How to Change the Wi-Fi Name on Your Computer: 5 Proven Methods

Changing the wireless network name (SSID) is a task that every home Wi-Fi user faces. But not everyone knows that this can be done not only through the router's web interface, but also directly from a computer running Windows 10/11. Moreover, in some cases (for example, when using mobile hotspot or virtual router) this is the only available method.

In this article, we will look at all possible methods - from standard router settings to advanced commands in PowerShell And CMDYou'll learn how to rename a network correctly to avoid losing your internet connection, what characters shouldn't be used in the name, and how to avoid common mistakes when changing SSIDFor those using their computer as an access point, we've prepared separate instructions on changing the name of the shared Wi-Fi.

Important: If you rent a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline or MTS), some settings may be blocked. In this case, you'll need to contact support or use workarounds, which we'll also share.

1. What is an SSID and why should it be changed?

Abbreviation SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​is the unique name of the wireless network that appears in the list of available connections on your devices. By default, router manufacturers (e.g., TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic) assign standard names to the network like TP-LINK_1234 or Keenetic-5GSuch names are not only uninformative, but also create problems:

• 🔍 Safety: The default name may reveal your router's model, making it easier for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
• 📡 Confusion: In apartment buildings, networks with the same names are often found, which complicates connection.
• 🔒 Access control: A personalized name helps you quickly identify your network among strangers.

In addition, the change SSID useful if you:

• 🏠 You've moved and want to update your network name to reflect your new address.
• 🔄 You change your provider, but keep the same router.
• 🛡️ You suspect that strangers have connected to your Wi-Fi (along with a password change).

However, there is a downside: changing the network name too often can cause devices (especially smart speakers or IP cameras) will lose connection and require reconfiguration. Therefore, change SSID only if necessary.

2. Method 1: Changing the Wi-Fi name via the router's web interface

This is the most reliable and universal method that works on any router, from a budget one Tenda to the flagship ASUS RT-AX88UThe instructions are suitable for most models, but the interface may differ slightly.

To change SSID via the web panel:

1. Connect your computer to the router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
   • 192.168.0.1 (For D-Link, TP-Link)
   • 192.168.1.1 (For ASUS, Zyxel)
   • my.keenetic.net (For Keenetic)

Example path for popular models:

Important! If the Internet connection is lost after saving changes, check:

• Are you connected to the correct network (the old name may remain in the list until you reboot your devices).
• Have the settings been lost? DHCP (sometimes you need to specify it manually IP And DNS).
• Doesn't the antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or ESET) new connection.

Check the current IP of the router (via cmd → ipconfig)

Take a screenshot of your current Wi-Fi settings

Connect via cable (in case you lose Wi-Fi)

Create a new name without spaces or special characters.

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3. Method 2: Change the Wi-Fi name via the command line (CMD)

This method is useful if you don't have access to your router's web interface (for example, it's blocked by your ISP) or you're using your computer as an access point. To change SSID through CMD Administrator rights will be required.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to view current networks:

   netsh wlan show hostednetwork settings

   Here you will see the current name (SSID name) and password (User security key).

3. To change the name, use:

   netsh wlan set hostednetwork ssid="New_name" key="New_password"

   Replace New_name And New Password to their values.

4. Restart Wi-Fi sharing:

   netsh wlan stop hostednetwork
   netsh wlan start hostednetwork

A critical detail: this method ONLY works for virtual networks shared from a computer. It will NOT change the name of the router's primary Wi-Fi network! If you need to rename your ISP network, use Method 1 or 4.

To check if the changes were successful, enter:

netsh wlan show hostednetwork settings

The response should display the new configuration.

4. Method 3: Using PowerShell to Manage Wi-Fi

PowerShell offers more flexible wireless networking options than CMDFor example, it can be used not only to rename a network, but also to export/import settings and manage multiple profiles.

To change SSID through PowerShell:

1. Launch PowerShell on behalf of the administrator.
2. View the list of saved networks:

   Get-NetConnectionProfile | Where-Object { $_.NetworkCategory -eq "Public" -or $_.NetworkCategory -eq "Private" } | Select-Object Name, InterfaceAlias

3. Find your network name in the column Name (For example, WiFi-5G).
4. Change the name using the command (replace Old_name And New_name):

   Rename-NetConnectionProfile -Name "OldName" -NewName "NewName"

This method does not change the router's SSID, but only renames the saved connection profile on your computer. This means the old name will remain in the list of networks on other devices (phone, tablet). For a global change, use Method 1.

If you need to delete your old profile and reconnect:

Remove-NetConnectionProfile -Name "OldName" -Confirm:$false

5. Method 4: Changing the Wi-Fi name through the provider's app

Many internet service providers (eg. Rostelecom, Dom.ru, Third Transport Ring) block access to full router settings, but provide their own mobile or desktop apps for network management. These apps often allow you to change SSID, without going to the web interface.

Application examples:

• 📱 Rostelecom — Personal Account (for subscribers Rostelecom).
• 🖥️ Keenetic (universal for routers) Keenetic).
• 🌐 My Beeline (for clients Beeline).
• 📡 Yota Router (for devices Yota).

General algorithm:

1. Download your provider's official app from Microsoft Store or from the website.
2. Log in using your username (usually this is the contract number or the linked email).
3. Find the section Wi-Fi or Network settings.
4. Change the field Network name and save.

The advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require knowledge of the router's IP address.
• ✅ There are often hints and verification of the correctness of the entered data.
• ✅ You can manage the network remotely (for example, via 4G on your phone).

Flaws:

• ❌ Functionality is limited to what the provider allows.
• ❌ Sometimes applications work unstable (especially on Windows 7).

6. Method 5: Changing the Wi-Fi name on a computer with a mobile hotspot

If you are distributing the Internet from your computer (for example, via Mobile hotspot V Windows 10/11), then the network name is changed in the system settings. This method is relevant for those who use 3G/4G modem or USB phone as an internet source.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WcmSvc\Tethering]
"DeviceName"="New_network_name"
"DevicePassword"="New_Password"