How Do I Change the Name of My Input Device in Windows?
Ever wondered how to give your mouse, keyboard, or other input devices a more descriptive name in Windows? Maybe you have multiple devices and want to easily distinguish between them, or perhaps you just want to personalize your setup. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the name of your input device in Windows.
Why Change the Name of Your Input Device?
There are several reasons why you might want to change the name of your input device:
- Organization: With multiple devices, renaming them can make it easier to identify which is which, especially if they have similar descriptions (e.g., "USB Keyboard" vs. "Wireless Keyboard").
- Customization: It's a simple way to personalize your computing experience and make it more unique.
- Troubleshooting: If you're having issues with a specific device, a descriptive name can help you pinpoint the problem.
Methods to Change Input Device Names in Windows
Here are two methods to change the name of your input device in Windows:
1. Using Device Manager:
- Open Device Manager: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
- Locate your device: Expand the Mice and other pointing devices or Keyboards category, depending on the device type.
- Right-click on the device: Select Properties.
- Go to the Details tab: In the Property dropdown menu, select Device Instance Path.
- Copy the Instance Path: Copy the text value displayed in the Value field.
- Edit the Registry: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to the registry key: Use the left-hand pane to navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\HID.
- Find the device: Find the folder corresponding to the Device Instance Path you copied.
- Edit the FriendlyName: Double-click on the FriendlyName value and change the text to your desired name.
- Confirm Changes: Click OK and restart your computer.
2. Using the Control Panel:
- Open Control Panel: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type control and press Enter.
- Go to Hardware and Sound: Click on Hardware and Sound.
- Choose Devices and Printers: Click on Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on the device: Choose Device Properties.
- Go to the Hardware tab: Click on the Properties button next to the device.
- Change the Name: In the General tab, change the Description to your desired name.
- Confirm Changes: Click OK and restart your computer.
Tips for Choosing a New Name
- Keep it simple and descriptive: Choose a name that clearly identifies the device.
- Avoid special characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and spaces.
- Use a consistent naming scheme: If you have multiple devices, consider a naming convention (e.g., "Mouse 1", "Keyboard 2").
Troubleshooting
- Restart your computer: After changing the name, restarting your computer ensures the changes are applied.
- Check for errors: If the name doesn't change, check for any errors in the registry editor or Device Manager.
- Consult device documentation: Some devices may have specific instructions on how to change their names.
Conclusion
Changing the name of your input device in Windows is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your computing experience. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can organize your devices, personalize your setup, and troubleshoot potential issues more efficiently.