The Two Ways to Change Your Windows 8 Username

Windows 8 lets you change your username through two different paths, and which one you use depends on what kind of account you have. If you sign in with a Microsoft account (the kind that uses an email address), you change the name through the Microsoft website, not through Windows itself. If you use a local account (a username and password you created just for that computer), you change it directly in Windows.

The reason for this split is that Microsoft accounts are tied to your email and your OneDrive storage, so the name change has to happen on Microsoft's servers. Local accounts live only on your computer, so Windows handles the change right there. Both methods take about five minutes, but they happen in completely different places.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft accounts change their display name through account.microsoft.com, while local accounts change through Windows Settings.
  • You can check which type of account you have by opening Settings and looking at the account section — it will say either your email address or a local username.
  • Changing a local account username requires you to be signed in as an administrator on that computer.
  • The display name (what appears on the sign-in screen) and the folder name (the actual account folder on your hard drive) are different things for local accounts, and only the display name changes through Settings.

How to Change a Microsoft Account Display Name

If your account shows an email address when you sign in, you have a Microsoft account. The name that appears on your Windows sign-in screen is called your display name, and you change it on the Microsoft website, not in Windows.

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your email and password. Click on "Your info" in the left menu. You will see your display name near the top of the page — it might be your full name, a nickname, or whatever you entered when you created the account. Click "Edit name" next to it. Type the new name you want, then click "Save". The change takes effect the next time you sign in to Windows.

If you have multiple computers signed in with the same Microsoft account, the new name will appear on all of them once you sign out and back in. The change does not happen when ready on computers that are already signed in — you have to sign out and sign back in to see it.

How to Change a Local Account Username in Windows 8

Local accounts are usernames you created directly on your computer, not through Microsoft. To change one, you need to be signed in as an administrator — if you are not sure whether you are, try the steps below. If Windows stops you and says you do not have permission, you will need to ask whoever set up the computer to make the change for you.

Open the Charms bar by moving your mouse to the top right corner of the screen (or pressing Windows key + C). Click "Settings", then click "Change PC settings" at the bottom. Click "Users" in the left menu. You will see your account listed. Click on it, then click "Change your name". Type the new username you want, then click "Next" and then "Finish".

The name that appears on your sign-in screen will change when ready. However, the folder where Windows stores your files — usually something like C:\Users\OldUsername — keeps the old name. This is normal and does not cause problems. If you need the folder name to match your new username, that requires a more complex process that involves renaming the folder through File Explorer, and it is straightforward to break if you make a mistake.

What Happens to Your Files and Programs When You Change Your Username

When you change your username, Windows does not move or rename your files. Your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders stay exactly where they are, and all your programs continue to work. The change is purely cosmetic — it only affects what name appears on the sign-in screen and in the top right corner of Windows.

If you are using a Microsoft account, the change is even simpler because your files are not tied to the username at all. They are tied to your email address, which does not change. Local account files are stored in a folder with your old username, but Windows knows to look there even after you change the display name, so nothing breaks.

Checking Which Type of Account You Have

Before you start, confirm whether you have a Microsoft account or a local account, because the steps are different. Open the Charms bar by moving your mouse to the top right corner, click "Settings", then click "Change PC settings". Click "Users" in the left menu. Look at the account information displayed — if it shows an email address, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows just a username with no @ symbol, you have a local account.

You can also check by looking at the sign-in screen. If you see an email address where you type your password, that is a Microsoft account. If you see a username, that is a local account.

Troubleshooting: You Cannot Find the Change Name Option

If you open Settings and the "Change your name" button does not appear, you are probably not signed in as an administrator. Windows 8 only lets administrators change account names. Ask whoever set up the computer to sign in and make the change for you, or ask them to give your account administrator rights.

If you are trying to change a Microsoft account name and the "Edit name" button does not appear on account.microsoft.com, make sure you are signed in to the correct account. You can only change the name of the account you are currently signed in as. If you are signed in as a different account, sign out and sign back in with the account you want to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. For Microsoft accounts, go back to account.microsoft.com and edit the name again. For local accounts, go back to Settings and click "Change your name" again. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.

Will changing my username affect my password?

No. Your password stays the same. You sign in with the same password you used before, even though the username on the screen is different. If you want to change your password at the same time, you can, but it is a separate step.

What if I forgot which type of account I have?

Look at your sign-in screen. If you see an email address, it is a Microsoft account. If you see a regular username, it is a local account. You can also check by opening Settings, clicking "Users", and looking at what is displayed under your account name.

Does changing my username change my OneDrive or email?

No. If you have a Microsoft account, your email address and OneDrive stay the same. Only the display name changes — the name that appears on your sign-in screen and in Windows. Your email and cloud storage are not affected.

Can I change someone else's username on this computer?

Only if you are signed in as an administrator and you know the administrator password. If you are not an administrator, you cannot change any username except your own. Ask the person who set up the computer to make the change for you.