Where the dropdown username list lives

When you type your username on a Windows or Mac login screen, the system shows you a list of usernames you've logged in with before. This list appears in a dropdown menu below the username field. Windows and Mac store these names separately, and the way you remove one depends on which operating system you use.

The dropdown exists to save you typing time — but it also means anyone with physical access to your computer can see which usernames have logged in. Removing a username from the dropdown doesn't delete the account itself or any files. It only hides that username from the login screen list.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, you delete a username from the dropdown by editing the registry or using the Credential Manager, depending on your Windows version.
  • On Mac, you remove usernames from the login screen through System Settings, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Removing a username from the dropdown does not delete the account, files, or any data — it only hides the name from the login list.
  • If you forget which method you used, check your operating system version first, because the steps differ between Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS.

Removing a username on Windows 10 and 11

Windows stores recent usernames in the registry. To remove one, you need to open the Registry Editor. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes.

Navigate to this folder path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\UserTiles. You will see folders with long numbers — these are the user profiles on your computer. Look for the one matching the username you want to remove. Right-click that folder and select Delete. Restart your computer. The next time you reach the login screen, that username will no longer appear in the dropdown.

If you are not comfortable editing the registry, Windows 11 offers an easier route. Go to Settings, select Accounts, then Sign-in options. Scroll down to Privacy and toggle off "Show account details on the sign-in screen." This hides all usernames from the dropdown, not just one. You will need to type your full username when you log in.

Removing a username on Mac

Mac stores login screen usernames in System Settings. Open System Settings and click General in the left sidebar. Select Login Items, then look for Users. You should see a list of usernames that appear on your login screen.

Find the username you want to remove and click the minus button next to it. Mac will ask you to confirm. Click Remove. The username disappears from the login screen when ready — you do not need to restart. The next time you or anyone else reaches the login screen, that username will not appear in the list.

What happens after you remove a username

Removing a username from the dropdown does not affect the account itself. The user can still log in by typing their full username and password. Files, documents, and settings remain untouched. You are only hiding the name from the convenient list on the login screen.

If you removed a username by mistake, you can add it back the same way you removed it. On Windows, log in with that account once, and the username will reappear in the registry. On Mac, go back to Login Items and add the user again.

Why you might want to remove a username

The most common reason is privacy. If you share a computer with others, you may not want your username visible on the login screen. Removing it means someone would need to know your exact username to log in as you — they cannot straightforward click your name from a list.

Another reason is cleaning up old accounts. If a former employee, family member, or guest used the computer, their username may still appear in the dropdown even though they no longer use it. Removing it keeps the login screen tidy and reduces confusion about who actually uses the machine.

If you cannot find the username in the dropdown

Some usernames do not appear in the dropdown even though the account exists. This happens when an account has never successfully logged in, or when the system has hidden it for other reasons. If you cannot see the username you want to remove, it may already be hidden from the login screen.

To check whether an account exists on your computer, open Settings and go to Accounts (Windows) or System Settings and Users & Groups (Mac). If the account appears there but not in the login dropdown, it is already hidden from the list and you do not need to remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing a username from the dropdown delete the account?

No. Removing a username from the dropdown only hides it from the login screen list. The account, all its files, and all its settings remain on the computer. The user can still log in by typing their username and password manually.

Can I remove my own username from the dropdown?

Yes, but you will need to type your full username and password every time you log in instead of clicking your name. Make sure you remember your exact username before you remove it from the list.

Will removing a username affect anyone else's login?

No. Removing one username from the dropdown does not change how other users log in. Each person's login experience is separate.

What if I remove a username and then forget the password?

You can still reset the password through Windows or Mac password recovery tools. The username being hidden from the dropdown does not lock you out of the account — it only removes the convenience of clicking the name on the login screen.

Do I need to restart my computer after removing a username?

On Windows, yes — restart after editing the registry so the change takes effect. On Mac, no — the change happens when ready in System Settings.