The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac
On Windows, you change your username through Settings in about two minutes. On Mac, you do it through System Settings, also in a few minutes. Both let you keep your files and programs exactly where they are — the username is just the name that appears when you log in and in file folders. The steps are different enough that you need to follow the path for your operating system, not guess.
Before you start, know that Windows has two types of accounts: local accounts (stored only on your computer) and Microsoft accounts (linked to your Microsoft email). Mac has only one type. The process differs slightly depending on which you have, but both are straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, and change the account name in the "Your info" section — this takes about two minutes and does not affect your files.
- Mac users open System Settings, click General, then Users & Groups, unlock the settings with your password, and change the name by right-clicking the account.
- Your files stay in place and your programs keep working because the username change is cosmetic — it only affects what you see on the login screen and in folders.
- If you have a Microsoft account on Windows, you may see two names: the account name and the display name; changing the display name is usually what you want.
- After you change your username on either system, you may need to restart your computer for the change to show everywhere.
Changing your username on Windows 10 or Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click Accounts in the left sidebar. You should see a section called "Your info" at the top of the page, showing your current account name and picture.
If you have a local account, click the button that says "Rename your account" and type the new name you want. Windows will ask you to confirm. Click "Next," then "Finish," and you are done — restart your computer to see the change everywhere.
If you have a Microsoft account (one linked to an email address), you will see two names: your account name and your display name. The display name is what shows on your login screen and in most places around Windows. Click "Manage your Microsoft account" and sign in to your Microsoft account online. From there, click "Your info," then "Edit name," and change the display name. This change takes effect when ready on your computer.
Changing your username on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click General in the sidebar, then click Users & Groups. You may see a lock icon at the bottom of the window — click it and enter your password to unlock the settings.
Right-click your account name in the list on the left and select "Advanced Options." You will see a field labeled "Full Name" — this is what shows on your login screen and in Finder. Change it to what you want and click "OK." The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to restart your computer to see it in all places.
If you do not see an "Advanced Options" menu, your Mac version may be newer. Instead, click your account name once to select it, then look for an edit button or pencil icon near the top of the window. The process is the same — you are changing the display name, not the underlying account.
What happens to your files and programs
Your files do not move and your programs do not stop working. The username is just a label — it is what appears on the login screen, in the top-right corner of your screen, and in the path to your Documents and Downloads folders. Changing it does not touch the actual files or settings stored on your computer.
If you have shortcuts or bookmarks that reference your old username in the file path, they may break. This is rare, but if it happens, you can recreate them by navigating to the folder again and making a new shortcut. Most programs and files work without any change at all.
Why you might see the change take time to appear everywhere
Sometimes your new username shows up on the login screen right away but takes longer to appear in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), or in the corner of your screen. This is normal. Restarting your computer forces all the places that display your username to refresh at the same time.
If you restart and still see your old username in some places, check whether you changed the right name. On Windows with a Microsoft account, the display name and the account name are different — changing the display name is usually what you want, but if you changed the account name instead, you may need to go back and change the display name too.
If you cannot find the settings or they are locked
On Windows, if you do not see "Accounts" in Settings, make sure you are in the main Settings app and not Control Panel (an older program that looks similar). Type "Settings" into the Windows search box to open the right one.
On Mac, if the Users & Groups section is locked and you cannot unlock it with your password, you may not have permission to change account settings. This usually means you are logged into a guest account or a parental-controlled account. Ask the person who set up the computer to unlock it for you, or log into the main administrator account and make the change from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username log me out?
No. You stay logged in the whole time. The change takes effect when ready on Windows and Mac, and you do not need to log out and back in. You may want to restart your computer to make sure the new name shows everywhere, but logging out is not required.
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. If you change it and then realize you made a typo, just go back and fix it.
Does changing my username affect my password?
No. Your password stays the same. You log in with your password, not your username, so changing the name you see on screen does not change what you type to get into your computer.
What if I have multiple accounts on my computer?
Each account has its own username. You can only change the username of the account you are currently logged into. To change another account's username, log into that account first, then follow the same steps. On Mac, an administrator can change any account's name from the Users & Groups settings.
Will my email or Microsoft account name change?
No. On Windows, if you have a Microsoft account, changing your display name does not change your email address or your Microsoft account. Your email stays the same and you still log in with it. The display name is just what shows on your computer.