The fastest way: Settings menu

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Go to Accounts on the left side, then click Your info at the top. You will see your current username displayed under your profile picture.

Click the Rename your account button. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete it, type your new username, and click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Finish, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to restart your computer.

This method works for local accounts (usernames stored only on your computer) and Microsoft accounts (usernames linked to your Microsoft email). The process is identical for both.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest route: open Settings, go to Accounts, click Your info, then Rename your account.
  • Your new username appears on the Windows login screen and in the Start menu when ready after you finish.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or installed programs — they stay exactly where they are.
  • If you cannot find the Rename button, your account may be managed by your workplace or school, and you will need to contact their IT department.

What happens to your files and programs

Your username change does not move, delete, or lock any of your files. Documents, photos, downloads, and desktop items all stay in the same folders. Programs you have installed continue to work without reinstalling. Your passwords for websites, email, and apps remain unchanged.

The folder where Windows stores your personal files (usually C:\Users\[your username]) keeps its old name on the hard drive. This is normal and does not cause problems. Windows knows where to find your files regardless of what name appears on your account.

When the Rename button does not appear

If you open Your info and see no Rename button, your account is likely managed by your employer, school, or organization. These accounts are called domain accounts, and changing the username requires permission from the IT department that manages your computer.

Contact your workplace IT support or school help desk and ask them to change your username. They have the tools to do this safely without affecting your access to shared files or network resources. Do not try to work around this restriction — it exists to protect both your account and your organization's network.

Changing the display name versus the username

Windows actually has two names for your account: the username (what appears on the login screen and in file paths) and the display name (what shows in the Start menu and Settings). The Rename button in Settings changes both at the same time, so you do not need to worry about the difference.

If you only want to change how your name appears in the Start menu without changing your login username, you can do that separately. Go to Settings, Accounts, Your info, and look for Manage your Microsoft account (for Microsoft accounts) or edit your profile picture area (for local accounts). However, most people find it simpler to change both together using the Rename button.

Using the Control Panel method (older approach)

Windows 10 also lets you change your username through the Control Panel, though the Settings method is faster. Open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key and typing "control panel", then press Enter. Click User Accounts, then User Accounts again in the window that opens.

Click Change your account name on the left side. Type your new username in the text box and click Rename. This produces the same result as the Settings method — both are equally safe, and you can use whichever feels more familiar to you.

Troubleshooting: username changes that do not stick

In rare cases, Windows may not save your new username on the first try. If you change your name but it reverts to the old one after restarting, check whether your account is synced with a Microsoft account. Go to Settings, Accounts, Your info, and look for a link that says Manage your Microsoft account. If you see it, your account is linked to Microsoft's servers, and the change may need to sync.

Wait 10 to 15 minutes and restart your computer. If the old name still appears, try the Control Panel method instead — sometimes one method succeeds when the other does not. If neither works, your account may be managed by your organization, and you will need to contact IT support.

What you cannot change with the username

Changing your Windows username does not change your Microsoft account email address (if you have one linked). It also does not change your password. If you need to change either of those, you will use different tools: the password change is in Settings under Accounts, Sign-in options, and the Microsoft email address is changed through your Microsoft account website, not through Windows.

Your username also does not affect your Windows product key or license. If your copy of Windows is genuine, it stays genuine after you change your name. The change is purely cosmetic — it affects how your account is labeled, not how Windows runs or what features you can use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username log me out?

No. You stay logged in the entire time. The change happens in the background, and you will see your new username the next time you look at the Start menu or lock your screen. You do not need to sign out or restart unless you want to verify the change took effect.

Can I change my username back to the old one?

Yes, anytime. Use the same Rename button in Settings and type your old username. Windows treats it as a new change, not a reversal, so the process is identical. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.

Does my password change when I change my username?

No. Your password stays the same. You will still use the same password to log in after the username change. If you want to change your password separately, go to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and click Change under Password.

What if I share my computer with other people?

Each person on the computer has their own account with their own username. Changing your username only affects your account — other users will not see the change, and their usernames stay the same. Each person changes their own username through their own account.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

Windows allows letters, numbers, and most punctuation in usernames, including spaces and hyphens. However, some characters like asterisks, question marks, and forward slashes are not allowed. If you try to use a forbidden character, Windows will tell you when ready and ask you to pick a different one.