Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted Garry's Mod servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
Garry’s Mod displays the name set by the hostname convar. On a self-hosted or dedicated server, edit garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg, add or change a line such as hostname "My Sandbox Server", save the file, and restart the server. If you rent a server, use the provider’s configuration panel when it manages server.cfg; otherwise, your manual edit may be replaced. After restarting, refresh the in-game server list because cached listings can continue to show the old name temporarily.
The setting that controls the displayed name
The in-game server name is controlled by hostname, a Garry’s Mod console variable (convar). The persistent setting belongs in the server’s configuration file:
hostname "Your Server Name"The quotation marks are part of the syntax. Keep the complete name between one pair of straight double quotes, including spaces. For example:
hostname "East Coast Build & Chill"This is different from a label shown by a hosting company’s control panel. A panel may have a “Server Name” field that identifies the service inside that panel, while the public Garry’s Mod browser obtains its name from hostname. Change the setting that controls the audience you care about, and then verify the other one.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose the correct method for your server
| Server arrangement | Where to change the name | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted server | Edit garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg directly. |
Restart the server and check the in-game browser. |
| Dedicated server you administer | Edit the same server.cfg used by that installation. |
Confirm the process starts with the intended Garry’s Mod installation and then restart it. |
| Rented server with a control panel | Use the panel’s name or settings control if it owns the relevant configuration lines. | Check whether the panel writes hostname into server.cfg; confirm the public browser name after a restart. |
| Panel with custom-command support | Put a manually managed hostname command in the panel’s Custom Commands area when the panel overwrites the top of server.cfg. |
Save panel settings, restart, and inspect the resulting configuration or browser listing. |
Panel interfaces vary and their labels can change. The reliable test is the name visible in Garry’s Mod’s server browser, not only the label displayed by the host’s dashboard.
Before editing: a short safety and access check
- Make sure you can stop and restart the server. A configuration change normally takes effect when the server starts.
- Identify the actual Garry’s Mod installation that the running server uses. Editing a second copy will not change the live server.
- Have file access through the host’s file manager, FTP/SFTP, or the local filesystem, depending on how the server is operated.
- If a control panel supplies a Settings page, determine whether it regenerates
server.cfg. Do not assume a hand-edited file is authoritative. - Prepare the exact name you want, including capitalization, spacing, punctuation, and any region or game-mode description.
Stopping the server before editing is the safest sequence because it prevents a running process or panel save operation from competing with your changes.
Change the name in a self-hosted or dedicated installation
1. Stop the server
Use the normal shutdown command or service control for your installation. Wait until the server process has fully stopped before opening the configuration file. If you edit while a management panel is also saving settings, your change can be lost.
2. Open the configuration folder
Open the garrysmod/cfg/ directory inside the Garry’s Mod installation and locate server.cfg. On Windows, the folder is displayed with backslashes as garrysmodcfg. The filename must be server.cfg, not a similarly named client or backup file.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Add or edit the hostname line
Find an existing line beginning with hostname and replace only its value. If there is no such line, add one on its own line. Keep the value in straight double quotes:
hostname "My Community Server"A name without spaces can still use quotes, and a name with spaces should use them. Do not put explanatory text on the same line unless your configuration format already supports it; the safest form is one command followed by the quoted value.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For a name such as “Troubleshooting Night,” the finished line is:
hostname "Troubleshooting Night"4. Save the file without changing its name
Save the edited file as plain server.cfg in the same garrysmod/cfg/ directory. Check that your editor did not create a second extension such as server.cfg.txt. If your file manager hides extensions, enable them temporarily so you can confirm the complete filename.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
5. Start or restart the server
Start the server again using the same launch method you normally use. The server reads startup convars from its configuration during launch, so a restart is the dependable way to apply the new hostname.
6. Confirm the public result
Open the Garry’s Mod server browser and search for the server. The listing should use the new hostname. If the old value remains, refresh the list and allow for listing cache before changing the file again.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Change the name through a hosting control panel
A rented server can have two separate naming systems: the provider’s internal service label and Garry’s Mod’s public hostname. The exact controls depend on the panel.
When the panel has a Server Name field
Some panels expose a field under a path such as System > Server Details. In at least one panel design, that field changes only the label in the provider’s own Game Control Panel. The in-game browser continues to read hostname from server.cfg. After saving the field, inspect the generated configuration or the public browser rather than assuming both names changed.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When the panel owns the top of server.cfg
Some panels manage commands at the top of server.cfg. A reported example includes hostname and sv_password; saving the panel’s Settings page can overwrite manual edits to those lines. In that situation:
- Open the panel’s main Settings page and look for its server-name control.
- Enter the desired name there if the panel provides a dedicated hostname field.
