Windows 10 and 11: Change Your Username Through Settings
The fastest way to change your username on Windows is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Your info on the left side. You'll see your current username displayed at the top. Click Rename your account and type the new name you want. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Next, then Finish. Your new username takes effect the next time you sign in.
This method works for local accounts (usernames stored on your computer) and Microsoft accounts (usernames tied to your Microsoft email). The process is the same either way, though a Microsoft account change may take a few minutes to sync across your devices.
If you don't see a Rename your account button, you may be using a child account or a work account managed by your employer. Child accounts can only be renamed by the administrator account on that computer. Work accounts usually cannot be renamed locally — you'll need to contact your IT department.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Rename your account to change your username in under a minute.
- On Mac, open System Settings > General > About, then click Edit next to the computer name to change what appears on your network and login screen.
- Changing your username does not affect your files, programs, or passwords — everything stays where it is.
- If you use a work or school account, you may not have permission to rename it yourself and should contact your IT support team.
- After you change your username, you may need to restart your computer for the change to appear everywhere, especially in file paths and network settings.
Mac: Change Your Computer Name in System Settings
On a Mac, the process is slightly different because macOS separates your computer's network name from your user account name. To change the name that appears on your network and in Finder, open System Settings, click General, then look for About. You'll see a field labeled Computer Name — click Edit next to it and type your new name. Click Done and the change takes effect when ready.
If you want to change your actual user account name (the folder name in Users and the name that appears on the login screen), the process is more involved. Go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups (or Accounts on older macOS versions). Click the lock icon to unlock the settings, select your account, right-click it, and choose Advanced Options. You can change the account name there, though macOS may ask you to restart.
Most people only need to change the computer name, not the user account name. The computer name is what shows up when you connect to Wi-Fi networks or share files with others. The user account name is mainly visible in technical settings and file paths.
What Happens to Your Files and Programs
Changing your username does not move, delete, or lock your files. Everything in your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, and other folders stays exactly where it is. Programs you've installed continue to work normally. Your passwords, browser history, email accounts, and saved Wi-Fi networks all remain unchanged.
On Windows, your user folder (usually C:\Users\YourName) keeps its original name even after you change your display username. This is by design — Windows separates the folder name from the display name to avoid breaking file paths and program shortcuts. You'll see your new username in Settings and on the login screen, but the folder behind the scenes stays the same.
On Mac, if you change only the computer name, nothing changes about your user account or files. If you change the actual user account name through Advanced Options, your home folder name may change, but again, your files move with it automatically.
When You Cannot Change Your Username Yourself
If you're using a work or school computer, your username is likely managed by your organization's IT department. Attempting to change it through Settings usually won't work — you'll either see no rename option or get an error message. In this case, contact your IT support team or help desk. They control your account and can change your username if your organization's policy allows it.
On Windows, if you're using a child account, only the administrator account on that computer can rename it. Switch to the admin account, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the child account, and click Manage. From there you can change the account name.
If you've forgotten your password and cannot sign in, you cannot change your username until you regain access to your account. You'll need to use password recovery tools or contact your system administrator.
Changing Your Username on Older Windows Versions
If you're using Windows 7 or Windows 8, the steps are different. Right-click This PC or My Computer on your desktop, select Manage, then go to Local Users and Groups > Users. Right-click your username and select Rename. Type your new name and press Enter. You'll need to restart your computer for the change to take full effect.
Alternatively, you can go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account, select your account, and click Change the account name. Both methods work — use whichever is easier for you to find.
Restarting After You Change Your Username
After you change your username on either Windows or Mac, restart your computer to make sure the change appears everywhere. Some programs, file managers, and system tools may still show your old username until you restart. This is especially true on Windows, where some background processes cache your username at startup.
You don't have to restart when ready — your new username takes effect on the next login. But if you notice your old username still appearing in certain places after you've logged back in, a restart will clear those up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my Microsoft or Apple account?
No. Your Microsoft or Apple account is separate from your computer username. Changing your computer username does not change your email address or account login. You'll still sign in with the same email and password you always have.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info on Windows or System Settings > General > About on Mac, and rename it again to whatever you want.
What if I see my old username in file paths or program settings after I change it?
Restart your computer. Some programs and system tools cache your username when they start up. A restart clears this cache and updates those displays. If the old username persists in a specific program after restart, that program may need to be reinstalled or updated.
Does changing my username affect my network or Wi-Fi connection?
On Windows, changing your display username does not affect your network or Wi-Fi. On Mac, if you change your computer name, it may affect how your Mac appears to other devices on your network, but your Wi-Fi connection itself stays active. You may need to reconnect to some shared network drives or printers if they were set up to recognize your old computer name.
Can I have different usernames on different computers?
Yes. Each computer has its own local username. If you sign in with a Microsoft account on Windows or an Apple ID on Mac, that account is the same across your devices, but the computer username can be different on each machine. Your files and settings may sync across devices depending on your account type, but the username displayed on each computer is independent.