How to Find Your Computer Name (Hostname)

Article Details

  • Application/Service: Operating Systems > Asset Identification

  • Category: Hardware > Device Specifications

  • Audience: End Users (Public)

  • Status: Published

Table of Contents

  1. Finding Your Computer Name on Windows 11 / Windows 10

  2. Finding Your Computer Name on macOS (MacBook / iMac)

  3. Alternative Quick Commands for Advanced Users

  4. What to Look for (Asset Tags vs. Hostnames)

1. Finding Your Computer Name on Windows 11 / Windows 10

Method A: Through Settings (Recommended)

  1. Open the Settings menu by pressing Windows Key + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and select the gear icon.

  2. Ensure you are on the System tab (usually the default home screen).

  3. Look near the very top of the window. You will see a large computer icon or name display.

  4. The string of text listed directly under or next to the computer description (e.g., LAPTOP-AB12CD34 or IT-DSK-042) is your Device name.

Method B: Through the System Properties Shortcut

  1. Press Windows Key + Pause/Break on your keyboard (if your keyboard has it).

  2. This drops you directly into the About page.

  3. Look for the row labeled Device name under the Device Specifications block.

2. Finding Your Computer Name on macOS (MacBook / iMac)

  1. Click the Apple Menu icon in the extreme top-left corner of your screen.

  2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).

  3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on General.

  4. On the right side, click About.

  5. Look at the very top of the page. The bolded text displayed there is your official Mac Computer Name (e.g., Jane's MacBook Pro or MKTG-MAC-01).

3. Alternative Quick Commands for Advanced Users

If your graphical interface is sluggish or frozen, you can retrieve the hostname instantly using command terminals.

For Windows (Command Prompt):

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

  2. In the black terminal box, type exactly hostname and press Enter.

  3. The next line will spit out your exact computer name.

For Mac (Terminal):

  1. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type Terminal, and press Enter.

  2. Type hostname and press Enter.

4. What to Look for (Asset Tags vs. Hostnames)

When an IT agent asks for your computer identifier, they are looking for one of two things:

  • The Hostname/Device Name: This is the digital identity found using the steps in this article. It tells the network exactly how to route traffic to your device.

  • The Physical Asset Tag: If you cannot turn your machine on to follow this guide, look for a physical sticker on the bottom of your laptop case or the side of your desktop tower. It is usually a bright, metallic, or barcoded sticker labeled with your organization's name and a 5- to 6-digit number.

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