09-09-2024, 07:18 PM
Guide to Changing a Network Profile Name in Windows 10
When you connect to a network in Windows 10, the system automatically assigns a default name to the network profile, such as "Network 1" or "Network 2". However, you may want to rename these network profiles for easier identification, especially if you have multiple connections. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to change the network profile name in Windows 10.
Method 1: Changing the Network Profile Name Using the Local Security Policy Editor
If you are using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can change the network profile name using the Local Security Policy Editor.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type secpol.msc and press Enter to open the Local Security Policy editor.
3. In the left-hand pane, click on Network List Manager Policies.
4. In the right-hand pane, locate the network profile you want to rename. It will typically be listed under the name "Network" followed by a number (e.g., Network 1, Network 2).
5. Double-click on the network profile to open its properties.
6. In the Network Name field, enter the new name you want to assign to the network profile.
7. Click Apply, then click OK to save the changes.
8. The network profile name will now be changed to your custom name.
Method 2: Changing the Network Profile Name Using the Registry Editor
You can also change the network profile name using the Windows Registry. This method works for all editions of Windows 10, but be cautious when editing the registry.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
4. Under the Profiles folder, you will see multiple subfolders, each representing a network profile.
5. Click on each subfolder and look for the ProfileName value on the right-hand pane. This will show the current network name.
6. Once you locate the network profile you want to rename, double-click the ProfileName value.
7. In the Value data field, enter the new name you want for the network profile.
8. Click OK to save the changes.
9. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the new network profile name.
Method 3: Changing the Network Profile Name via PowerShell
Advanced users can use PowerShell to change the network profile name in Windows 10. This method is efficient and works across all Windows 10 editions.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter to list all network profiles:
3. Identify the network profile you want to rename by looking at the Name column.
4. To rename the network, use the following command, replacing "Old Network Name" with the current network name and "New Network Name" with the desired name:
5. Press Enter to execute the command.
6. The network profile name will be updated immediately.
Method 4: Using Network & Internet Settings to Change the Network Type (Public or Private)
Although this method does not change the profile name itself, it allows you to change the network type (Public or Private) for better identification.
Steps:
1. Click the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.
3. In the left-hand sidebar, select Wi-Fi (for wireless networks) or Ethernet (for wired networks).
4. Under the Network Status section, click on the name of the connected network.
5. In the new window, choose either Public or Private under Network profile.
- Private: Suitable for trusted networks, like home or office, allowing your PC to be discoverable.
- Public: Best for public networks like cafes or airports, making your PC less discoverable and more secure.
6. Changing the network type will not change the name but will help differentiate between different network profiles.
Method 5: Disconnecting and Reconnecting to the Network
If none of the above methods work or you simply want to reset the network profile, you can forget the network and reconnect with a new name.
Steps:
1. Click the Wi-Fi icon or Ethernet icon in the taskbar at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
2. In the list of available networks, right-click on the network you want to rename and select Forget.
3. Reconnect to the network by selecting it again and entering the password.
4. When reconnecting, you can assign a new name to the network profile.
Conclusion
Changing the network profile name in Windows 10 can help you easily identify your different network connections, whether at home, work, or in public spaces. By using tools like the Local Security Policy Editor, Registry Editor, PowerShell, or other settings, you can rename your network profile and improve your network management.
When you connect to a network in Windows 10, the system automatically assigns a default name to the network profile, such as "Network 1" or "Network 2". However, you may want to rename these network profiles for easier identification, especially if you have multiple connections. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to change the network profile name in Windows 10.
Method 1: Changing the Network Profile Name Using the Local Security Policy Editor
If you are using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can change the network profile name using the Local Security Policy Editor.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type secpol.msc and press Enter to open the Local Security Policy editor.
3. In the left-hand pane, click on Network List Manager Policies.
4. In the right-hand pane, locate the network profile you want to rename. It will typically be listed under the name "Network" followed by a number (e.g., Network 1, Network 2).
5. Double-click on the network profile to open its properties.
6. In the Network Name field, enter the new name you want to assign to the network profile.
7. Click Apply, then click OK to save the changes.
8. The network profile name will now be changed to your custom name.
Method 2: Changing the Network Profile Name Using the Registry Editor
You can also change the network profile name using the Windows Registry. This method works for all editions of Windows 10, but be cautious when editing the registry.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles5. Click on each subfolder and look for the ProfileName value on the right-hand pane. This will show the current network name.
6. Once you locate the network profile you want to rename, double-click the ProfileName value.
7. In the Value data field, enter the new name you want for the network profile.
8. Click OK to save the changes.
9. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the new network profile name.
Method 3: Changing the Network Profile Name via PowerShell
Advanced users can use PowerShell to change the network profile name in Windows 10. This method is efficient and works across all Windows 10 editions.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter to list all network profiles:
Code:
Get-NetConnectionProfile4. To rename the network, use the following command, replacing "Old Network Name" with the current network name and "New Network Name" with the desired name:
Code:
Rename-NetConnectionProfile -Name "Old Network Name" -NewName "New Network Name"6. The network profile name will be updated immediately.
Method 4: Using Network & Internet Settings to Change the Network Type (Public or Private)
Although this method does not change the profile name itself, it allows you to change the network type (Public or Private) for better identification.
Steps:
1. Click the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.
3. In the left-hand sidebar, select Wi-Fi (for wireless networks) or Ethernet (for wired networks).
4. Under the Network Status section, click on the name of the connected network.
5. In the new window, choose either Public or Private under Network profile.
- Private: Suitable for trusted networks, like home or office, allowing your PC to be discoverable.
- Public: Best for public networks like cafes or airports, making your PC less discoverable and more secure.
6. Changing the network type will not change the name but will help differentiate between different network profiles.
Method 5: Disconnecting and Reconnecting to the Network
If none of the above methods work or you simply want to reset the network profile, you can forget the network and reconnect with a new name.
Steps:
1. Click the Wi-Fi icon or Ethernet icon in the taskbar at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
2. In the list of available networks, right-click on the network you want to rename and select Forget.
3. Reconnect to the network by selecting it again and entering the password.
4. When reconnecting, you can assign a new name to the network profile.
Conclusion
Changing the network profile name in Windows 10 can help you easily identify your different network connections, whether at home, work, or in public spaces. By using tools like the Local Security Policy Editor, Registry Editor, PowerShell, or other settings, you can rename your network profile and improve your network management.