In Windows 10 how do you rename a program that is already installed?

Introduction

When you install a program on Windows 10, it is added to the Apps & Features list. This list provides a convenient way to manage and uninstall programs. However, sometimes programs can be labeled incorrectly in this list, which can be confusing. In this blog post, we will discuss how to rename a program that is already installed on Windows 10.

Method 1: Using the Registry Editor

The first method to rename a program that is already installed on Windows 10 is to use the Registry Editor. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” (without the quotes) and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall
4. Look for the entry for the program you want to rename. You can search for it by name or by the DisplayName value.
5. Right-click on the entry and select “Rename”.
6. Rename the entry to the desired name and press Enter.

After completing these steps, the program should be renamed in the Apps & Features list. However, please note that this method may not work for all programs and can be risky if you are not familiar with the Registry Editor.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Tool

Another method to rename a program that is already installed on Windows 10 is to use a third-party tool. These tools are designed to provide a user-friendly interface for managing programs and can be more reliable than editing the registry. Here are some popular tools you can use:

– CCleaner: This is a free tool that can be used to manage programs, clean the registry, and optimize your system.
– Revo Uninstaller: This is a paid tool that provides advanced features for managing programs, including renaming, uninstalling, and cleaning up leftover files.

To use these tools, simply download and install them, then follow the instructions to rename the desired program.

Method 3: Reinstalling the Program

If the above methods do not work, you can try reinstalling the program with the desired name. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Uninstall the program from the Apps & Features list.
2. Download the installer for the program from the official website or a trusted source.
3. Run the installer and select the desired name for the program.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

After completing these steps, the program should be renamed in the Apps & Features list. However, please note that this method can be time-consuming and may result in the loss of custom settings or preferences.

Method 4: Editing the Shortcut Name

If you only need to rename the shortcut for the program, you can do so without affecting the actual program name in the Apps & Features list. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Right-click on the shortcut for the program and select “Properties”.
2. Click on the “Shortcut” tab.
3. In the “Target” field, you will see the path to the program executable. You can add a new name at the end of this path, separated by a space. For example, if the path is “C:Program FilesProgramNameprogram.exe”, you can add “NewName” to make it “C:Program FilesProgramNameprogram.exe NewName”.
4. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

After completing these steps, the shortcut for the program should be renamed with the new name you added.

Method 5: Contacting the Developer

If none of the above methods work, you can try contacting the developer of the program and requesting a name change. Some developers may be willing to provide a custom installer or update that includes the desired name. However, please note that this method may not be feasible for all programs and may require additional time and effort.

Conclusion

Renaming a program that is already installed on Windows 10 can be a useful way to keep your system organized and easy to manage. While there are several methods to do so, it is important to choose the method that is safest and most reliable for your specific situation. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily rename a program and avoid confusion in the Apps & Features list.

To rename a program that is already installed in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and go to the “Apps & Features” list
2. Find the program that you want to rename and click on it
3. Click the “Options” button (it may also be labeled as “Advanced options” or “Modify”)
4. Click the “Change” button
5. In the “Change Program” window, click the “Next” button
6. Click the “Browse” button and navigate to the location of the program’s executable file
7. Select the executable file and click the “Open” button
8. Type in the new name for the program and click the “Finish” button

Note that this method may not work for all programs, as some installers may not allow you to change the name of the program after it has been installed. Additionally, this may not change the label in the Visual Studio Installer, you may need to uninstall the program and re-install it with the desired name.

To change the name displayed in Programs and Settings for the Uninstall option in Windows, you can modify the DisplayName key value found in the Windows Registry at: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and/or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall.

To rename the shortcut for Visual Studio:

1. Right-click on the Start Menu item and select More > Open file location. (Note that this is the location of the shortcut, not the executable)
2. Right-click the shortcut and select Rename. Note: Windows (ex-Metro) Apps cannot be renamed in this way.

For more control and ease of use in the Start menu, consider using a third-party tool such as the free Open-Shell-Menu.