accounts. If you are having trouble networking multiple computers, especially if they run different versions of Windows, check to make sure they have the same workgroup name and change the name, if necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP, Vista or 7

Instructions

Change a Workgroup Name on an XP Computer

1. Log on to the computer using an administrator username and password. Close all applications and windows. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel" from the right side of the menu.

2. Switch to "Category View" if the Control Panel window is set to "Classic View." Click "Performance and Maintenance."

3. Select "System." Go to the "Computer Name" tab of the "System" dialog box.

4. Click the "Change" button to the right of "To Rename This Computer or Join a Domain."

5. Enter the new name in the "Workgroup" box. Click "OK" to apply the changes. Click "OK" to restart your computer and enable the new workgroup name.

Change a Workgroup Name on a Vista Computer

1. Click "Start." Right click "Computer" in the right side of the menu. Select "Properties."

2. Click the "Change Settings" button under "Computer Name, Domain and Workgroup Settings." Click "Continue" if prompted by the "User Account Control."

3. Go to the "Computer Name" tab of the "System Properties" dialog box.

4. Click the "Change" button to the right of "To Rename This Computer or Change Its Domain or Workgroup."

5. Select "Workgroup" and type the new name into the "Workgroup" box. Click "OK" to apply the changes. Click "OK" two more times and click "Close." Save and close any open applications. Click "Restart Now."

Change a Workgroup Name on a Windows 7 Computer

1. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel" in the right side of the menu. Click "System and Security." Select "System" in the main section of the window. Click "Continue" or enter your password if prompted by the "User Account Control."

2. Click the "Change Settings" button in the "Computer Name, Domain and Workgroup Settings" section. Click "Continue" or enter your password if prompted by the "User Account Control."

3. Go to the "Computer Name" tab of the "System Properties" dialog box.

4. Click the "Change" button to the right of "To Rename This Computer, Click Change." Select "Workgroup." Type a new name in the "Workgroup" box.

5. Click "OK" to apply the changes. Click "OK" two more times and click "Close." Save and close any open applications. Click "Restart Now."

References

• Simple Help: How to Change Your Computer Name (or Workgroup) in Windows XP
• Windows Vista Forums: How to Change the Workgroup Name in Vista
• Windows 7: Change the Workgroup Name, If Needed