How to Rename a Device in Windows Device Manager

There are times when you may need to rename a device in Windows Device Manager for easier identification and organization. However, it's important to note that Windows does not offer a straightforward feature for renaming devices directly in Device Manager. There are, however, a few workarounds that can help you achieve this.

1. Renaming via the Registry Editor

One way to change the device name is by using the Windows Registry Editor. Be cautious when working with the registry, as modifying the wrong entries can lead to system issues. It's recommended to create a system restore point before making any changes.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum.
  3. Locate the folder corresponding to your device. This usually has a complex name, including the device ID.
  4. Once you've found the correct device, double-click on the FriendlyName or DeviceDesc entry, and change its value to the desired name.
  5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes.

2. Using Third-Party Utilities

If working with the registry seems too complex or risky, you can use third-party tools to manage device names. Programs like Device Manager View by NirSoft allow you to change the display name of a device and also offer additional settings and device parameters.