Windows 11, like its predecessors, assigns a system product name to your device, which typically reflects the specific model of your computer. This name is often pre-set by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), especially for branded devices like “Surface Pro X” or “Dell Inspiron“. However, if you've built your PC yourself or if your device does not have a specified system product name, Windows allows you to customize this name through the Registry Editor.
Changing the system product name can be useful if you want to personalize your system or if the default name is incorrect or missing. This guide will walk you through the steps required to safely modify the system product name in Windows 11.
Before proceeding, it's important to note that you must have administrator privileges to make these changes. The process involves editing the Windows Registry, which is a powerful tool that, if used incorrectly, can affect your system's stability. Follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues.
How to Change the System Product Name in Windows 11
In this method, you'll be editing the Windows Registry to change the system product name. The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the operating system and installed applications. Here, we'll be focusing on the “OEMInformation” key, which contains the system product name.
- Open the Registry Editor
Open the “Registry Editor“, a tool used to view and edit the Windows Registry.
- Navigate to OEMInformation Key
Navigate to the following location and right-click on the right side to create a new “String Value” called “Model” if there is none. If there is already a string value called “Model“, just double-click to open it and skip the next step.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OEMInformation
- Name the String Value “Model”
- Modify the Model String Value
Double-click on the “Model” string value in the right pane of the “OEMInformation” key. Type the new system product name you want in the “Value data” field. Click “OK” to save the changes.
By following these steps, you will successfully change the system product name of your Windows 11 device. This new name will now appear in the system information, providing a more personalized or corrected identification of your machine.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the System Product Name in Windows 11
What should I do if I don't see the “Model” string in the OEMInformation key?
If the “Model” string value is missing in the OEMInformation key, right-click in the white space in the right pane, select New > String Value, and name this new string as “Model“. You can then double-click on it and enter the desired system product name in the ‘Value data' box.
How can I verify the system product name change was successful in Windows 11?
To confirm that your system product name has been updated, restart your computer and navigate to Settings > System > About. Under the ‘Device specifications' section, you should see the updated name reflected next to ‘Device name'.
What are the risks of incorrectly modifying the Windows Registry?
Modifying the Windows Registry improperly can lead to critical errors such as system crashes, boot failures, and malfunctioning of software applications. It's crucial to follow precise instructions, back up the registry before making changes, and only alter registry keys that you understand.
Is it necessary to restart my computer after changing the system product name?
Yes, restarting your computer is necessary to ensure that the changes take full effect. This restart allows the system to reinitialize and update all necessary services with the new configuration.
How do I back up the Windows Registry before making changes?
Open the Registry Editor, navigate to File > Export. In the dialog box, make sure ‘All' is selected for the export range. Choose a name and a secure location to save the .reg file. If anything goes wrong, you can restore your registry by double-clicking the saved file.
Can I revert back to the original system product name if needed?
Yes, simply repeat the process used to change the system product name, but this time enter the original or a different name you desire in the “Value data” field of the “Model” string value.
Who should perform the Registry modifications to change the system product name?
Registry modifications should be performed by users who are comfortable with advanced system settings or by IT professionals. If unsure, it is advisable to consult someone experienced or follow detailed step-by-step guides like the tutorial.
Does changing the system product name impact software installations or updates?
Changing the system product name does not interfere with the installation or updating of software applications. This setting is more for user and administrative convenience and does not change system operations or software behaviors.
Can I use this method to personalize other system settings stored in the Windows Registry?
Yes, the Windows Registry contains numerous customizable settings. However, it is vital to research or consult documentation on each specific key or value to understand its purpose and effects before making changes to avoid unintended system behavior.
What if I encounter errors after changing the system product name?
Reboot your computer and check if the issue persists. If the problem continues, restore the Windows Registry using the backup you created. If the backup does not resolve the error, consider performing a system restore to a point where the device was functioning correctly.
Does altering the system product name change system performance in any way?
No, changing the system product name is a superficial configuration that only affects how the system is identified and does not alter its performance or efficiency.
How can changing the system product name aid in IT management?
By standardizing or customizing system product names, IT managers can streamline the inventory process, simplify asset management, and aid in quicker identification and resolution of computer issues within a large organization.
What precautions should I take before editing the registry to change the system product name?
Besides making a complete backup of the registry, ensure no critical processes are running that might be affected during the edit. Close unnecessary applications, and focus solely on the registry changes to prevent accidental modifications.
Are there alternative methods to change system identification details without using the Registry Editor?
For changing other system identifiers like the computer name, user accounts, and network settings, you can use the Windows Settings app or Control Panel without touching the Registry Editor. These interfaces provide a safer way to modify system configurations.
Can changing the registry affect my computer's security settings?
Direct changes to certain registry settings can inadvertently weaken security defenses if the wrong values are altered. Always ensure that edits are intentional and consider the security implications, particularly when modifying registry keys related to system security policies and user permissions.
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