Windows 10: Change my computer name(s)

When installing Windows 10, I get a default computer name of the form DESKTOP-N1M453R.
Until recently, this has been fine, since I only had one computer with a name like this, so it was easy to identify at a glance.

Now, I have 3 Windows 10 machines on my network, all with names similar to DESKTOP-N1M453R. I'm bad at memorizing those strings, so I'd like to rename them.

I right click on "This PC", then click "Properties". I click "Change settings" in the "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" area. I click "Change" next to "To rename this computer..." I enter a new name and click "OK".

I get an error message "A general network error occurred."

Googling for this situation didn't lead to anything promising. Any ideas why I'm getting this error message and how I can workaround it?

Matthew Groves

Posted 2017-04-01T14:09:54.970

Reputation: 369

You might want to check your Windows component store for errors. They could lead to strange behavior. – Daniel B – 2017-04-01T14:51:58.713

Answers

Answer provided by Steven Murawski via twitter: https://twitter.com/StevenMurawski/status/848176681823203329

Use Rename-Computer at a PowerShell prompt (probably need Admin elevation to do it).

Matthew Groves

Posted 2017-04-01T14:09:54.970

Reputation: 369

Did it work for you? – None – 2017-04-01T15:54:47.783

Yes it worked, I'll mark it as answered in 2 days – Matthew Groves – 2017-04-01T18:13:24.877

Glad to hear that your problem is resolved! If that solution worked for you, it might be wise to remove the "probably" from your answer, dependent upon whether it actually did or did not require an elevated PowerShell prompt when you utilized it. – Run5k – 2017-04-01T18:46:30.603

This is the only solution that worked for me. Every GUI option gives me an error that isn't useful or tells me "The PC name is invalid'. Thanks @MatthewGroves – SalientGreen – 2018-10-23T13:58:28.817

Looks like contention for same name with cloned installations, so somehow disconnect networking and change all PC's to unique names following naming rules

Tony Stewart Sunnyskyguy EE75

Posted 2017-04-01T14:09:54.970

Reputation: 1 582

1What is your evidence? Your source? – None – 2017-04-01T15:55:43.510