The fastest way to change your username on Windows 8

Open the Settings charm by pressing Windows key + I, then select Change PC settings at the bottom. Go to Users, select your account, and click Change your name. Type the new name you want and click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Finish and you're done. The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to sign out and back in to see it everywhere.

This method works whether you're using a local account (one stored only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (linked to your email). The steps are the same either way. If you're not sure which type you have, Settings will show you — it displays your account type right under your name.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings charm (Windows key + I) is the quickest route to change your username on Windows 8.
  • Your new username appears in the Start screen, sign-in screen, and file explorer after you restart or sign out.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or any programs you have installed.
  • If you cannot find the Change PC settings option, you may be using a guest account, which cannot be renamed.

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

Your files stay exactly where they are. Windows stores your personal files in a folder named after your username (usually C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents), but changing the name in Settings does not move or rename that folder. You can still open all your documents, photos, and downloads the same way you did before.

Programs you have installed continue to work without any changes. Your passwords, browser history, email accounts, and settings all remain the same. The only visible difference is the name that appears on the Start screen, the sign-in screen, and in the top-right corner of the Settings menu.

Using Control Panel if Settings does not work

If the Settings charm is not responding or you prefer the older interface, you can change your username through Control Panel. Press Windows key + R, type control userpasswords2, and press Enter. Select your account from the list, click Properties, and change the name in the Full name field. Click OK and then explore.

This method works the same way as Settings — it changes only the display name, not your account itself. Some older programs may still show your old username in their menus until you restart them, but this is rare on Windows 8.

Changing the username for a different account on your computer

If you need to change someone else's username and you are the administrator, open Settings and go to Users. You will see a list of all accounts on the computer. Click the account you want to change, then click Change your name (or Change the name if it is not your own account). Type the new name and click Finish.

The person who uses that account does not need to be signed in for you to change the name. However, if they are currently signed in, they will see the change take effect the next time they sign out and back in.

Why you might not see the Change your name option

If you are using a guest account, the Change your name button will not appear. Guest accounts are temporary and cannot be renamed. If you need a permanent account with a different name, you will need to create a new standard or administrator account instead.

If you are signed in with a Microsoft account and the option is grayed out, your account may be managed by your workplace or school. Contact your IT department or network administrator — they control which settings you can change. You can still change your display name in your Microsoft account online, but that change may not show up on your computer if your organization has locked that setting.

The difference between changing your display name and your account name

When you change your username in Settings on Windows 8, you are changing your display name — the name that shows on the Start screen and sign-in screen. Your actual account name (the folder name in C:\Users\) stays the same behind the scenes. This is usually fine and causes no problems.

If you need to change the actual account folder name itself, that requires a different process involving creating a new account, transferring files, and deleting the old one. Most people never need to do this. Changing the display name in Settings handles what you see every day.

What to do if you forget your new username

Your username appears on the Windows 8 sign-in screen, so you can always see it there. It also shows in the top-right corner of the Start screen when you are signed in. If you need to find it in Settings again, press Windows key + I, go to Users, and your current account name is listed at the top.

If you are locked out of your account and cannot remember the password, that is a separate issue from the username. You will need to use a password reset disk, a Microsoft account recovery option, or contact your administrator if this is a work computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my password?

No. Your password stays the same. You sign in with the same password you used before, even though your display name has changed. If you want to change your password at the same time, you can do that in Settings under Users by clicking Change your password.

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

Yes. Go back to Settings, select Users, click Change your name, and type your old username. Windows does not prevent you from changing it as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you can make this change.

Will other people on my network see my new username?

If your computer is on a home network, other computers can see your username when you share files or printers. If you change your username, they will see the new name the next time they browse the network. On a work network, your IT department controls how your name appears to others.

What if I change my username and then cannot sign in?

This is very rare, but if it happens, restart your computer and try signing in again. If you still cannot sign in, restart in Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart, then select Troubleshoot and Advanced options) and try again. If the problem continues, you may need to use a password reset disk or contact your administrator.