# Rename a FileWave Desktop Client Safely

Renaming a desktop client in FileWave Central updates its **Client Name** inventory field and turns off **Sync Computer Name** in the client preferences. This keeps the operating system's computer name from immediately replacing the FileWave name. The **Device Name** inventory field is not changed.

After the rename, confirm that **Sync Computer Name** is disabled:

[![FileWave Client preference showing Sync Computer Name turned off](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-07/scaled-1680-/Y59VAUWnCuWVrf9i-image.png)](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-07/Y59VAUWnCuWVrf9i-image.png)

### Why the setting changes

- The FileWave Client uses its name as part of its identity. See [How the FileWave Client Communicates](https://kb.filewave.com/books/filewave-client/page/how-the-filewave-client-communicates "How the FileWave Client Communicates") for the connection model.
- **Sync Computer Name** can be changed for one device in Client Monitor or across devices with a [Superprefs Fileset](https://kb.filewave.com/books/filewave-client/page/superprefs-fileset "Creating a Superprefs Fileset"). The available preference is documented in [FileWave Client Configuration Settings](https://kb.filewave.com/books/filewave-client/page/filewave-client-configuration-settings "FileWave Client Configuration Settings").
- In FileWave Central, right-click the desktop client and select **Rename**. This article is scoped to desktop clients because rename behavior can differ for other device types.