How to fix 'PC Name Is Invalid' error on Windows 11

Your PC's name is a set of characters that distinguish your device from other devices on the network. Although your PC has a default name, changing it can make it easier to identify your PC among other devices.

However, you may run into problems when you try to do this. An example is seeing the error message 'PC Name Is Invalid' displayed on the screen. This error can be quite annoying to encounter as it prevents you from renaming your PC.

Let's learn the troubleshooting methods through the following article!

What does the 'PC Name Is Invalid' error mean? Why does it appear?

The text 'PC Name Is Invalid' may mean that the name you are trying to enter in the naming field is invalid. But sometimes, things aren't quite so literal. The error can appear even if your name meets the character requirements, so this is the result of a completely different problem.

Usually, this error message will indicate that something is wrong with your PC settings or configuration. Or, it could be an issue with the bug, in which case you may need to update your PC to fix the problem.

In any case, here are some preliminary checks that you should do before starting the major fixes:

1. Update Pending

As mentioned earlier, the problem can arise due to a system error that keeps your PC from working properly. Thus, a simple update could be the fix you need to be able to rename your PC.

To check for updates on your PC, go to Settings by clicking start or typing the keyboard shortcut Win + I . Then, click Windows Update from the left sidebar.

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You will see a list of pending updates and you can click on any of them to install. Once your PC is updated, go back to System Settings and try renaming your PC to see if that helps.

2. Character limits and the use of special characters

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In general, your PC name should be within the 15-character limit, and you're only allowed to use letters, dashes, or numbers. Therefore, the use of special characters - characters that are not alphabetic or alphanumeric - will make your name selection unavailable. You should also avoid using spaces.

So first, review the name you intend to use and make sure it meets the character requirements.

3. Check if you are currently logged in with admin rights

Some modifications can only be made with admin rights, which requires logging into an administrator account on the PC. PC renaming is one such case, and using an account without admin rights could be the reason why you're having problems.

So, one of the things you might want to double-check when experiencing this issue is the status of your account. To do this, open the Start menu and click on the user icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.

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Next, click Change account settings .

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You'll see your account's current status below your profile details in the top left corner of the screen.

After performing the 3 checks above, if your PC is still experiencing the error, it might be time to try something else. In cases like these, you can try the troubleshooting methods in the next section.

How to fix "PC Name Is Invalid" error on Windows 11

1. Restart the PC

The first action when experiencing a minor computer problem is usually to trigger a reboot. Without a doubt, restarting your PC is a great way to refresh your computer and get everything back to working.

Therefore, if you're having trouble trying to rename your PC, consider restarting it to restore your computer to normal. Also, this will help install any pending updates (if you haven't done that already).

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2. Create a new user account

If the error still doesn't go away, you can try creating a new account (with admin rights), then try renaming your PC.

Do this by accessing the Control Panel through the search bar on the Taskbar.

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Next, click User Accounts.

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Then click Add or remove user accounts .

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Then click Add a new user in PC settings .

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Finally, click the Add account icon .

3. Disable optional sync across devices

Optional settings synchronization is an important feature that Windows offers. When using multiple devices with a Microsoft account, your preferences and settings will sync between devices without having to reconfigure each machine individually.

While useful, it can also cause potential problems when renaming your PC, so you might consider disabling the feature while you're doing it.

To do this, go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Back-up .

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Then, turn off the Remember my preferences option to disable the sync feature.

4. Using Windows PowerShell

Finally, you can resolve the 'PC name is Invalid' error by running a command on Windows PowerShell. In the search bar, type Windows PowerShell and when the application appears select Run as Administrator .

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When you click Yes in the confirmation dialog, PowerShell will appear. Then type the command Rename - Computer - NewName 'New name' , where the words in quotes are replaced with the name you intend to change for your PC.

For example, if you want to rename your PC as 'MakeUseOf', the command to enter will be Rename-Computer -NewName 'MakeUseOf' as shown below:

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PC renaming is very important, even more meaningful when you work in a computer network. Not only is this a great way to personalize your PC, but it also makes it easy to distinguish between other devices.

The article has outlined possible reasons why the "PC Name Is Invalid" error might appear on your computer and also, there are quick fixes to help make this change happen.

Hope you are succesful.

Kareem Winters

Update 20 March 2023