The fastest way: Settings on Windows 10

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

Type your new username in the box that appears. Windows will accept letters, numbers, spaces, and some symbols, though it rejects characters like asterisks and question marks. Click Next, then Finish. You do not need to restart your computer — the change takes effect when ready.

This method works only if you are signed in with a Microsoft account, which most Windows 10 users have. If you see no Rename your account button, you are using a local account instead, and you will need the second method below.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest route for most people: go to Accounts, click Your info, then select Rename your account.
  • If you have a local account instead of a Microsoft account, you must use the Control Panel method or create a new local account.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or installed programs — they stay exactly where they are.
  • The change takes effect when ready and does not require a restart, though you may need to sign out and back in to see it everywhere.

For local accounts: Control Panel method

If the Settings method did not show a rename button, you have a local account. Press the Windows key and type "control panel", then open the app. Click User Accounts, then click User Accounts

You will see a list of accounts on your computer. Find your account name and click Change your account name on the left side. Type your new username in the box, then click Rename. Close the window — the change is done.

Local accounts are less common on new Windows 10 machines, but they exist on computers that were set up offline or upgraded from older Windows versions. If you are unsure which type you have, the Settings method will tell you: if the rename button is missing, you have a local account.

What changes and what stays the same

Your username is the name that appears on the sign-in screen and in the top-right corner of Windows. Changing it does not touch your files, folders, passwords, or installed programs. Everything stays in the same place and works exactly as before.

One thing to know: your user folder (the one that holds your Documents, Downloads, and Desktop) keeps its old name. If your old username was "JohnSmith" and you change it to "John", your folder will still be called "C:\Users\JohnSmith". This is normal and does not cause problems. Windows knows where to find your files regardless of what your display name is.

If you are on a work or school network, your IT department may have locked your username so you cannot change it yourself. If the rename button is grayed out or missing even on a Microsoft account, contact your IT support — they may need to make the change for you.

Signing out and back in to see the change everywhere

In most cases, your new username appears right away in Settings and the Start menu. However, some programs and windows may still show the old name until you sign out and back in. This is especially true for Microsoft Office, Outlook, and other Microsoft apps.

To sign out, click your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen and select Sign out. Wait a few seconds, then sign back in with your password. After you do, all your programs will recognize the new username.

You do not need to restart your computer to make this happen, though restarting will also force everything to update. Signing out and back in is faster and achieves the same result.

Changing your Microsoft account display name instead

If you want to change the name that appears in Microsoft services like Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox, you may actually need to change your display name rather than your Windows username. These are two separate things.

Your display name is what shows up in emails and on your Microsoft account profile. Your Windows username is what appears on your computer's sign-in screen. You can change your display name by going to account.microsoft.com in a web browser, signing in, and clicking Your info. Look for the option to edit your name. This change does not affect your Windows username at all — they are independent.

If you changed your Windows username but your email still shows the old name, this is why. You would need to change your display name separately on the Microsoft website.

If you cannot remember your password after changing your username

Changing your username does not change your password. You sign in with the same password you always have. If you forget it, you can reset it on the sign-in screen by clicking I forgot my password and following the recovery steps.

For a Microsoft account, you will need access to the email address or phone number attached to your account. For a local account, you will need to answer security questions you set up when you created the account. If you cannot answer those questions and do not have recovery information, you may not be able to get back in without help from Microsoft support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, folders, programs, and settings all stay exactly where they are. The username is just a label — changing it does not move or delete anything. You will find everything in the same place after the change.

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

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. You can change your username as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you can do it.

What if the rename button is grayed out or missing?

This usually means your account is managed by your workplace or school, and your IT department has locked it. Contact them to request a username change. On a personal computer, it means you have a local account, so use the Control Panel method instead.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my username?

No. The change takes effect when ready. However, some programs may not show the new name until you sign out and back in, which is faster than restarting.

Will my email address or Microsoft account change?

No. Your Windows username and your Microsoft account email are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You still sign in with the same email and password.