The quickest 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'll see your current username displayed. Click the Rename your account button, type your new username, click Next, then Finish. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in — do that, and your username is changed.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and takes about two minutes. The new username appears everywhere Windows shows your account name: the Start menu, login screen, File Explorer, and any shared folders on your network.

If you don't see a Rename your account button, your account is a Microsoft account rather than a local account. The process is slightly different — scroll down on that same Your info page and look for Manage your Microsoft account, then sign in to your Microsoft account online to change the display name there.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the fastest way to rename your account: go to Accounts, then Your info, then click Rename your account.
  • A Microsoft account (connected to Outlook or Hotmail) changes through your online Microsoft account, not through Settings.
  • A local account (not connected to Microsoft) changes directly in Windows Settings with no online step required.
  • After you rename your account, Windows signs you out automatically — sign back in and the new name takes effect everywhere.
  • Your old username folder on the hard drive keeps its original name; Windows just displays the new name in menus and on the login screen.

Telling the difference between a Microsoft account and a local account

Before you start, it helps to know which type of account you have, because the rename process is not quite the same. A Microsoft account is connected to an email address (usually Outlook, Hotmail, or Gmail) and syncs your settings across devices. A local account lives only on your computer and is not tied to an email.

Open Settings and go to Accounts, then Your info. Look at the top of the page where your account picture is. If it shows an email address under your name, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows only a username with no email, you have a local account. This one detail tells you which rename path to follow.

Renaming a local account through Settings

If you have a local account, the rename button is right there in Settings. Press the Windows key, type "Settings", and open the Settings app. Click Accounts on the left, then Your info at the top. You'll see your account name and picture. Below that, click Rename your account.

A dialog box opens with your current username highlighted. Delete it, type your new username, and click Next. Windows shows you a confirmation screen — click Finish. The system signs you out automatically. When you sign back in with your password, your new username is active everywhere.

The old folder that holds your files (usually C:\Users\[oldname]) keeps its original name on the hard drive. Windows just displays your new name in the Start menu, login screen, and File Explorer. This is normal and does not cause any problems.

Renaming a Microsoft account

If you have a Microsoft account, you change the display name through your online Microsoft account, not through Windows Settings. In Settings, go to Accounts, then Your info, and scroll down. Click Manage your Microsoft account — this opens your Microsoft account page in a web browser.

Sign in if prompted. On the Microsoft account page, click Your info in the left menu. Look for your name at the top and click Edit name. Type your new first and last name, then click Save. The change takes effect within a few minutes. Go back to your Windows computer and sign out, then sign back in — your new name now appears on the login screen and throughout Windows.

Changing your Microsoft account name does not change your email address or password. Your email stays the same, and you still sign in with the same credentials. Only the display name changes.

What changes and what stays the same

When you rename your account, Windows updates your name in several places: the Start menu, the login screen, the lock screen, File Explorer (in the sidebar), and any shared network folders. Your profile picture stays the same unless you change it separately.

Your password does not change — you still sign in with the same password you used before. Your files and folders stay where they are. Programs you have installed keep working. Shortcuts and favorites stay intact. The only thing that changes is the name Windows displays for your account.

If you are on a work network or domain, you may not see a rename option at all. Work computers are often managed by an IT department, and only they can change your username. If the rename button does not appear, contact your IT support team.

Troubleshooting: the rename button is missing

If you go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and do not see a Rename your account button, one of three things is happening. First, you might have a Microsoft account, in which case you need to rename it through your online Microsoft account instead (see the section above). Second, your account might be a work or school account managed by your organization — these cannot be renamed in Windows. Third, you might not have permission to change the account name.

To check your account type again: look at the top of the Your info page. If it shows an email address, it is a Microsoft account or work account. If it shows only a username, it is a local account, and the rename button should be there. If it is not, restart your computer and try again. If the button still does not appear after a restart, your account is likely managed by your workplace or school, and you will need to contact your IT department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my files or programs?

No. Your files stay in the same place, your programs keep working, and your password does not change. Only the name Windows displays changes. The folder on your hard drive keeps its original name, but Windows shows your new username everywhere else.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes. Follow the same steps and type your old username. You can rename your account as many times as you want. Each time you rename it, Windows signs you out and you sign back in with your password.

What if I forgot my password and cannot sign back in after renaming?

You can still reset your password on the login screen. Click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps. If you set up a recovery email or phone number, use that. If you cannot recover your account, you may need to contact Microsoft support or your IT department if it is a work computer.

Does renaming my account change my Microsoft email address?

No. Your email address stays the same. If you have a Microsoft account tied to Outlook or Hotmail, that email is separate from your display name. Only the name that appears in Windows and on your Microsoft profile changes.

Can I rename my account if I am the only user on the computer?

Yes. You do not need to be an administrator to rename your own account, though you do need to be signed in as that account. If you are the only user, you are already set up to make this change.