How to change your username on Windows and Mac

Changing your computer username is straightforward on both Windows and Mac, though the steps differ between the two systems. On Windows, you go through Settings > Accounts > Your Info and click "Rename your PC". On Mac, you use System Settings > General > About and change the computer name there. Both take about two minutes and do not require restarting your computer, though some changes take effect the next time you log in.

The username you see on your login screen is separate from your computer's network name — the name other devices see when your computer connects to a network. This guide covers changing both, since most people want to change the computer name that appears in File Explorer or Finder, not the user account name itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change the computer name in Settings > Accounts > Your Info by clicking "Rename your PC" and typing the new name.
  • Mac users change the computer name in System Settings > General > About by clicking the edit button next to the computer name field.
  • The computer name (what appears in File Explorer or Finder) is different from your user account name, and changing one does not change the other.
  • You need administrator access to change your computer name on either system.
  • Some programs that reference your old computer name may need to be restarted or reconfigured after the change.

Changing your computer name on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Once Settings opens, select Accounts from the left menu, then click Your Info. On the right side of the screen, you will see your computer name listed under "PC name". Click the button labeled "Rename your PC".

A dialog box will appear asking you to enter the new name. Type the name you want — Windows allows up to 15 characters, and you can use letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #. After you type the new name, click Next, then Restart now or Restart later depending on whether you want to restart when ready. The change takes effect after you restart.

If you do not see the "Rename your PC" button, you may not have administrator access on your account. Ask whoever set up your computer to make the change, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.

Changing your computer name on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). In System Settings, click General in the left sidebar, then click About. You will see a field labeled "Computer Name" near the top of the window. Click the edit button (pencil icon) next to the computer name to make it editable.

Type the new name you want for your Mac. Mac allows longer names than Windows and accepts spaces and most special characters, though some characters like colons may cause problems with network sharing. After you type the new name, press Return or click outside the field to save the change. The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart.

If the edit button is grayed out or you cannot make changes, your account may not have administrator access. Check with whoever manages your Mac, or contact your IT support if this is a work computer.

What happens to files and programs after you change your username

Changing your computer name does not move, delete, or rename any of your files. Everything in your Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and other folders stays exactly where it is. Your user account name also stays the same — only the computer's network name changes.

Some programs that reference your computer name by its old name may need to be restarted to recognize the new name. This is rare, but if a program stops working or shows an error after you change your computer name, close the program completely and open it again. If you use network printers, shared drives, or remote desktop connections, those systems may need to be told about your new computer name — check with whoever manages those systems.

Changing your user account name instead of your computer name

If you want to change the name that appears on your login screen (your user account name) rather than your computer's network name, the process is different. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and look for "Rename your account" instead of "Rename your PC". On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups, select your account, and click the edit button next to your name.

Changing your user account name affects how your home folder appears in File Explorer or Finder and may affect some programs that reference your account name. The process is similar to changing your computer name, but the effects are more personal to your login — your files and settings stay with your account regardless of what name you give it.

Troubleshooting a failed username change

If you see an error message when trying to change your computer name, the most common cause is that you do not have administrator access. On Windows, you can check this by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and looking for "Administrator" under your account name. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups and check whether your account shows "Admin" next to your name.

If you do have administrator access and still cannot change your name, restart your computer and try again. On Windows, make sure no other user accounts are logged in at the same time — log out of any other accounts first. On Mac, make sure you are not in Safe Mode. If the problem continues, contact your IT support or the person who set up your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my computer name affect my passwords or login?

No. Your password and login information stay the same. Changing your computer name only changes what the computer is called on your network and in File Explorer or Finder — it does not touch your user account or security settings.

Can I change my computer name to anything I want?

Almost. Windows limits you to 15 characters and does not allow spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. Mac allows longer names and spaces, but some special characters like colons can cause problems with network sharing. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens if you are unsure.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the name?

Windows requires a restart for the change to take effect. Mac applies the change when ready without restarting. If you are on Windows and choose "Restart later", the new name will not appear until you restart.

What if I change my computer name and a program stops working?

Close the program completely and open it again. Most programs will recognize the new computer name after restarting. If a program continues to have problems, it may have been configured to reference your old computer name specifically — contact the program's support or your IT department for help reconfiguring it.

Can I change my computer name back to what it was before?

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time and type your old name. There is no limit to how many times you can change your computer name.