Rename Network Adapter via Regedit in Windows

This guide explains how to rename an active network adapter in Windows directly using the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit). While network connections are typically renamed through the graphical interface or PowerShell, modifying the network configuration registry keys allows administrators to directly change adapter labels, automate interface identification, or fix corrupted network profile names at the system level.

Step 1: Open the Windows Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Select Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Navigate to the Network Class Registry Key

In the Registry Editor address bar, paste the following path and press Enter:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

The GUID {4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} represents the Network Adapter class in Windows.

Step 3: Locate the Specific Network Adapter

  1. Expand the {4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} key.
  2. You will see several subkeys with unique GUID folder names representing installed adapters (such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and virtual adapters), as well as a folder named Descriptions.
  3. Expand each GUID folder and click on the Connection subkey underneath it.
  4. In the right-hand pane of the Connection key, look at the Name string value (REG_SZ) to identify the current name of the adapter (for example, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Local Area Connection).

Step 4: Modify the Adapter Name

  1. Once you have located the Connection folder for the adapter you wish to rename, double-click the Name value in the right pane.
  2. In the Value data field, enter your desired new name for the network adapter.
  3. Click OK to save the change.

Step 5: Verify the Changes

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
  2. Press F5 to refresh the window.
  3. Confirm that the network adapter now displays the updated name you assigned in the registry.