Windows 11 names these network adapters automatically, like Ethernet, vEthernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 2, etc. Moreover, when these adapters connect to a network, the network is also automatically named, except for Wi-Fis (These are usually named after the SSID of the wireless router/access point). So it can get quite confusing when there are multiple network adapters and multiple networks to connect to. Which is which? This article illustrates how you can change and customize your network’s and your network adapter’s names so that you are clear which adapter is connected to which network and avoid confusion. Before we begin, let us show you how you can check your current network and network adapter’s names.
How to Check Network and Network Adapter Names in Windows 11
Through the Control Panel
The Control Panel is a quick way to check your current network adapters and what their names are. If they are connected to a network, you can also check out the network names. Launch the Network Connections page in the Control Panel by typing in ncpa.cpl in Run. You should now be able to see all the network adapters on your device in the Control Panel window. In this window, you can see the names of the network adapters on your device. We have highlighted them in the image below: Along with the names of the network adapters, you will also see the names of the networks to which they are connected. These have been highlighted in the image below: In the examples above, we have a total of 7 (physical and virtual) network adapters. Ethernet is connected to a network named “Network,” while Wi-Fi is bridged with vEthernet (External) and is connected to a network named “IGNITION.”
Through the Settings App
You can also check the network and network adapter names through the Settings app in Windows 11. To do so, navigate to the following: You can see the names of the network adapters and the networks below the Network Adapters category:
How to Change Network Adapter Names in Windows 11
We shall now discuss how you can change the adapter names on a Windows11 machine. If you are looking to change the network name, refer to the next section of this post.
Using the Settings app
Using the Control Panel
Using Windows Registry
Wrongful manipulation of the Windows Registry can turn fatal for your operating system. Therefore, we suggest that you create a system restore point before making any of the following changes:
Using Windows PowerShell
Before you begin, note down the current name of the network adapter that you want to change using one of the 2 methods stated in the last section of this post. So far we have discussed 4 methods to change the names for the network adapters. Let us now move on to see how to change the names for the networks only.
How to Change Network Names in Windows 11
Using Local Security Policy Editor
Using Windows Registry
Wrongful manipulation of the Windows Registry can turn fatal for your operating system. Therefore, we suggest that you create a system restore point before making any of the following changes:
