The quickest way: Settings app
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Go to Accounts on the left side, then select 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 changes when ready.
This method works for any account type and takes about two minutes. The new name appears on the sign-in screen, in File Explorer, and anywhere else Windows displays your account name. You don't need to restart your computer, though Windows may ask you to.
Key Takeaways
- The Settings app method (Accounts > Your info > Rename your account) is the fastest and works for all account types.
- Local accounts and Microsoft accounts both change the same way through Settings, though the name appears in different places.
- If Settings won't open or you can't access your account, use Control Panel (netplwiz command) or Local Users and Groups as a backup.
- Changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or installed programs — they stay exactly where they are.
Using Control Panel if Settings doesn't work
Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog. Type netplwiz and press Enter. A window called "User Accounts" opens. Find your account in the list, click it once to select it, then click the Rename button at the bottom. Type the new name and click OK. Sign out and back in for the change to take effect.
This method bypasses the Settings app entirely, so use it if Settings is frozen, won't load, or you're troubleshooting a corrupted account. The result is identical — your username changes everywhere Windows displays it.
Local Users and Groups for advanced users
Press Windows key and R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter. This opens Local Users and Groups. In the left panel, click Users. Right-click your account name in the list and select Rename. Type the new name and press Enter. Sign out and back in.
This method gives you the most control and shows you every account on your computer. It's useful if you have multiple accounts and need to rename a specific one, or if you're managing accounts on someone else's computer. Home editions of Windows 10 don't have Local Users and Groups — use Settings or Control Panel instead.
What happens to your files and programs
Your files stay in the same place. The folder that holds your documents, downloads, and desktop is tied to your account, not your username. If you open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users, you'll see a folder with your old username still there — Windows keeps it that way to avoid breaking file paths and program shortcuts.
Your installed programs, passwords, and email accounts don't change. Windows stores these things in your account profile, which is separate from your display name. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it changes what you see on the sign-in screen and in account settings, but nothing underneath moves or breaks.
Changing a Microsoft account name versus a local account
If you sign in with a Microsoft account (your email address), the Settings method still works, but the change only affects what Windows calls you locally. Your actual Microsoft account email stays the same — you can't change that through Windows 10. The name you see on the sign-in screen and in Settings will change, but your email address for signing in remains unchanged.
If you use a local account (a username and password stored only on your computer), the change affects everything — your sign-in name, your display name, and your account folder all use the new name. Local accounts are simpler to rename because there's no cloud account tied to them.
If you're locked out of your account
If you can't sign in or can't access Settings, you have limited options. If you have another admin account on the computer, sign in with that account, open Settings, go to Accounts > Other people, find the locked account, and click it. You should see a Rename option. If that doesn't appear, use the netplwiz command from another admin account instead.
If you're the only account on the computer and you're locked out, you'll need to use Windows recovery tools or create a new admin account from the sign-in screen. This is rare, but it's why keeping a second admin account or a recovery disk is useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username break my email or Microsoft account?
No. Your email address and Microsoft account stay the same. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in, changing your Windows username only changes what Windows displays locally — your sign-in email address doesn't change. Your email, OneDrive, and Microsoft services work exactly as before.
Can I change my username to something with spaces or special characters?
Windows allows spaces in usernames, but some special characters (like asterisks, question marks, and slashes) are blocked. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and underscores. If you try a forbidden character, Windows will tell you and won't let you proceed.
Do I need to restart Windows after changing my username?
No restart is required, but you do need to sign out and back in. Windows applies the change when you log back in. Some programs may need to be restarted to see the new name, but your computer itself doesn't need to restart.
What if the rename button is grayed out or missing?
This usually means you don't have admin rights on that account. Sign in with an admin account, open Settings or Control Panel, and rename the other account from there. If you're already in an admin account and the button is still grayed out, try the netplwiz method instead.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes, anytime. Use the same method you used to change it the first time. There's no limit to how many times you can rename your account, and Windows doesn't keep a history of old names.