The two ways to change your Windows 10 username

Windows 10 lets you change your username through Settings, which takes about five minutes and requires no restart. The method depends on whether you use a Microsoft account (the one you log in with online) or a local account (stored only on your computer).

If you use a Microsoft account, you change the username at Microsoft's website, not in Windows itself — the change syncs to your computer within a few minutes. If you use a local account, you change it directly in Windows Settings. Both are straightforward, but they happen in different places.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account users must change their username on the Microsoft account website, not in Windows Settings, and the change appears on the computer automatically.
  • Local account users can change their username directly in Windows Settings under Accounts, and the change takes effect when ready without restarting.
  • Your username is the name that appears on the Windows login screen and in the Start menu — it is separate from your password.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, installed programs, or any other settings on your computer.

How to change a Microsoft account username

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the email address and password you use to log into Windows. Click Your info in the left menu.

Under your name at the top of the page, click Manage your Microsoft account name. Enter the new name you want and click Next. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — you may receive a code by email or text message. Enter that code and click Next again.

The new name appears on your Windows 10 computer within a few minutes. You do not need to restart. The next time you look at the Start menu or lock screen, you will see the updated name.

How to change a local account username in Windows Settings

Press the Windows key and type Settings, then open the Settings app. Click Accounts in the left menu, then click Your info at the top.

Under your account name, click Rename your account. Type the new name you want and click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Finish. The change takes effect when ready without restarting your computer.

If you do not see a Rename your account button, you are using a Microsoft account, not a local account. In that case, follow the steps in the section above instead.

What happens to your files and programs when you change your username

Your files stay exactly where they are. Windows does not move or rename any of your documents, photos, downloads, or desktop items. Your installed programs continue to work without any changes.

The only visible change is the name that appears on the login screen, the Start menu, and in Settings. Behind the scenes, Windows keeps your user folder (the one that holds your files) under the old name for technical reasons — this is normal and does not cause any problems.

If you forgot which type of account you have

Open Settings and go to Accounts, then Your info. Look under your name. If it says "Local account" in smaller text, you have a local account. If it shows an email address, you have a Microsoft account.

You can also check by looking at the Windows login screen. If you see an email address where you type your password, you use a Microsoft account. If you see a username without an @ symbol, you use a local account.

Changing your password is separate from changing your username

Your username is the name that appears on screen. Your password is what you type to log in. You can change one without changing the other.

To change your password on a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com, click Security, then Change password. For a local account, go to Settings, click Accounts, then Sign-in options, and click Password under the "Change your password" section.

What to do if the rename button does not appear

If you cannot find the rename option in Settings, you may not have permission to change the account name. This sometimes happens if your computer is managed by a workplace or school.

Try restarting your computer and opening Settings again. If the button still does not appear, contact your IT department or the person who set up your computer — they may have locked this setting for security reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my Microsoft password?

No. Your password stays the same. If you change your Microsoft account username, you still log in with the same password you used before. You can change your password separately if you want to.

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

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. You can change your username as many times as you want.

Will other people on my computer see the username change?

Yes. If other people have accounts on the same computer, they will see your new username on the login screen and in Settings. The change is visible to anyone who uses that computer.

What if I use my computer at work and my company manages it?

Your company may have blocked username changes for security reasons. Contact your IT department before trying to change it. They can tell you whether the change is allowed and help you if you need it.