> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rafftechnologies.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rename a VM

> Change a virtual machine's display name

<sub>Updated May 8, 2026</sub>

Rename a VM to update its label in the dashboard, API responses, and billing usage logs. The VM's ID, public IPv4, and disk contents are all unchanged — it's a display-name change only.

## Two ways to open the rename dialog

### a. Detail page — pencil icon

On the VM detail page, click the **pencil icon** next to the name.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/rafftechnologiesllc/KFKEsJgQ3IuaIJdK/images/products/compute/vm/manage/rename-01-pencil-icon.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=KFKEsJgQ3IuaIJdK&q=85&s=759d3a46bc65d4c508829337800df6ba" alt="VM detail page with the pencil edit icon next to the VM name" width="1562" height="1044" data-path="images/products/compute/vm/manage/rename-01-pencil-icon.png" />
</Frame>

### b. Instance list — row Actions menu

In the **Instances** list, open the row's **⋮** menu and choose **Rename**.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/rafftechnologiesllc/KFKEsJgQ3IuaIJdK/images/products/compute/vm/connect/connect-via-ssh-01-actions-menu.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=KFKEsJgQ3IuaIJdK&q=85&s=6600c2a45a6265bd7347f28266327f53" alt="Instance list row Actions menu showing the Rename option" width="2000" height="1196" data-path="images/products/compute/vm/connect/connect-via-ssh-01-actions-menu.png" />
</Frame>

## Rename dialog

Both paths open the same dialog. Type the new name and click **Rename**.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/rafftechnologiesllc/KFKEsJgQ3IuaIJdK/images/products/compute/vm/manage/rename-02-dialog.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=KFKEsJgQ3IuaIJdK&q=85&s=822a4e114e258181a25241edf585185b" alt="Rename VM dialog with the Name field and a 64-character counter" width="2000" height="1220" data-path="images/products/compute/vm/manage/rename-02-dialog.png" />
</Frame>

**Rules:**

| Rule             | Value                              |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Maximum length   | 64 characters                      |
| Uniqueness       | Must be unique within your account |
| Restart required | No — change is immediate           |

## What changes vs what stays

| Changes                                                                                                                     | Stays the same                                                             |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Display name in the dashboard                                                                                               | VM ID (UUID)                                                               |
| `name` field in API responses                                                                                               | Public IPv4 / IPv6                                                         |
| Label on the billing usage log                                                                                              | Private IP / VPC                                                           |
| Hostname *inside* the OS — set it manually with `hostnamectl set-hostname <new>` (Linux) or via System Properties (Windows) | Disk contents, snapshots, backups, attached volumes, security groups, tags |

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manage power" icon="power-off" href="/products/build/virtual-machines/quickstart-guides/manage-power">
    Start, stop, reboot.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/endpoint/rename-vm">
    Rename a VM via API.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>