- If the panel documents a Custom Commands section for user-managed commands, place
hostname "Your Server Name"there instead of editing the protected block. - Save the panel configuration and restart the server from the panel.
- Check the resulting
server.cfg, if the panel allows access, and then verify the in-game listing.
Do not put a hand-edited command in a section that the panel regenerates. If the name reverts after every panel save, the panel—not Garry’s Mod—is overwriting your change, so move the setting to the panel’s supported field or custom-command area.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why the old name can remain visible after a restart
A successful restart does not guarantee that every browser immediately displays the new text. Server browsers can cache listings, and a previously collected result may linger for a while.
- Refresh or reopen the Garry’s Mod server browser.
- Search by the server address or another distinctive detail rather than relying on an old result.
- Wait briefly and query the list again before editing the file a second time.
- As an optional console action, one hosting guide recommends entering
heartbeatin the server console to refresh the listed name. Treat this as a refresh aid, not a replacement for savingserver.cfgand restarting.
The durable fix is still a correct hostname value loaded by the running server. A browser refresh cannot repair a wrong file, a wrong installation, or a panel overwrite.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Diagnose a name that will not change
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The browser shows the old name immediately after editing. | The server was not restarted, or the browser is showing a cached listing. | Confirm the process stopped and started, refresh the browser, and wait for a fresh listing. |
| The file contains the new line, but the live server uses another name. | The edited file belongs to a different Garry’s Mod installation than the running process. | Locate the installation used by the server’s launch configuration and edit that copy of garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg. |
| The name changes once, then reverts after saving panel settings. | The panel regenerates managed lines in server.cfg. |
Use the panel’s own hostname field or its Custom Commands section, according to the panel’s design. |
| The panel dashboard has the new label, but players see the old name. | The dashboard label is separate from Garry’s Mod’s hostname. |
Set the hostname value used by the game server and restart it. |
| The configuration appears correct but the listing is stale. | Server-browser caching or delayed listing refresh. | Refresh the list, wait, and optionally issue heartbeat in the server console. |
| The server fails to use the intended text. | The line was malformed, the quotes were altered, or the wrong file was saved. | Reduce the entry to the known-good form hostname "Your Server Name", save it as server.cfg, and restart. |
Configuration details that prevent common mistakes
Use the exact convar name
The setting is hostname, all lowercase. A panel label, a computer’s host name, and a workshop collection title are different settings. Only the Garry’s Mod server convar determines the public server name described here.
Keep quotation marks and spaces intact
Use straight double quotes around the complete value. This allows names containing spaces to remain one value. Avoid replacing them with typographic “curly” quotes copied from a word processor.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Do not confuse a temporary console change with a persistent change
Typing a convar command in the server console can affect the running session, but the persistent startup setting belongs in server.cfg or in the panel mechanism that generates it. If you want the name to survive the next restart, make sure the command is stored in the persistent configuration path.
Keep one authoritative value
If several management layers can write the hostname, decide which one is authoritative. A file edit followed by a panel save may be replaced; a panel field may update only the dashboard label; and a temporary console command may disappear at restart. Use one supported location, then verify the final file and browser result.
A repeatable workflow for future name changes
- Decide whether the public browser name or only the hosting dashboard label needs to change.
- Stop the server before editing a local or directly managed configuration.
- Open the active installation’s
garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg, or open the panel setting that owns that file. - Set
hostname "Your Server Name"with the desired text inside straight double quotes. - Save the file or panel settings and ensure the change was not written to a temporary or duplicate file.
- Restart the server.
- Refresh the Garry’s Mod server browser and allow for cached listings to expire.
- If the old name persists, check the active installation and panel overwrite behavior before editing again.
This workflow separates the three problems most often mistaken for one another: an incorrect configuration value, a panel that rewrites the value, and a browser that has not refreshed its listing.
What the name change does—and does not do
Changing hostname changes the text presented as the server’s name. It does not by itself change the server address, port, password, map, game mode, player limit, or any other server setting. Those options have their own convars and panel controls. Keeping the hostname edit limited to its single line reduces the chance of unintentionally changing unrelated settings.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe name is read as a startup configuration value for a dedicated server. That is why saving the file alone is insufficient for a running process, and why a panel’s save-and-restart workflow can be necessary even when the resulting file looks correct.
Quick Recap
Final verification checklist
- File: The active installation contains
garrysmod/cfg/server.cfg. - Syntax: The line is
hostname "Your Server Name", with the complete value in straight double quotes. - Authority: A hosting panel is not silently replacing the line, or the name was entered in the panel’s supported field.
- Restart: The server process was fully stopped and started after the change.
- Visibility: The in-game browser was refreshed and given time to discard its cached listing.
- Persistence: The new name remains after another normal restart.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
