The steps differ between Windows and Mac, and you need administrator access either way
Changing your username is straightforward on both operating systems, but the path is different depending on which one you use. On Windows, you go through Settings. On Mac, you use System Preferences. Either way, you must be logged in as an administrator — the account type that can make system-wide changes. If you are not sure whether your account is an administrator, try opening Settings or System Preferences. If you can get in, you likely have the access you need.
The process takes about five minutes once you know where to look. Your files stay where they are, your programs keep working, and you do not lose anything. The main thing to know beforehand: if other people use this computer, changing your username only changes your account — theirs stay the same.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 11 or 10, open Settings, go to Accounts, then Your Info, and click "Rename your account" to change your username.
- On Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions), go to Users & Groups, unlock the padlock, right-click your account, and select "Advanced Options" to change the short name.
- You must be logged in as an administrator to change any username on your computer.
- Changing your username does not affect your files, programs, or other user accounts on the same computer.
- On Mac, changing the short name (the technical username) is different from changing the display name, and you may need to do both.
How to change your username on Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. On the left side, click "Accounts." Then click "Your info" at the top of the list.
You will see your current account name displayed. Below it, click the button that says "Rename your account." Type the new name you want, then click "Next" and "Finish." Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect. Do that, and you are done.
The new username will show up on the Windows login screen, in the Start menu, and anywhere else Windows displays your account name. Your files and folders stay in their original locations.
How to change your username on Windows 10
Open Settings by clicking the Start button, then the gear icon. Click "Accounts," then "Your info" on the left side.
Click "Manage my Microsoft account" (or "Rename your account" if that option appears directly). If you are taken to a web page, sign in if prompted, then look for an option to change your name or account name. If you see "Rename your account" in Settings instead, click it, type the new name, and click "Next" then "Finish."
Sign out and sign back in. The change takes effect when ready after you log back in.
How to change your username on Mac
Open System Preferences (on older Macs) or System Settings (on newer ones). Look for "Users & Groups" or just "Users." Click the padlock icon at the bottom left and enter your administrator password to unlock it.
Right-click or Control-click your account in the list on the left, then select "Advanced Options." You will see two name fields: "Full Name" and "Account name." The Full Name is what shows up in menus and on the login screen. The Account name is the technical username your computer uses behind the scenes. Change whichever one you want, then click "OK."
On newer Macs, the process is similar but the menu locations may differ slightly. If you do not see "Users & Groups," search for it using Spotlight (Command + Space, then type the name). You may need to sign out and sign back in for the change to show up everywhere.
What happens to your files and folders after you change your username
Your files do not move or disappear. On Windows, your user folder (usually C:\Users\YourName) keeps the old name, even though your account name changes. You can still access everything inside it the same way you did before. On Mac, the home folder path may or may not change depending on which name you changed and which version of macOS you use.
Programs that were installed for your account continue to work. Your email, browser bookmarks, documents, and settings all stay in place. The only thing that changes is the label — what you and other people see when they look at the account name.
If you are not an administrator and cannot change your username
Administrator accounts can change their own usernames. Standard accounts cannot. If you try to open Settings or System Preferences and the options are grayed out or locked, you do not have administrator access.
Ask whoever set up the computer to log in and change the username for you, or to promote your account to administrator status so you can do it yourself. On a work computer, contact your IT department. On a personal computer you own but cannot access, you may need to reset your account through your Microsoft account (Windows) or your Apple ID (Mac).
Changing your username does not change your password
Your password stays the same. You log in with the same password you always have, even after you change your username. If you want to change your password at the same time, you can do that separately in the same Settings or System Preferences window, but it is not required.
If you forget your password after changing your username, the recovery process is the same as it was before — you use your Microsoft account or Apple ID to reset it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my email address?
No. Your email address is separate from your computer username. Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your email address, you do that in your email provider's settings, not in your computer settings.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes. Follow the same steps and type your old username. There is no limit to how many times you can change it. You do not need to do anything special to "undo" a change.
What if I share this computer with other people?
Changing your username only affects your account. Other people's accounts, usernames, and files are not touched. Each person can have their own username, and changing yours does not change anyone else's.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my username?
Windows usually asks you to sign out and sign back in. Mac may or may not require a restart depending on the version. Signing out and back in is usually enough. If something does not look right after you change your username, a full restart often fixes it.
Can I change my username to something with spaces or special characters?
Windows allows spaces and most special characters in the display name. Mac's account name field is more restrictive — it typically only allows letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, the system will tell you and ask you to choose a different one.