If you need to learn how to change username on pc, you’ve come to the right place. Changing your username on a computer can refer to several different accounts, each with its own specific settings menu. This guide will walk you through every method, from your Microsoft account to local user profiles, ensuring you can update your identity on your PC correctly and safely.
We’ll cover Windows 10 and Windows 11 in detail, as the processes are very similar but have different navigation paths. You’ll also learn about the important distinction between your display name and your actual user folder name, which is a common point of confusion. Let’s get started with the simplest and most common method first.
How To Change Username On Pc
The most straightforward way to change the name that appears on your login screen and start menu is through your Microsoft account settings. This method changes your display name across all devices where you’re signed in with that Microsoft account. It’s quick and doesn’t require administrator privileges on the PC itself, as the change is made online.
Changing Your Microsoft Account Display Name
Follow these steps to update the name associated with your Microsoft account. This will change how your name appears on the Windows login screen, in the Start menu, and in some applications.
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. You can also press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- In the Settings window, click on “Accounts.”
- Select “Your info” from the left-hand sidebar.
- Under your profile picture, click on “Manage my Microsoft account.” This will open your default web browser.
- You may need to sign in again for security. Once signed in, click on “Your info” at the top of the page.
- Under your name, click the “Edit name” link.
- Enter your new first and/or last name in the provided fields.
- Click “Save.” The change may take a few moments to sync across to your PC.
You might need to sign out of Windows and then sign back in to see the updated name on your lock and login screens. Remember, this only changes the display name, not the underlying user folder name on your C: drive, which we will address later.
Changing A Local Account Name
If you use a local account (not linked to a Microsoft email), the process happens entirely within Windows Settings. A local account is specific to just that one computer.
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Go to “Accounts” and then select “Your info.”
- Click on the “Manage my account” button. In some versions, it may say “Local account” or similar.
- You will see an option labeled “Change account name.” Click on it.
- A dialog box will appear. Type your new username into the field.
- Click “Change Name” or “OK” to confirm.
The change is instant. Like the Microsoft account method, this updates your display name but does not rename your user folder. This is a important distinction for keeping your files organized.
Advanced User Account Changes
For more control, such as changing the actual user folder name or managing other accounts on the PC, you need to use different Windows tools. These methods often require administrator permissions, so ensure you are logged in as an administrator or have the admin password ready.
Using The Control Panel For User Accounts
The classic Control Panel still houses the full user account management tools. It’s especially useful for changing the names of other user accounts on your machine.
- Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel,” and open it.
- Set “View by” to “Category” in the top-right corner.
- Click on “User Accounts.”
- Click on “User Accounts” again on the next screen.
- Then, select “Manage another account.”
- You will see a list of all user accounts on the PC. Click on the account whose name you want to change.
- Choose the option “Change the account name.”
- Enter the new username and click “Change Name.”
This method is very reliable across all recent versions of Windows. It’s perfect if the Settings app isn’t cooperating or if you need to manage an account that isn’t currently signed in.
Changing The User Folder Name
This is a more advanced procedure. Your user folder (C:\Users\[OldName]) stores all your personal documents, desktop files, and app data. Windows does not offer a simple setting to rename this folder directly, as it can break file paths. Follow these steps carefully to do it.
Warning: Creating a new user account and moving files is often safer. But if you must rename the folder, here is the process.
- First, sign in to a different administrator account. If you don’t have one, you may need to enable the built-in Administrator account temporarily.
- Navigate to C:\Users and find the folder with your current username.
- Right-click on the folder and select “Rename.” Give it the new username you desire.
- Next, you need to update the registry to point Windows to the new folder location. Press Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
- Navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
- Under ProfileList, you will see several folders (SIDs). Click on each one and look at the “ProfileImagePath” value in the right pane until you find the one with your old user folder path.
- Double-click “ProfileImagePath” and change the path to the new folder name (e.g., C:\Users\NewName).
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Due to the complexity, it’s recommended to back up your data fully before attempting this. A mistake in the registry can cause system issues.
How To Change Username On Pc For Specific Windows Versions
While the core concepts are the same, the location of buttons and menus can shift between major Windows releases. Here are the version-specific notes.
Steps For Windows 11
Windows 11 has a centered Settings app design, but the steps are nearly identical to Windows 10 for account changes.
- For a Microsoft Account: Settings > Accounts > Your info > “Manage my Microsoft account.”
- For a Local Account: Settings > Accounts > Your info > “Manage my account” (it may appear under your profile picture).
- The Control Panel method works exactly the same in Windows 11.
The main difference is visual layout. The options are all still there, just sometimes under slightly different labels.
Steps For Windows 10
Windows 10 is where the Settings app method became standard. The instructions provided in the main sections above are primarily written for Windows 10, so they should work perfectly. The Control Panel path is also fully functional in Windows 10.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting
Sometimes, changing a username doesn’t go as planned. Here are solutions to frequent problems users encounter.
The “Change Name” Option Is Grayed Out
If you cannot click the button to change the name, it’s usually a permissions issue.
- Ensure you are logged into an administrator account. You cannot change another account’s name from a standard user account.
- If you’re trying to change a Microsoft account name, make sure you have an active internet connection so Windows can verify the change with Microsoft’s servers.
- Some corporate or school-managed PCs have group policies that lock account names. You may need to contact your IT department.
The Old Name Still Appears In Some Places
This is normal if you only changed the display name. Your user folder path and some legacy applications may still show the old name. To have a completely consistent name, you would need to create a brand new user account with the desired name from the start and migrate your files over, which is the cleanest but most time-consuming method.
Creating A New User Account With The Desired Name
When other methods seem too complex or risky, creating a new account is a great solution. This gives you a fresh start with the correct name everywhere.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users (or “Other users” in Windows 11).
- Click “Add account” or “Add someone else to this PC.”
- Follow the prompts to create either a Microsoft or local account with your new preferred username.
- After creation, go back and change its type to “Administrator” if needed.
- Sign into the new account. You can then copy your files from the old user folder (C:\Users\OldName) to the new one (C:\Users\NewName).
- Once everything is transferred, you can delete the old user account via Settings or Control Panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Changing My Username Delete My Files?
No, changing just your display name through Settings or your Microsoft account will not delete any files. However, the advanced process of manually renaming your user folder carries a risk of data loss if not done correctly, which is why a backup is essential.
What Is The Difference Between A Username And A User Folder Name?
Your username (or display name) is what appears on the login screen and Start menu. Your user folder name is the actual name of the folder on your hard drive where your documents, pictures, and desktop are stored. They start out the same, but can become different if you only change the display name.
Can I Change My Email Address For My Microsoft Account On My Pc?
Yes, but not directly from the PC settings. You change the email alias for your Microsoft account through the Microsoft account website. This changes how you sign in, but you can keep the same display name if you wish. The process is separate from changing the username itself.
Why Can’t I Find The User Accounts Option In Control Panel?
If you have “View by” set to “Large icons” or “Small icons,” the “User Accounts” icon will be directly visible. If you are in Category view, you need to click the “User Accounts” category first, and then click “User Accounts” again on the next screen. It’s a bit redundant, but that’s how it’s organized.
How Do I Change The Administrator Name On My Computer?
You change an administrator account name using the same methods described above. The key is that you must be signed into an administrator account to make the change. Use the Control Panel’s “Manage another account” feature to select the admin account and change its name, or use the Settings app if it’s your own account.