The fastest way to change your username
On Windows, you change your username through Settings, not the Control Panel. On Mac, you change it through System Settings. Both take about five minutes and do not require restarting your computer, though Windows may ask you to sign out and back in. The steps differ between the two systems, so find your operating system below and follow those instructions exactly.
One important thing to know before you start: changing your username does not change your password. You will still sign in with the same password you use now. Also, if you have files saved in your old username's folder (like Documents or Desktop), Windows and Mac will automatically update the path to your new username — you do not have to move anything yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, and change the account name in the "Your info" section without needing administrator permission.
- Mac users open System Settings, select Users & Groups, unlock the settings with their password, then right-click their account and select "Advanced Options" to change the short name.
- Your password stays the same when you change your username — you sign in exactly as before.
- Files in your Documents, Desktop, and Downloads folders automatically move to the new username folder; you do not need to copy them manually.
- If you share your computer with other people, only an administrator account can change usernames on that computer.
How to change your username on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click "Accounts" on the left side of the window.
Click "Your info" at the top of the Accounts menu. You will see your current username displayed with a picture next to it. Below your username, click the button that says "Rename your account". Type your new username in the box that appears, then click "Next". Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Finish" and you are done. You do not need to restart your computer.
If the "Rename your account" button is grayed out or does not appear, your account may not have administrator permissions. Ask whoever set up the computer to make the change, or contact your workplace IT department if this is a work computer.
How to change your username on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings". Scroll down the left sidebar and click "Users & Groups". You may see a lock icon at the bottom of the window — if you do, click it and enter your password so you can make changes.
Right-click your account name in the left sidebar (it will have a house icon next to it) and select "Advanced Options" from the menu that appears. You will see a field labeled "Short name" — this is what appears in your file paths and is what you need to change. Click in that field, delete the current text, type your new username, and click "OK". Your Mac may ask you to enter your password to confirm the change.
Unlike Windows, Mac does not have a separate "display name" field in this menu. The short name is your username. If you want to change how your name appears on the login screen, that is a different setting — contact Apple Support if you need that instead.
What happens to your files and folders after you change your username
Your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, and Pictures folders will still work exactly as before. Both Windows and Mac automatically update the folder path behind the scenes, so shortcuts and saved locations continue to point to the right place. You will not see any change when you open these folders.
Some programs that store settings in your user folder may need to be restarted to recognize the new username. This is rare, but if a program stops working after you change your username, close it completely and open it again. If it still does not work, restart your computer.
If you cannot remember your current username
On Windows, open Settings and go to Accounts > Your info. Your current username is displayed at the top of the page next to your profile picture. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "System Settings", then click "Users & Groups". Your username is listed in the left sidebar next to the house icon.
If you are locked out of your account entirely and cannot sign in, that is a different problem than changing your username. You will need to use your password reset options or contact your computer manufacturer's support line.
When you share your computer with other people
If multiple people use the same computer, only someone with an administrator account can change usernames. On Windows, administrator accounts are marked with a shield icon in Settings > Accounts. On Mac, administrator accounts are marked with "Admin" next to the account name in System Settings > Users & Groups.
If you are not an administrator and need your username changed, ask the administrator to make the change for you. They will follow the same steps listed above, but they will select your account name instead of their own.
Troubleshooting: Your username did not change
On Windows, if you clicked "Rename your account" but nothing happened, make sure you are in the "Your info" section of Accounts, not the "Family & other users" section. The "Your info" section is for your own account; "Family & other users" is for changing other people's accounts on the computer.
On Mac, if the "Advanced Options" menu does not appear when you right-click your account, the Users & Groups window may not be unlocked. Look for a lock icon at the bottom of the window, click it, and enter your password. Then try right-clicking your account again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username log me out of my programs?
No. Your password remains the same, and you stay signed in to your email, cloud storage, and other accounts. Programs that store settings in your user folder may need to be restarted to recognize the new username, but this is uncommon.
Can I change my username back to the old one?
Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. Windows and Mac do not limit how many times you can change your username.
Does changing my username affect my Microsoft account or Apple ID?
No. Your username is only your local computer name. Your Microsoft account (on Windows) or Apple ID (on Mac) stays the same and is not affected by changing your desktop username.
What if I share files with other people on my network?
If you share a folder with someone else on your home or work network, they may see the old username in the file path temporarily. Restart your computer and the path will update to show your new username. If they have a shortcut to your shared folder, they may need to update it.
Can I change my username without a password?
On Windows, you can change your username without entering a password. On Mac, you will need to enter your password when you click the lock icon to unlock Users & Groups settings. If you do not know your password, you cannot change your username without resetting it first.