Many users who own HP printers often wonder if it is possible to change the name of their device once it has been installed. The answer is yes, you can change the printer name, but the method varies depending on your operating system and how you use the printer.
Changing the printer name can make it easier to identify, especially in environments where multiple printers are connected to the same network or computer. This article will guide you through the process of renaming your HP printer on different platforms, explain why you might want to do it, and address common concerns.
Why Change the Name of Your HP Printer?
By default, HP printers often come with generic names such as HP LaserJet Pro M404 or HP DeskJet 3755. These names might be confusing in environments where several printers are available.
Here are some reasons why changing the printer name can be beneficial:
- Easy Identification: Personalized names help you quickly identify which printer you want to use.
- Organization: Particularly helpful in offices with multiple printers.
- Network Management: Simplifies troubleshooting and management of printers on a shared network.
- Personalization: You can name the printer after its location, user, or function.
“A clear and descriptive printer name reduces confusion and saves time when selecting printers.” – IT Support Specialist
How to Change the HP Printer Name on Windows
Windows users can rename their HP printers via the Control Panel or Settings app. The process is straightforward and requires only a few steps.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the Control Panel. You can search for it using the Start menu.
- Navigate to Devices and Printers. This will list all printers connected to your PC.
- Find your HP printer in the list. Right-click on the printer icon and select Printer properties.
- In the General tab, you will see the current printer name at the top. Delete the existing name and type your desired new name.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Important: Renaming your printer here changes the name on your local machine only. Other computers on the network will still see the old name unless they rename it themselves or the name is changed on the shared printer settings.
Alternative Method: Using Windows Settings
Windows 10 and 11 users can also rename printers via the Settings app:
- Open Settings by pressing
Win + I. - Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Find your HP printer and click on it.
- Click Printer properties.
- In the window that appears, change the printer name and click Apply.
How to Rename Your HP Printer on macOS
Mac users can rename their HP printers via the System Preferences or System Settings, depending on the macOS version. The process is very similar to Windows, but with a different interface.
Steps to Rename Printer on macOS
- Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS Ventura and later).
- Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Select your HP printer from the list on the left.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer and choose Rename from the context menu.
- Enter the new printer name and confirm.
If the rename option is not available, you may need to remove the printer and add it again with the desired name.
How to Remove and Re-Add Printer with a New Name
- In Printers & Scanners, select the HP printer.
- Click the – (minus) button to remove it.
- Click the + (plus) button to add a printer.
- When adding the printer, you can enter a new name in the dialog box.
Changing HP Printer Name on Network (Shared Printer)
If your HP printer is shared on a network, you might want to change the printer name as it appears to all users on the network. This requires renaming the shared printer on the host computer or via the printer’s embedded web server.
Renaming a Shared Printer on Windows
- Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your HP printer and select Printer properties.
- Navigate to the Sharing tab.
- Here, you can change the share name, which is the name other users see on the network.
- Click Apply and then OK.
This change will update the printer’s network name for all users connecting to the shared printer.
Using the Printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS)
Many modern HP printers have an embedded web server interface that allows you to configure network settings, including the device name.
- Find the printer’s IP address by printing a Network Configuration Page or checking your router.
- Open a web browser and enter the IP address into the address bar.
- Log in to the Embedded Web Server. The default password is often blank or “admin”. Check your printer manual.
- Navigate to the Network or Settings tab.
- Look for the Device Name or Host Name field and edit it to your preferred name.
- Save the settings and restart the printer if necessary.
Common Questions About Renaming HP Printers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will renaming my printer affect print jobs? | No. Renaming the printer only changes its label on your device or network; it does not affect its printing functionality. |
| Can I rename a printer on a mobile device? | Most mobile operating systems do not allow renaming printers directly. You must rename it on the host computer or via the printer’s web interface. |
| Does renaming the printer on one computer change it for others? | Changing the local printer name affects only that computer. To change the name for everyone, rename the shared printer on the host or via the printer’s network settings. |
| What if I can’t rename my printer? | Check for administrative permissions or try removing and re-adding the printer. Also, ensure you are renaming the correct printer instance (local vs. network). |
Tips for Naming Your HP Printer
Choosing an effective name for your HP printer will save time and minimize confusion. Here are some tips:
- Be Descriptive: Include the location, e.g., “Office_HP_LaserJet” or “LivingRoom_HP_DeskJet”.
- Keep it Short: Avoid overly long names which may be truncated in some interfaces.
- Use Standard Naming Conventions: If managing multiple devices, use a consistent format like Room_DeviceType_Number.
- Avoid Special Characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and underscores to prevent compatibility issues.
Summary: Changing the Name of Your HP Printer
Changing the name of your HP printer is a simple and useful way to personalize your printing setup. Whether you use Windows, macOS, or manage printers on a network, renaming helps organize your devices and improve workflow.
To recap:
| Platform | How to Rename | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Printer Properties > General tab | Rename affects only local device unless shared printer name is changed. |
| macOS | System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Rename or remove and re-add printer | Renaming sometimes requires removing and re-adding printer. |
| Network Shared Printer | Change share name in printer properties or via Embedded Web Server | Changes the name visible to other users on network. |
| Embedded Web Server | Access via printer IP > Network settings > Device/Host name | Changes printer hostname on the network. |
Remember: Always ensure you have administrative rights on your computer to rename devices and consult your printer’s manual if you encounter any issues.
