How to Rename & Change Network Name in Windows 8 & 8.1

In Windows 8 and subsequent Windows 8.1, Microsoft has removed the ability for users to change the network name and network icon directly from the GUI as available in the Windows 7. In fact, network icon is no longer offered nor shown in Windows 8. And Microsoft decided to remove the ability to change network name in new iteration of Windows OS too, even though the same issue that plagued Windows 7, i.e the appending of unnecessary and unwanted suffix to the network name, continues to happen.

But you can still change the network name in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 through the usual Registry Editor. The trick to change the network name via Registry Editor works for most previous versions of Windows operating system, including Windows 7 and Windows Vista, and also future versions, such as Windows 9.

How to Change Change Network Name in Registry Editor

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, or bring up the Charms bar by sliding from right or press the Windows + C keys and select Search.
2. Enter RegEdit, and press Enter to run the Registry Editor.

   

3. If prompted with User Account Control, click or tap on Yes.
4. In Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles

5. Expand the Profiles key.

   

6. Browse through the content of various sub-keys under “Profiles” which has the name in the form of GUID number, and look at the value for ProfileName in the right pane, until you found the one which you want to change its name.
7. Double click or double tap on the ProfileName of which you want to change its name to modify and edit string value data.
8. Type in the Value data your desired network name, replacing existing one.
   A network name cannot contain tabs or any of the following characters:

   \ / : * ? < > |

   

9. Click or tap on OK.
10. Close Registry Editor.
11. Restart the computer or logoff and logon again.