When setting up a Remote Desktop connection, Windows asks for the name of the computer you want to access. If you have never used this feature before, knowing where to find that name can be confusing.
Your computer name, also called its device name or hostname, identifies your PC on a network. You need the name of the computer you want to control remotely, not necessarily the name of the computer you are using to make the connection.
The quickest way to find it is through Windows Settings. However, you can also retrieve it using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or System Properties.
Here are five ways to find the correct computer name on Windows 11 and Windows 10, including where to find it directly in Remote Desktop settings.
1. Find Your Computer Name in Windows 11 Settings
Windows 11 displays your computer name on the About page. You can reach it through Settings without opening Command Prompt or changing any system configuration.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and select About.
- Look under Device specifications.
- Find the entry labelled Device name.
The value beside Device name is your computer’s name. Write it down or select Copy if you want to save it to your clipboard.
You can use this name in the Computer field when opening Remote Desktop Connection on another Windows PC.
2. Find Your Computer Name in Windows 10
If you are using Windows 10, the process is slightly different in appearance, but the information is available in the same general location.
- Open the Start menu.
- Select Settings.
- Choose System.
- Scroll down the left sidebar and select About.
- Look under Device specifications.
- Find Device name.
The displayed value is the computer name you need.
You can also reach the About page more quickly by right-clicking the Start button, selecting System, and opening the device information page.
Windows 10 note: Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The steps still apply, but eligible users should consider Windows 11 or an applicable Extended Security Updates programme.
3. Find Your Computer Name Using Command Prompt
If you prefer a faster method, Command Prompt can display your computer name with a single command.
This is particularly useful when you are troubleshooting a remote connection or working on a computer where you need to retrieve the name quickly.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
cmd. - Press Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type the following command:
hostname
- Press Enter.
Command Prompt will display your computer name on the next line.
For example:
DESKTOP-7K2M9Q
Your actual computer name will be different.
You can copy the displayed name manually and enter it into Remote Desktop Connection on the other computer.
Unlike some methods that require navigating through several Settings pages, this command works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
4. Find Your Computer Name Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides another quick way to retrieve your computer name. You do not need administrator privileges for this basic command.
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Terminal or Windows PowerShell, depending on your Windows version.
- Enter this command:
$env:COMPUTERNAME
- Press Enter.
Windows will return the computer name.
This method is useful if you already have PowerShell open for system administration or troubleshooting.
You can also use the following command:
Get-ComputerInfo -Property CsName
It returns the computer’s system name as part of the computer information output.
5. Find Your Computer Name Through System Properties
System Properties provides another way to identify your computer, particularly if you also need to check its workgroup or domain configuration.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
sysdm.cpl. - Press Enter.
- Open the Computer Name tab.
- Look for the Full computer name entry.
You should see the computer’s name displayed in this section.
If your computer belongs to a domain, the full computer name may include the domain information. This can be relevant when connecting to computers in a business network.
Do not select Change unless you actually intend to rename the computer. You only need to view the existing name.
Find the Computer Name Directly in Remote Desktop Settings
There is another convenient location to check, especially if your only reason for looking up the computer name is to establish a Remote Desktop connection.
On a supported Windows edition:
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Choose Remote Desktop.
- Look for the section labelled How to connect to this PC.
- Note the PC name displayed there.
This is the name Microsoft directs you to use when connecting to the computer remotely.
If you cannot find the Remote Desktop option or Windows does not allow you to enable incoming connections, check your Windows edition. Windows Home can initiate Remote Desktop connections but cannot host standard incoming Remote Desktop sessions.
How to Use Your Computer Name in Remote Desktop Connection
Once you have found the computer name, you can use it to connect from another Windows computer.
First, make sure Remote Desktop is enabled on the computer you want to access and that your account has permission to sign in.
Then:
- On the computer you are connecting from, press Windows + S.
- Search for Remote Desktop Connection.
- Open the application.
- Enter the remote computer’s name in the Computer field.
- Select Connect.
- Enter the username and password for an authorized account on the remote computer.
Windows will attempt to establish the remote session.
If you need the complete setup instructions, see how to connect with Remote Desktop on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Computer Name vs. Username vs. IP Address: What Is the Difference?
These three details are sometimes confused, but they serve different purposes when connecting remotely.
| Detail | What it identifies | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Computer name | The PC you want to access | DESKTOP-7K2M9Q |
| Username | The account signing in to that PC | John |
| IP address | The PC’s network location | 192.168.1.105 |
When Remote Desktop asks for a computer name, enter the name of the target PC. When Windows requests credentials, provide an account that is authorized to access that computer.
You can also use the remote computer’s IP address instead of its name. This can help when your network cannot resolve the computer name correctly.
What If Remote Desktop Cannot Recognize Your Computer Name?
Finding the name does not guarantee that another computer can reach it. If Remote Desktop cannot locate the PC, check the following:
1. Make sure you copied the correct name.
Check the name again under Settings > System > About on the computer you want to access. Avoid using the computer name of your local device by mistake.
2. Check that both computers can communicate.
If you are connecting over a home or office network, confirm that both computers are connected to the appropriate network. If you are connecting from another location, you need a properly configured secure remote network connection, such as a VPN.
3. Try the IP address instead.
A computer name may not resolve correctly through your network’s DNS or local name-resolution service. Find the target PC’s IPv4 address by running ipconfig in Command Prompt and try that address instead.
4. Confirm that Remote Desktop is enabled.
On the target computer, open Settings > System > Remote Desktop and confirm that incoming connections are enabled.
5. Check the Windows edition.
The target computer must run a Windows edition that supports incoming standard Remote Desktop connections. Windows Home does not provide this hosting capability.
6. Make sure the target PC is awake.
A computer that is powered off, sleeping, or disconnected from the network will not respond to a normal Remote Desktop connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the device name the same as the computer name?
Yes. In Windows Settings, Device name identifies the computer’s name. It is also commonly called the PC name or hostname.
Where do I find my computer name for Remote Desktop?
On Windows 11, open Settings > System > About and look under Device specifications for Device name. You can also find the PC name under Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
Can I use my computer username instead of the computer name?
No. The computer name identifies the device you want to access, while your username identifies the account you use to sign in. Remote Desktop requires the target computer’s name or IP address before it can establish the connection.
How do I find my computer name without logging into Settings?
Open Command Prompt and run hostname. Windows will display the computer name immediately. You can also run $env:COMPUTERNAME in PowerShell.
Can two computers have the same name?
Computer names should be unique within the same network or domain. Duplicate names can cause identification and network communication problems, so rename one of the devices if necessary.
Does my computer name change when I connect to another Wi-Fi network?
No. Changing Wi-Fi networks does not normally change your computer name. However, your computer’s private IP address may change when it connects to a different network or receives a new address from the router.
