The fastest way to change your username
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then click Your info at the top. You will see your current username under "Who's using this PC right now?" — click the Rename your account button, type your new username, and click Next. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in; do that, and your username is changed.
This method works for local accounts (usernames stored on your computer) and takes about two minutes. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in instead of a local password, the process is slightly different — see the section below on Microsoft accounts.
The username you see on the sign-in screen and in File Explorer will update when ready after you restart. Any shortcuts, file paths, or programs that reference your old username may still work, but some older software occasionally has trouble with the change.
Key Takeaways
- Local account usernames change through Settings > Accounts > Your info > Rename your account, and take effect after you sign out and back in.
- Microsoft account usernames cannot be changed in Windows itself — you must change them through your Microsoft account online at account.microsoft.com.
- Changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or installed programs, though some older software may need to be restarted.
- The folder name in C:\Users\ does not change when you rename your account, so file paths remain the same.
Changing a Microsoft account username
If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (the email address you use to log in), you cannot change your username directly in Windows. Instead, you must go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser, sign in with your Microsoft account, and look for the option to change your account name or profile information.
The exact steps depend on Microsoft's current interface, but the option is usually under Your info or Account settings. The change takes a few minutes to sync to your Windows computer — you may need to sign out and back in to see it reflected on your sign-in screen.
Your Microsoft account email address (the one you use to sign in) is separate from your display name. You can change the display name without changing your email, and changing your email requires additional verification steps through the Microsoft website.
What happens to your files and folders
Your user folder — the one at C:\Users\YourUsername — keeps its original name even after you change your username. This is intentional: Windows leaves the folder name alone so that file paths and program settings do not break. You will see your new username on the sign-in screen and in Settings, but the folder will still say the old name.
If you need the folder name to match your new username, you can rename it manually, but this is rarely necessary and can cause problems if programs are running. Most people leave it as is. Your files, documents, and desktop remain exactly where they are and work the same way.
Troubleshooting a username change that did not work
If you clicked Rename your account but the button is grayed out or does not respond, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Ask the person who set up the computer to change the username for you, or check that you are signed in as an administrator by going to Settings > Accounts > Your info and looking for "Administrator" under your username.
If the new username appears in Settings but not on the sign-in screen, restart your computer. Windows sometimes takes a few minutes to update the sign-in screen after a rename. If it still does not appear after a restart, sign out completely (do not just lock the screen) and sign back in.
If you see an error message saying the username is already in use or contains invalid characters, try a different name. Windows does not allow usernames with certain symbols like asterisks, question marks, or forward slashes. Spaces are allowed, but Windows will sometimes convert them to periods or underscores in file paths.
When to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account
A local account is stored only on your computer and does not sync with Microsoft's servers. A Microsoft account is tied to your email and syncs your settings, photos, and preferences across devices. If you want to change your username frequently or keep your account completely separate from Microsoft, a local account is simpler.
You can switch from a Microsoft account to a local account (or vice versa) in Settings > Accounts > Your info by clicking Sign in with a local account instead or Connect to a Microsoft account. This does not affect your files or programs — it only changes how you sign in and whether your settings sync online.
Changing your username for security or privacy reasons
If you changed your username because you want a more private name or because you are concerned about what information is visible to others on your network, know that your username is visible to anyone who can see your computer on a local network. Changing the username does not hide you from network administrators or from people with physical access to your computer.
If privacy is your main concern, focus on what you share in your user folder and what you post online, rather than on the username itself. Your Windows username is separate from your Microsoft account email and your online profiles — changing one does not change the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my passwords or login?
No. Your password stays the same, and you will sign in exactly as before. Only the name that appears on the sign-in screen and in Windows changes. If you use a Microsoft account, your email address (which is your login) does not change unless you change it separately on the Microsoft website.
Can I change my username back to the old one?
Yes. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Rename your account and type your old username. Windows will treat it as a new rename and ask you to sign out and back in. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your account.
Do I need to restart Windows after changing my username?
You need to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect on the sign-in screen and in File Explorer. A full restart is not required, but restarting is the fastest way to make sure all programs see the new username.
What if I forgot my password and cannot sign in to change my username?
You cannot change your username without signing in first. If you have forgotten your password, use the password reset option on the sign-in screen. If you use a Microsoft account, click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps. If you use a local account, you will need to use a password reset disk or contact your system administrator.
Can I have two usernames on the same computer?
Yes. You can create multiple user accounts in Settings > Accounts > Other people > Add account. Each account has its own username, files, and settings. You can switch between them by clicking your username in the Start menu and selecting a different account.