The two ways to change your username in Windows 10

Windows 10 gives you two paths to change your local username. The first is through Settings, which works for most people and takes about five minutes. The second is through the Local Users and Groups tool, which gives you more control but requires you to be logged in as an administrator. Both change only the display name on your computer — they do not affect your password, your files, or your login process.

Your choice depends on what you see when you open Settings. If you see "Accounts" as an option in the main Settings menu, use the Settings method. If your computer is part of a workplace domain or you cannot find that option, use Local Users and Groups instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings method works on most home computers and takes you through Accounts > Your info > Rename your PC or account.
  • The Local Users and Groups method requires you to press Windows key + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and find your account in the list.
  • Changing your username does not change your password, delete your files, or affect how you log in.
  • After you change your username, Windows may ask you to restart — do this to make sure the change takes effect everywhere.
  • If you cannot find either method, your computer may be managed by your workplace, and you may need to contact your IT department.

Changing your username through Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. Click Accounts in the left sidebar. If you do not see Accounts, skip to the Local Users and Groups method below.

Click Your info at the top of the Accounts page. You will see your current username displayed under your profile picture. Click the button that says Rename your PC or account or Rename your account. A dialog box will open with your current username highlighted in a text field.

Delete the old name and type your new username. Windows usernames can contain letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces or these characters: / \ : * ? " < > |. Click Next, then Finish. Windows may ask you to restart your computer — if it does, save your work and restart.

Changing your username through Local Users and Groups

Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter. A window titled "Local Users and Groups" will open. If you see a message saying you do not have permission to access this tool, your computer is managed by your workplace and you will need to contact your IT department.

In the left sidebar, click Users. You will see a list of all user accounts on your computer. Find your account in the list, right-click it, and select Rename. The username will become editable. Delete the old name, type your new username, and press Enter.

Close the Local Users and Groups window. You do not need to restart when ready, but Windows will explore the change more reliably if you do. Press the Windows key, click the power icon, and select Restart.

What changes and what stays the same

Your username is the name that appears on the Windows login screen and in the top right corner of the Start menu. Changing it affects only that display name. Your password remains exactly the same — you still log in the same way you did before. Your files, documents, photos, and programs all stay where they are.

Windows stores your files in a folder with your old username in the path (usually C:\Users\OldUsername). This folder name does not change when you rename your account. If you need the folder name to match your new username, that requires a more complex process involving the Registry, and most people do not need to do this.

Troubleshooting if the change does not stick

If you change your username but it reverts to the old name after restart, your computer may be synced to a Microsoft account. Check Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you see "Manage your Microsoft account" or a Microsoft email address, your computer is using a Microsoft account, not a local account. Changing a Microsoft account username requires logging into your Microsoft account online, not through Windows Settings.

If you used the Local Users and Groups method and the change did not take effect, make sure you restarted your computer. If you still see the old username after restart, try the Settings method instead. If neither method works and you see an error message, your computer may be managed by your workplace domain, and you will need to contact your IT support team.

When you cannot change your username

If you are logged in as a standard user (not an administrator), the Settings method may not show a rename option. Log out and log back in as an administrator account, then follow the Settings steps above. If you do not have an administrator account, you will need to contact whoever set up your computer.

If your computer is part of a workplace network or domain, you may not be able to change your local username at all. In this case, contact your IT department — they may have a different process for changing your display name, or they may not allow local username changes for security reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my password?

No. Your password stays exactly the same. You log in with the same password you used before, and all your saved passwords in browsers and programs continue to work.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my username?

Windows will suggest a restart, and you should do it. The change takes effect when ready in most places, but restarting makes sure it applies everywhere — in File Explorer, in programs, and on the login screen.

What if I see my email address instead of a username?

Your computer is using a Microsoft account, not a local account. To change the name associated with a Microsoft account, you need to log into your Microsoft account online at account.microsoft.com, not through Windows Settings on your computer.

Can I change my username if I forgot my password?

No. You must be logged in to change your username. If you forgot your password, you will need to reset it first through the Windows login screen or through your Microsoft account online.

Will my files move to a folder with my new username?

No. Your files stay in the folder with your old username (C:\Users\OldUsername). Windows still finds them correctly even though your account name changed. Renaming the folder itself requires advanced steps and is not necessary for normal use.