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How to Delete Old Computer Name From Network in Windows 10

What to do when Windows 10 doesn't automatically remove shared computers

By Briley S. Kenney Briley S. Kenney Writer Hillsborough Community College Briley Kenney has 10+ years' experience writing about technology. His work is featured at Ideaing, Smartwatches.org, Tech Cocktail, CMSCritic, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 11, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Microsoft Microsoft Apple Google Tablets Accessories & Hardware

What to Know

Refresh ipconfig information using flushdns, release, and renew commands in an elevated Command Prompt.Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Manage Wireless Networks, click Remove Network on old devices.Use the router's administration panel to restrict access and remove unknown computers from the network. This article explains how to remove an old computer no longer connected or available from the network details within Windows 10.

Why Would an Old Computer Show Up in the Windows 10 Network Details

Generally, Windows 10 will automatically remove old computers from the network list, but you can do it yourself if this doesn’t happen. If you change the name of your computer, for example, you may end up with two entries. If you upgrade your computer but no longer have the old one, you may still see it in the network details. The name still shows up in either case, which means the information has not refreshed automatically.

How Do I Remove an Old Computer Showing Under Network In Windows 10

Here's how to remove an old computer by forcing a refresh: Because this is a system-related change, only administrators can change the name of a Windows PC or make the necessary network updates—to include removing the old computer. Before proceeding, be sure you’re logged in as an administrator or talk to your network administrator. In the Windows search bar type cmd.
Under Best Match, you will see an application named Command Prompt. RIght-click on the icon and select Run as Administrator.
The Windows UAC (User Access Controls) will request permission to open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Click Yes.
The Command Prompt window will open. Type the following (including the space), then press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns.
In the Command Prompt window type the following (including the space), then press Enter: ipconfig /release.
In the Command Prompt window type the following (including the space), then press Enter: ipconfig /renew.
After completing each of these tasks, reboot your computer.
When the computer reboots, and you log in, the old computer should no longer appear in the network details.

How Do I Remove the Computer Name From Windows 10

You cannot remove the computer name within Windows 10. However, it is possible to change the name in Windows 10, 8, and 7. If you have two computers with similar names or want to rename an old title, you can do just that. If you want to change the owner name or change account names (user profiles), you can do that, as well.

How Do I Remove a Shared Computer From My Network

If you're connected to a home or local Wi-Fi network—a wireless connection—you can safely remove shared computers. You can only do this from the computer you'd like to remove. You must have access, and you must use the old computer. Here's how to safely remove an old computer from your network:
Open the Windows Start Menu by pressing the Windows key (logo) or by clicking on the Start Menu button in the bottom right.
Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
A window will appear. Click Manage Wireless Networks on the left-hand side.
If you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, or you’re using a wired connection (LAN) you will not see the option to Manage Wireless Networks. Find the name of the network in the list you wish to leave, right-click on it and then select Remove Network.

How Do I Remove an Unknown Computer From My Network

Unfortunately, you cannot use Windows to block unknown computers from your network. You must do it from your network devices, such as your router. There are some measures you can take to remove unknown computers and devices: Change the Wi-Fi password used to connect to your router, and use a stronger protocol like WPA2-AES. Keep in mind; you will have to reconnect all of your devices after doing so. Change the router's administrative password. Be sure to use strong password techniques when choosing a new one. Disable WPS security if it's enabled.
FAQ How do I change the network name in Windows 10? To change the network name in Windows 10 using the Windows Registry, open the Registry Editor and type Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles to navigate to the network profiles key. Find the Windows 10 network profile you want to change, and then double-click the Profile Name and type your new name in the Value Data field. How do I find my Windows 10 network name? You can find your network profile name in the Control Panel's Network and Sharing Center. To see it, right-click the Start menu, select Control Panel > Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Center. If that doesn't work, you can also use the Windows search function to find it. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change DNS Servers in Windows Share an Internet Connection in Windows How to Change Directories in CMD (Command Prompt) What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network How to Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows How to Find Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11 Connecting a PC to a Wireless Home Network Connect to a Wireless Network on Windows How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 10 How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11 How to Fix Windows 11 Ethernet Driver Problems How to Enable or Disable the Administrator Account in Windows How to Open Command Prompt (Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, etc.) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies