The fastest way: Settings > Accounts

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the app that appears. Go to Accounts on the left side, then click Your info at the top. You will see your current username under your profile picture. Click the blue Rename your account button.

Type your new username in the box that appears. Windows will accept letters, numbers, spaces, and some symbols — avoid special characters like @ or &. Click Next, then Finish. You do not need to restart, though some programs may not recognize the change until you do.

This method changes only the display name that appears on the sign-in screen and in Settings. It does not change the folder name in C:\Users\ — that stays the same. If you need the folder name changed as well, you will need the second method below.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings method (Accounts > Your info > Rename your account) changes what appears on your sign-in screen and is the simplest route for most people.
  • Changing the display name does not change your C:\Users\ folder name — the folder keeps its original name even after you rename your account.
  • If you need both the display name and the folder name changed, you must create a new administrator account, transfer your files, and delete the old account.
  • Renaming your account does not affect your Microsoft account, passwords, or files — only the name Windows shows for that local account.
  • Some programs may not show the new name until you restart your computer, though the change takes effect when ready in Settings.

When you also need to change the C:\Users\ folder name

The folder inside C:\Users\ cannot be renamed while you are logged into that account. The only way to change it is to create a second administrator account, move your files to the new account, then delete the old one. This is more involved than the Settings method and carries more risk of losing access to files, so only do this if you have a specific reason to change the folder name.

First, create a new administrator account. Open Settings, go to Accounts, click Family & other users, then Add someone else to this PC. Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account. Give it a temporary name like "Temp Admin" and a password you will remember. Click Next, then right-click the new account and choose Change account type. Set it to Administrator.

Log out of your current account and log into the new administrator account. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users\. Right-click your old username folder and choose Rename. Change it to your new desired name. You may see a message saying "You don't have permission" — if so, click Continue to grant yourself permission. Once the folder is renamed, log back into your original account (which now points to the renamed folder) and verify your files are still there.

After you confirm everything works, delete the temporary administrator account. Go back to Settings, Accounts, Family & other users, click the "Temp Admin" account, then Delete. Choose Delete account and data if you want to remove it completely.

What happens to your files and programs

Renaming your account through Settings does not move or delete any files. Your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, and all other folders stay exactly where they are. Programs that store settings in your user folder (like Chrome, Firefox, or Outlook) will continue to work normally — they look for your account by its internal ID, not by the display name you see.

If you change the C:\Users\ folder name using the second method, your programs may lose track of where your profile is. Before you rename the folder, close all open programs and make sure nothing is running in the background. After the rename, log back in and open each program you use regularly to make sure it still works. If a program cannot find your settings, you may need to reconfigure it or reinstall it.

Renaming a Microsoft account versus a local account

If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (one that ends in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or @live.com), the Settings method will change only the display name shown in Windows. Your actual Microsoft account email stays the same, and you still sign in using that email address. The display name is just what appears on your profile picture and in menus.

If you use a local account (one created on your computer with no Microsoft email), renaming it in Settings changes the name you see everywhere in Windows. You still sign in with the same password — the username is just the display name. If you later decide to link this local account to a Microsoft account, you can do so in Settings without losing anything.

Troubleshooting: "Rename your account" button is grayed out

If the Rename your account button does not respond, you may not have administrator rights on your computer. Ask whoever set up the computer to give you administrator status, or create a new administrator account and use that to make the change. You can also try restarting your computer and opening Settings again — sometimes the button becomes active after a restart.

If you are using a Microsoft account and the button is still grayed out, make sure you are connected to the internet. Microsoft accounts sometimes require an internet connection to change settings. Connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet, wait a few seconds, and try again.

What you cannot change this way

Renaming your account does not change your password. If you want a new password, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and look for Password. You can also change your security questions, PIN, or Windows Hello settings from that same page.

Renaming your account also does not change your Microsoft account itself. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in, your email address and all your Microsoft services (Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, etc.) stay the same. Only the display name shown in Windows changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my passwords or sign-in?

No. Your password stays the same, and you sign in the same way. If you use a Microsoft account, you still sign in with your email address. If you use a local account, you still use the same password. Only the display name changes.

Can I change my username back if I don't like the new one?

Yes. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Rename your account again. You can change it as many times as you want with no penalty.

What if I forget my new username?

You can see it anytime by opening Settings > Accounts > Your info. It also appears on your sign-in screen and in the top-right corner of the Start menu. You do not need to remember it to sign in — you sign in with your password, not your username.

Does renaming my account affect OneDrive or cloud backups?

No. OneDrive, cloud backups, and all Microsoft services continue to work normally. They are tied to your Microsoft account email, not to your Windows username.

Can I have two accounts with the same username?

No. Each account on your computer must have a unique username. If you try to create a new account with a name that already exists, Windows will reject it.