The quickest way to change your username

On Windows, you change your username through Settings. 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 log out and back in. The steps differ between the two systems, so find your operating system below and follow those instructions in order.

Before you start, know that changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or programs. Everything stays where it is. The change is purely the name that appears when you log in and in your user folder.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users access username settings through Settings > Accounts > Your info, where you can change the display name without administrator permission.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups, unlock the settings with their password, then right-click their account to change the name.
  • Your files and programs remain unchanged when you alter your username — only the login name and folder name are affected.
  • Windows may ask you to log out after changing your username, but Mac typically does not require a restart.
  • If you cannot find the settings described, your account may lack the necessary permissions, and you may need to contact whoever set up the computer.

Changing your username on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click on "Accounts" in the left sidebar.

Click "Your info" at the top of the Accounts menu. You will see your current username displayed. Below it, 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 may see a message asking you to sign out; if so, click "Sign out now" and log back in with your new username.

If you do not see a "Rename your account" button, your account may not have the right permissions. Ask whoever manages the computer to make the change, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.

Changing your username on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings." In the sidebar, click "General," then click "Users & Groups" (you may need to scroll down to find it).

You will see a list of user accounts. Find your account in the list and click it once to select it. At the bottom of the window, click the lock icon and enter your password when prompted. Once unlocked, right-click your account name in the list and select "Rename" from the menu that appears. Type your new username and press Enter.

Mac will ask whether you want to update your home folder name to match. Click "Update" if you want the folder name to change as well, or "Don't Update" to keep the folder name the same. Either choice works — the folder name and the username can be different without causing problems.

What happens to your files after you change your username

Your documents, photos, downloads, and desktop files all stay exactly where they are. They do not move, and you can access them the same way you did before. Programs you have installed continue to work normally.

The only visible change is the name that appears in the top-right corner of your screen (on Mac) or on the Start menu (on Windows). Your user folder — the one that contains your Documents and Downloads — may or may not change its name depending on which system you use and which option you chose during the rename process. If the folder name does not match your new username, that is normal and does not cause any problems.

If you cannot find the username settings

On Windows, if Settings does not show an "Accounts" option, you may be using an older version of Windows. Try right-clicking "This PC" on your desktop, selecting "Manage," then clicking "Local Users and Groups" in the left sidebar. Find your account, right-click it, and select "Rename."

On Mac, if you do not see "Users & Groups" in System Settings, check whether the lock icon at the bottom of the window is locked. If it is, click it and enter your password. If you still cannot find the option, your account may not have administrator permissions, and you will need to contact whoever set up the computer.

Changing your username on a work or school computer

If the computer belongs to your workplace or school, you may not be able to change your username yourself. Many organizations lock this setting so that IT staff can manage usernames across all computers. Try the steps above first — if they do not work, contact your IT department or help desk and ask them to change it for you.

Have your new preferred username ready when you contact them. They will need to know what name you want and may ask for your employee or student ID. The process usually takes one to two business days once you submit the request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my passwords?

No. Your passwords for websites, email, and programs remain the same. The only password that might matter is the one you use to log into your computer itself, and that does not change when you rename your account.

Can I change my username back if I change my mind?

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time, and enter your old username (or any new one you prefer). There is no limit to how many times you can change it.

What if I see a message saying I do not have permission?

Your account does not have administrator rights on this computer. Contact whoever set up the computer — a parent, teacher, IT department, or manager — and ask them to change your username for you.

Does my username have to match my email address?

No. Your computer username and your email address are separate. You can change one without affecting the other. Many people use different names for each.

Will my files move to a new folder after I change my username?

On Windows, your files stay in the same folder even if the folder name does not change. On Mac, you can choose whether to update the folder name when you rename your account. Either way, your files remain accessible in the same location.