Change the computer's name

Give your machine a proper name, so it's easy to spot on the network and in SSH.

Fill these in once

New computer name (letters

Set all three names macOS usesNeeds sudo

Terminal

sudo scutil --set ComputerName "my-laptop"
sudo scutil --set LocalHostName "my-laptop"
sudo scutil --set HostName "my-laptop"

Check it worked

Check the new name
Terminal
```
scutil --get ComputerName && hostname
```

Set the new nameNeeds sudo
Terminal · Ubuntu / Debian
```
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname my-laptop
```
Update the hosts file to matchNeeds sudo
Terminal · Ubuntu / Debian
```
sudo sed -i "s/^127.0.1.1.*/127.0.1.1\tmy-laptop/" /etc/hosts
```
Stops "unable to resolve host" warnings after the rename.

Check it worked

Check the new name
Terminal · Ubuntu / Debian
```
hostnamectl
```

Rename and restartRun as administrator
PowerShell
```
Rename-Computer -NewName "my-laptop" -Restart
```
Your PC restarts straight away. Save your work first.

Check it worked

Check the new name
PowerShell
```
hostname
```