Changing your username on a Surface Pro

Your Surface Pro username is the name that appears on your lock screen and in Windows settings. You can change it through the Settings app without losing any files or programs. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to have administrator access to your device.

There are two ways to do this: you can change the display name (what shows on your lock screen) or change your actual account name (which affects file folders and some programs). Most people only need to change the display name, which is simpler and doesn't affect how your computer works.

Key Takeaways

  • The display name is what appears on your lock screen and is the easiest to change through Settings.
  • Changing your actual account name is more complex and requires using Control Panel or the Local Users and Groups tool.
  • You must be logged in as an administrator to make either change.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your files, programs, or how your Surface Pro works.

How to change your display name in Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app from the results. Once Settings opens, click on "Accounts" in the left menu, then select "Your info" at the top of the right panel.

You will see your current username displayed under your profile picture. Click the "Rename your account" button. Type your new name in the box that appears, then click "Next" and confirm the change. Your new display name will appear on your lock screen the next time you sign in.

Changing your actual account name through Control Panel

If you need to change the actual account name (the folder name that appears in C:\Users\), you will need to use Control Panel. Press the Windows key, type "Control Panel," and open it. Click on "User Accounts," then click "User Accounts" again in the window that opens.

Select "Manage another account" and choose the account you want to rename. Click "Change the account name" and type your new name. Click "Rename" to confirm. This change takes effect when ready, though some programs may need to be restarted to recognize the new name.

Note that changing your actual account name does not move or rename your existing user folder. Your files will still be in the old folder location (for example, C:\Users\OldName\). If you want to move everything to a folder with your new name, you will need to create a new account with the new name and transfer your files manually, which is more involved.

Using Local Users and Groups for more control

If you are using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition on your Surface Pro, you can also change your username through Local Users and Groups. Press the Windows key and R together, type "lusrmgr.msc," and press Enter.

In the window that opens, click on "Users" in the left panel. Right-click on the account you want to rename and select "Rename." Type your new username and press Enter. This method gives you the same result as Control Panel but is often faster if you need to manage multiple accounts.

What happens to your files and programs

Changing your display name does not affect your files, programs, or any settings on your Surface Pro. Everything will work exactly as it did before. Your email, Microsoft Store apps, and installed programs all continue to work without any changes.

If you change your actual account name through Control Panel or Local Users and Groups, your user folder keeps its old name. This means shortcuts and some programs may still reference the old folder path. In most cases this causes no problems, but if you see error messages about missing files after renaming, restarting your Surface Pro usually fixes them.

Changing username for Microsoft accounts versus local accounts

If you sign into your Surface Pro with a Microsoft account (using your email address), changing your username in Settings only changes your display name, not your Microsoft account email. Your Microsoft account itself stays the same across all your devices.

If you use a local account (a username and password created only on this device), the changes you make in Settings or Control Panel affect only that local account on this Surface Pro. If you have the same local account name on multiple computers, you will need to change it on each device separately.

Troubleshooting username changes that don't stick

If you change your username but it reverts back to the old name after restarting, make sure you are logged in as an administrator. Right-click on Settings or Control Panel and select "Run as administrator" if you are not sure. Some third-party programs can also interfere with account changes, so try restarting your Surface Pro in Safe Mode and making the change again.

If you see a message saying you do not have permission to rename the account, you are not logged in as an administrator. Ask whoever set up your Surface Pro to give you administrator rights, or log in with an account that already has them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username sign me out of my programs?

No. Changing your display name keeps you signed in to everything. If you change your actual account name, you may need to restart some programs, but you will not be signed out of your email or Microsoft accounts.

Can I change my username if I forgot my password?

You need to be logged in to change your username. If you forgot your password, you will need to reset it first using another device or a password reset disk. Once you are logged back in, you can change your username.

What if I share my Surface Pro with other people?

Each person should have their own account with their own username. You can only change the username for the account you are currently logged into. Other people's accounts and usernames are not affected by your changes.

Does changing my username affect my OneDrive or cloud files?

No. Your OneDrive and cloud files are tied to your Microsoft account, not your device username. Changing your Surface Pro username does not affect anything stored in the cloud.