The quickest way to change your username
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it from the results. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then click Your info at the top. You'll see your current username displayed under "Who's using this PC right now?" Click the blue Rename your account button, type your new username, click Next, then Finish. The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to sign out and back in to see it everywhere on your computer.
This method works if you're using a Microsoft account (the kind that syncs with Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox). If you're using a local account instead — one that only exists on this computer — the process is slightly different and is covered in the section below.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft accounts change their username through Settings > Accounts > Your info > Rename your account, and the change shows up when ready.
- Local accounts (not tied to an email address) require you to go through Settings > Accounts > Other people, right-click your account, and select Rename.
- Your username and your password are separate — changing your username does not change your password or sign you out.
- Files and folders you created before the change will still belong to you, though the folder path may show the old username until you restart.
Changing a local account username
If your account is not connected to a Microsoft email address, you have a local account. To rename it, open Settings and go to Accounts, then click Other people in the left menu. Find your account name in the list, right-click it, and select Rename. Type the new name and press Enter.
Local accounts are less common on new Windows 10 installations, but they're still used on computers that were set up offline or on shared family machines. If you're not sure which type you have, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you see an email address under your name, you have a Microsoft account. If you see only a username, you have a local account.
What happens to your files and folders
Your files do not move or disappear when you change your username. Windows keeps track of who owns each file using a hidden identifier, not the username itself. However, the folder path — the address bar that shows C:\Users\OldName\Documents — may still display your old username until you restart your computer.
Shortcuts and programs that were set to look for files in a specific user folder may temporarily break, but they usually repair themselves the next time you use them. If a program consistently can't find your files after a restart, you can manually update the shortcut by right-clicking it, selecting Properties, and correcting the path to use your new username.
Why you might see your old username in some places
Even after you change your username, some older programs or settings may still show the old name. This happens because some applications store the username in their own settings files when they're first installed, and they don't automatically update when you change it in Windows.
Windows itself updates most places within a few hours, but restarting your computer speeds this up. If you see the old username in File Explorer's sidebar or in a program's settings weeks after the change, you can usually update it by going into that program's preferences or by uninstalling and reinstalling the program.
Changing your Microsoft account display name instead
If you want to change only the name that appears on your lock screen and in the Start menu — without changing your actual Windows username — you can edit your Microsoft account display name online. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, click Your info, then click Edit name. This change syncs to your computer within a few hours and does not affect your username for file ownership or sign-in purposes.
This option is useful if you want to keep your technical username the same for compatibility reasons but show a different name to other people who use your computer. The display name is what appears in the Start menu and on the lock screen, while the username is what Windows uses internally.
Troubleshooting if the rename button doesn't appear
If you don't see a Rename your account button in Settings > Accounts > Your info, your computer may be managed by an organization or school. Managed accounts often have restrictions that prevent username changes. Contact your IT department or school's tech support to request a username change.
Another reason the button might not appear is if you're signed in with a child account under parental controls. Parent accounts can change a child's username through Settings > Accounts > Family & other people, by clicking the child's account and selecting Change account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my username?
No, but restarting speeds up the process of updating your username everywhere on the computer. If you don't restart, some programs or file paths may still show your old username for a few hours.
Will changing my username sign me out of my programs?
No. Your password stays the same, and you remain signed in to everything. Programs that use your Windows username internally may need to be restarted to recognize the change, but you won't be logged out.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes, you can change it as many times as you want using the same method. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Rename your account again.
What's the difference between username and password?
Your username is the name that identifies your account on this computer. Your password is the secret code you use to sign in. Changing your username does not change your password — you'll still sign in with the same password you've always used.
If I have multiple user accounts on this computer, do I change them all the same way?
Yes, but you can only rename the account you're currently signed into through Your info. To rename other accounts, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, find the account you want to change, and follow the rename steps for that account type.