The fastest way to change your username
On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. Click the blue Rename your account button. Type the new name you want, click Next, then Finish. The change takes effect the next time you sign in. On a Mac, open System Settings > General > About, then click Edit next to the computer name at the top. Type the new name and press Return. The change is when ready.
This method changes only the display name that appears on your sign-in screen and in system menus. It does not change your user account folder, which stays named after your original username. If you need to change the actual account folder name as well — which most people do not — that requires a different process explained below.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users should go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Rename your account to change the display name in one step.
- Mac users can change the computer name in System Settings > General > About by clicking Edit next to the name at the top.
- Changing the display name does not rename your user folder on disk, so files stay in the original location.
- If you need to rename the actual user account folder, you must create a new account and transfer files, since Windows and Mac do not allow direct folder renaming.
- Close all open programs and sign out of cloud services before starting the process to avoid permission conflicts.
Why your username and display name are different things
Your computer has two separate names that often confuse people. The display name is what you see on the sign-in screen and in the top-right corner of your menu bar. The account folder name is the hidden system name that Windows or Mac uses to store your files, settings, and permissions. When you rename your account using the Settings method above, you change only the display name.
Your account folder stays named after your original username. This is why you might see "C:\Users\OldName" in Windows or "/Users/OldName" on a Mac even after you rename the display to something new. This separation exists because the operating system uses the folder name internally for permissions and file access. Changing the folder name after the account is created requires moving everything to a new account, which is why most people leave it alone.
Changing your Windows display name step by step
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts on the left side. Click Your info at the top. You will see your current account name displayed with a blue button underneath that says Rename your account. Click that button.
A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks. Click Next. Windows will show you a confirmation screen with the new name. Click Finish. You do not need to restart your computer, but the new name appears only after you sign out and sign back in.
If the Rename your account button is grayed out or missing, you are signed in with a Microsoft account rather than a local account. For Microsoft accounts, you must change the name through your Microsoft account settings online instead. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look for Your info or Edit profile to change the display name there.
Changing your Mac display name step by step
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar. At the top of the window, you will see About — click it. Near the top of the About panel, you will see your computer name with an Edit button next to it. Click Edit.
A text box will appear with your current computer name selected. Type the new name you want. You can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and periods, but avoid spaces and special characters because they can cause problems with network sharing. Press Return. The change takes effect when ready. Your Mac will update the name in System Preferences, on the network, and in Finder.
If you do not see an Edit button, you may not have administrator permissions on this account. Ask the person who set up the Mac to make the change, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.
When you need to rename the actual account folder
If you want the folder name on disk to match your new display name — so that "C:\Users\NewName" instead of "C:\Users\OldName" — you cannot rename the folder directly. Windows and Mac lock the folder while the account is in use. The only way to change it is to create a new account with the name you want, then move all your files and settings to it.
On Windows, create a new local account with the name you want. Sign in to that account. Open File Explorer and navigate to "C:\Users\OldName". Copy your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders to the same locations in "C:\Users\NewName". Then delete the old account from Settings > Accounts > Other people. On a Mac, create a new user account with the desired name in System Settings > General > Users & Groups, then copy your files from the old account's home folder to the new one.
This process takes time and carries a small risk of losing settings or permissions if something goes wrong. Most people find it simpler to just change the display name and leave the folder name as it is. The folder name is rarely visible in everyday use.
What happens to your files and programs after you rename
Renaming your display name does not affect your files, programs, or settings. Everything stays exactly where it is. Your Documents folder, Desktop, Downloads, and all installed programs continue to work normally. You do not need to reinstall anything or move files around.
If you are signed in to cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud, those continue to sync without interruption. Your email, browser bookmarks, and saved passwords remain accessible. The only thing that changes is what appears on your sign-in screen and in system menus.
Troubleshooting if the rename does not work
If you click Rename your account and nothing happens, or if the button is grayed out, you are likely signed in with a Microsoft account. Windows does not allow renaming Microsoft accounts from the local Settings menu. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account credentials, click Your info, and look for an option to edit your name or display name there.
On a Mac, if the Edit button does not appear next to your computer name, you do not have administrator permissions. You will need to ask an administrator to make the change. If you are the only user and still cannot edit it, restart your Mac and try again, or contact Apple Support.
If you renamed your account but the old name still appears in File Explorer or Finder, that is the account folder name, not the display name. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. The display name change was successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username log me out of everything?
No. Your passwords, email, cloud services, and programs all stay signed in. The change only affects what name appears on your sign-in screen and in menus. You do not need to sign back into anything.
Can I change my username back to the old one?
Yes. Follow the same steps and type your old name. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your display name.
What if I share my computer with other people?
Each person has their own account and can rename only their own display name. Changing your name does not affect anyone else's account or files. Other users will see the new name only when you are signed in.
Does renaming my account affect my Microsoft or Apple ID?
No. Your Microsoft account or Apple ID remains the same. The display name on your computer is separate from your online account name. You can change one without affecting the other.
What characters can I use in my new username?
On Windows, you can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks. On a Mac, avoid spaces and special characters in the computer name because they can cause network sharing problems. Stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and periods on Mac.