Locating the Name of Your Computer
In many cases, a computer name is needed to perform in-depth troubleshooting. This document will help you locate your computer name, also known as the "hostname". Each section includes basic and advanced methods of lookup.
Windows XP
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Right-click on My Computer from either the Desktop or Start Menu, and choose Properties:
- Click on the Computer Name tab at the top of the window. Your computer's name is listed next to "Full computer name"
Windows XP - Command Line Method (Advanced)
- Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
- In the prompt, type the word 'hostname' (without quotes) and press enter
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Your computer's name is the output of this command:
Windows Vista/7 - Graphical Method
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From the Start menu, right-click on Computer and choose Properties from the menu:
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The computer name will be listed beneath "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings"
Windows Vista/7 - Command Line Method (Advanced)
- Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
- In the prompt, type the word 'hostname' (without quotes) and press enter
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Your computer's name is the output of this command:
Windows 8 - Graphical Method
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Move your mouse cursor to the lower left corner of the screen until you see a small image appear. If you are currently viewing the Desktop, this image should be a shortcut to the Start screen, and vice-versa:
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Right-click on this box to reveal the Windows Quick Access Menu. Click on System in this menu.
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The computer name will be listed beneath "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings"
Windows 8 - Command Line Method (Advanced)
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Move your mouse cursor to the lower left corner of the screen until you see a small image appear. If you are currently viewing the Desktop, this image should be a shortcut to the Start screen, and vice-versa:
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Right-click on this box to reveal the Windows Quick Access Menu. Click on Command Prompt in this menu.
- In the prompt, type the word 'hostname' without quotes and hit enter
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Your computer's name is the output of this command:
Windows 10 - Graphical Method
- Click on the Start Menu (Windows Icon) in the lower left hand corner of your screen.
- Right-click on this box to reveal the Windows Quick Access Menu. Click into the search box at the bottom and type in Control Panel, then click on the top result.
- Open System and Security.
- Select System.
- The full computer name will be listed under the "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" section.
Windows 10 - Command Line Method (Advanced)
- Move your cursor to the lower left corner of the screen until you see a small image appear. If you are currently viewing the Desktop, this image should be a shortcut to the Start screen.
- Right-click this box to reveal the Windows Quick Access Menu. Type Control Panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results.
- Input System in the top-right search box and then click on See the name of this computer.
- View the computer name or full computer name under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings.
Mac OS X - Graphical Method
- On OS X machines, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences
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Go to the Sharing preference pane:
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Your hostname is in the "Computer Name" field:
Mac OS X - Command Line Method (Advanced)
- With Finder focused, go to the Go menu > Utilities > Terminal
- In the terminal, type the word 'hostname' without quotes and hit enter
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Your hostname is the output of the hostname command:
