Renaming a printer in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can streamline your printing tasks and make it easier to identify the correct printer. You can accomplish this by accessing the printer settings through the Windows Settings menu. Let’s walk through how to do this step-by-step.
How to Rename a Printer in Windows 10
Renaming your printer can help you quickly identify it, especially if you have multiple printers connected to your network. Follow these simple steps to rename your printer in Windows 10.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Windows Settings.
By doing this, you will access a variety of system settings where you can make changes to your device.
Step 2: Go to Devices
Step 2: In the Windows Settings window, click on “Devices”.
This section includes settings for Bluetooth, printers, and other devices. You’ll find all the necessary options related to your printer here.
Step 3: Select Printers & Scanners
Step 3: On the left pane, click on “Printers & Scanners”.
This will show you a list of all the printers and scanners currently installed on your device.
Step 4: Choose Your Printer
Step 4: Click on the printer you want to rename.
A drop-down menu will appear, providing additional options for the selected printer.
Step 5: Open Manage Options
Step 5: Click on “Manage”.
This will take you to a detailed settings page for the specific printer where you can modify various aspects of its configuration.
Step 6: Open Printer Properties
Step 6: Click on “Printer Properties”.
In the Printer Properties window, you can access numerous settings, including the printer name.
Step 7: Rename the Printer
Step 7: In the Printer Properties window, go to the “General” tab, and type the new name in the field next to the printer icon.
Once you enter the new name, click “Apply” and then “OK”.
After completing these steps, your printer will now display the new name you’ve chosen. This can help you quickly find the correct printer when you have many options available.
Tips for Renaming a Printer in Windows 10
- Choose a Descriptive Name: Use a name that describes the printer’s location or type, like “Office Printer” or “Color Printer”.
- Check Network Visibility: If the printer is shared over a network, make sure the new name is recognizable to other users.
- Consistency: Keep naming conventions consistent across all printers for simplicity.
- Restart: Sometimes, you might need to restart your computer for changes to take effect.
- Update Drivers: Ensure your printer drivers are up to date, as older drivers may not recognize new names properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename a network printer?
Yes, you can rename a network printer using the same steps. However, the new name will need to be recognizable to other users on the network.
Will renaming my printer affect its functionality?
No, renaming your printer will not affect its functionality. It only changes the display name.
Can I rename multiple printers?
Yes, you can rename as many printers as you need. Just follow the steps for each printer individually.
Do I need administrator rights to rename a printer?
Yes, you typically need administrator rights to rename a printer.
What if the new name doesn’t show up immediately?
Try restarting your computer. Sometimes changes need a reboot to take full effect.
Summary
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to Devices.
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Choose your printer.
- Open Manage options.
- Open Printer Properties.
- Rename the printer.
Conclusion
Renaming a printer in Windows 10 can be a quick and effective way to organize and streamline your printing tasks, especially if you have multiple printers connected. By following this guide, you can easily modify printer names to better suit your needs. Remember to choose descriptive and consistent names to avoid confusion. If you encounter any issues, you can always revisit the steps or consult further resources. Now that you know how to rename a printer, you can ensure a more efficient and user-friendly printing experience. Happy printing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.