Windows 10 and 11: Change Your Username Through Settings

The fastest way to change your username on Windows is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Your info on the left side. You'll see your current username at the top. Click Rename your account and type the new name you want. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Next, then Finish. The change takes effect the next time you sign in.

This method works for local accounts (usernames stored only on your computer) and Microsoft accounts (usernames linked to your Microsoft email). If you're using a Microsoft account, the change syncs across devices where you're signed in. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't affect your files, programs, or passwords.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can change their username in Settings under Accounts > Your info > Rename your account, and the change takes effect at your next sign-in.
  • Mac users open System Settings, go to General > Users & Groups, unlock the settings with their password, right-click their account, and select Advanced Options to change the short name.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, installed programs, or saved passwords — only the name that appears when you sign in.
  • If you use a Microsoft account on Windows, your new username syncs to other devices where you're signed in with that account.
  • On both Windows and Mac, you may need to restart your computer or sign out and back in for the change to fully take effect.

Mac: Change Your Username in System Settings

On Mac, the process is slightly different. Open System Settings, click General on the left, then select Users & Groups. You may see a lock icon at the bottom — click it and enter your password to unlock the settings. Right-click your account name in the list on the left and choose Advanced Options. You'll see two fields: Full Name (the name that appears on login) and Account name (the short name used for folders and system files). Change the Full Name field to what you want, then click OK.

The Full Name is what shows on your login screen and in most places around your Mac. The Account name is harder to change and affects file paths — most people only need to change the Full Name. After you make the change, sign out completely and sign back in to see it take effect everywhere on your system.

What Happens to Your Files and Programs

Changing your username does not move, delete, or lock your files. Your Documents folder, Desktop, Downloads, and all other personal files stay exactly where they are and remain accessible. Programs you've installed continue to work without reinstalling. Passwords you've saved in browsers or apps are not affected.

On Windows, your user folder (the one that contains Documents, Desktop, and Downloads) keeps its old name on the hard drive — only the display name changes. This is by design and causes no problems. On Mac, the situation is the same: your home folder keeps its original short name, but the Full Name you see everywhere else updates when ready.

Changing Your Username If You Forgot Your Password

If you can't sign in because you've forgotten your password, you cannot change your username until you regain access to your account. On Windows, use the password reset option on the login screen — click I forgot my password and follow the recovery steps (you'll need access to your recovery email or phone number). On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + S to enter Single-User Mode, or use Recovery Mode (Command + R at startup) to reset your password through the Utilities menu.

Once you're back in your account, follow the steps above to change your username. If you're locked out and don't have recovery information set up, you may need to contact Microsoft Support (for Windows) or Apple Support (for Mac) to regain access.

Changing Your Username on a Work or School Computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, you likely cannot change your username yourself. Work and school computers are often connected to a domain (a network managed by IT staff), and usernames are controlled centrally. Attempting to change it through Settings may show an error or the change may not stick.

Contact your IT department or help desk to request a username change. They can tell you whether it's possible and what information they need from you. Some organizations allow it; others do not, depending on their security policies.

Troubleshooting: Your Username Change Didn't Take Effect

If you changed your username but it still shows the old name when you sign in, try signing out completely and signing back in. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign out, wait a few seconds, then sign back in. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select Log Out, and log back in. A full restart also works: shut down your computer completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

If the old name still appears after a restart, check that you clicked Finish or OK to save your changes. On Windows, go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info and confirm the new name is showing there. On Mac, return to System Settings > General > Users & Groups and verify the Full Name field has your new name. If it does but the login screen still shows the old name, restart once more — sometimes the system needs two restarts to update everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my email or Microsoft account?

No. Your email address and Microsoft account stay the same. On Windows, your Microsoft account email is separate from your username — changing the username only changes what appears on your login screen and in your user folder. Your email and account credentials remain unchanged.

Can I change my username back to the old one later?

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. Windows and Mac both allow you to change your username as many times as you want. There's no limit or waiting period between changes.

What if my new username has spaces or special characters?

Windows and Mac both accept spaces in the Full Name or display name. Special characters like @, #, or $ may cause problems on some systems. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens to avoid issues. If you try a character that isn't allowed, the system will show an error and let you try again.

Does changing my username affect my Wi-Fi or network passwords?

No. Network and Wi-Fi passwords are stored separately from your username and are not affected by the change. You'll stay connected to the same networks without having to sign in again.

Can I change the username for another person's account on my computer?

Only if you have administrator access to the computer. On Windows, you need to be signed into an admin account. On Mac, you need to unlock Users & Groups with an admin password. If you're not an admin, you cannot change another person's username — only your own.