Change Your Forza Username Through Your Microsoft Account

Your Forza username is tied to your Microsoft account, so you change it by updating your Microsoft profile — not through the Forza game itself. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with the email and password you use for Forza, and select Your Info from the left menu. Under your name at the top of the page, click Manage your Microsoft account name or Edit name, depending on which version of the account page loads.

You will see your current display name. Type the new name you want, then click Next. Microsoft will ask you to confirm the change by entering your password again. Once you do, the new name takes effect when ready in Forza and across all Microsoft services where your profile appears — Xbox Live, Minecraft, and any other games or apps linked to that account.

The name you enter must be between 3 and 20 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like hyphens or underscores. If the name you want is already taken by another player, Microsoft will tell you and ask you to choose something else.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Forza username comes from your Microsoft account, so you must change it at account.microsoft.com, not in the game.
  • The new name takes effect when ready across Forza and all other Microsoft services tied to your account.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 20 characters, letters and numbers only, with no spaces or special characters.
  • If your chosen name is already in use, Microsoft will reject it and ask you to pick a different one.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for another player to claim after a short waiting period. Your game progress, achievements, and car collection stay with your account and follow you to the new username — nothing is lost.

Other players who were friends with your old username will still see you on their friends list under your new name. Leaderboards and race results tied to your account will also update to show the new username, though the change may take a few minutes to appear across all servers.

Changing Your Username on Console vs. PC

The process is identical whether you play Forza on Xbox, PC, or both. Because your username lives in your Microsoft account, not on any single device, changing it once changes it everywhere. You do not need to update anything in the game itself or on your console or computer.

If you play on multiple devices with the same Microsoft account, you will see the new username the next time you launch Forza on each one. You may need to restart the game for the change to display, but you do not need to sign out and sign back in.

Restrictions and Naming Rules

Microsoft enforces a code of conduct for usernames across all its services. Your username cannot contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission. It also cannot impersonate a celebrity, public figure, or Microsoft employee. If your username violates these rules, Microsoft may force you to change it without warning.

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you have changed it recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. This limit applies across your entire Microsoft account, not just in Forza.

Troubleshooting: Name Change Not Showing in Forza

If you changed your Microsoft account name but Forza still shows your old username, restart the game completely. Close Forza entirely, wait 10 seconds, and open it again. The new name should appear in your profile and in the lobby.

If the old name persists after a restart, sign out of your Microsoft account on your device, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. This forces your device to refresh your account information. Then launch Forza again. If the problem continues, restart your console or computer entirely — this clears the cached version of your profile that Forza is displaying.

Changing Your Gamertag vs. Your Display Name

Microsoft accounts have two separate names: your display name (what shows in Forza) and your gamertag (your Xbox Live identifier). Most players only need to change the display name, which is what appears in lobbies and on leaderboards. The gamertag is a separate identifier used by Xbox services and is rarely visible in Forza itself.

If you want to change your gamertag instead, go to account.microsoft.com, select Your Info, and look for Manage your Xbox profile or Xbox settings. The process is similar, but the gamertag has different rules — it can be up to 15 characters and cannot be changed more than once every 30 days. For most Forza players, changing your display name is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Forza username without changing my Microsoft account name?

No. Forza pulls your username directly from your Microsoft account, so there is no separate Forza username setting. Changing one changes the other. If you want a different name only for Forza, you would need to create a separate Microsoft account and play Forza on that account instead.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in Forza?

The change is usually when ready, but it can take up to a few minutes to appear across all servers and in other players' lobbies. Restarting Forza speeds this up. If it has been more than 10 minutes, restart your console or PC.

What if someone else took the username I want?

You will need to choose a different name. Microsoft does not hold usernames for players or allow you to reserve one. If a name is taken, try variations — adding numbers, abbreviating, or using a similar word. You can also check if the name is available before you commit to the change.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only after the 30-day waiting period has passed since you changed away from it. Once that time is up, your old username becomes available again, and you can claim it by changing your name back. You will still be subject to the 30-day limit between changes.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically, and anyone who was friends with your old username will see your new one. They do not need to re-add you or do anything on their end.