The Two Ways to Change Your Username on Windows 10

Windows 10 gives you two paths to change your username, and which one you use depends on whether you remember your password. The Settings app is the fastest route if you can log in. The Local Users and Groups window works if you are locked out or prefer a direct approach, though it only appears on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education — not Home edition.

Both methods change only the display name you see on the login screen and in the Start menu. They do not change your Microsoft account email or the hidden system folder that Windows created when you first set up the laptop. For most people, changing the display name is all you need.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method works on all Windows 10 editions and requires you to log in with your current password.
  • Local Users and Groups is faster but only works on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, installed programs, or Microsoft account sign-in.
  • If you forget your password before making the change, you will need to reset it through your Microsoft account or use a password reset disk.

Changing Your Username Through Settings (All Windows 10 Editions)

Open the Start menu and type Settings, then press Enter. The Settings window will open. Click Accounts in the left sidebar.

On the Accounts page, click Your info at the top of the left sidebar. You will see your current username displayed under your profile picture. Click the button labeled Rename your account.

A dialog box will appear with a text field containing your current username. Delete the old name and type the new one. Usernames can include letters, numbers, and spaces, but not symbols like @ or #. Click Next when you are done typing.

Windows will ask you to confirm the change by entering your password. Type your current password and click Finish. The change takes effect when ready, and you will see the new name on your next login or in the Start menu right away.

Changing Your Username Through Local Users and Groups (Pro and Enterprise Only)

This method is only available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. If you have Windows 10 Home, use the Settings method above instead.

Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog. Type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter. The Local Users and Groups window will open. Click the folder labeled Users in the left panel.

You will see a list of user accounts on your laptop. Right-click on your account name and select Rename from the menu. The name will become editable. Type your new username and press Enter. The change takes effect the next time you log in.

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

Your files stay exactly where they are. Windows keeps your Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and Pictures folders in the same location on your hard drive, even though the folder path still contains your old username. You will not see any difference when you open File Explorer.

All your installed programs continue to work without any action from you. Shortcuts on your desktop and Start menu remain intact. If you use OneDrive or another cloud storage service, it will keep syncing normally.

The only place you might notice a change is in file properties or system information windows, which may show the old username briefly until Windows finishes updating its internal records. This usually happens within a few minutes of your next login.

Changing Your Username if You Forgot Your Password

If you cannot log in because you forgot your password, you cannot use either method above. Instead, you will need to reset your password first through your Microsoft account website or using a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot the password.

Go to account.microsoft.com on another device and click Sign in. Click Can't access your account? and follow the steps to verify your identity. Microsoft will let you create a new password. Once you have reset your password, log back into your Dell laptop and use the Settings method to change your username.

If you do not have access to your Microsoft account email or phone number, you may need to contact Dell support or a local computer repair shop to regain access to your laptop.

Changing Your Microsoft Account Name vs. Your Windows Username

Your Windows username (the name on your login screen) is separate from your Microsoft account name (your email address). Changing your Windows username does not change your Microsoft account, and vice versa.

If you want to change the email address associated with your Microsoft account, you will do that on the Microsoft account website, not on your laptop. If you want to change only what appears on your login screen and Start menu, use the methods in this guide.

Some people use a Microsoft account to sign into Windows 10, while others use a local account. If you use a Microsoft account, your username change will not affect your email or your ability to sign in — Windows will still recognize you by your account credentials.

Troubleshooting: Your Username Did Not Change

If you clicked Finish or pressed Enter but your username did not change, the most common reason is that Windows did not save the change. Log out completely and log back in, then check the Start menu or Settings to see if the new name appears.

If the name still shows as the old one after you log back in, try the Local Users and Groups method if you have Windows 10 Pro. If you have Windows 10 Home and the Settings method did not work, restart your laptop and try again.

If you see an error message saying the username is already in use, choose a different name. Windows does not allow two accounts on the same laptop to have the same username, even if one is disabled or hidden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my Microsoft account or email?

No. Your Windows username and your Microsoft account are separate. Changing your display name on your laptop does not change your email address or your ability to sign into Microsoft services. You can change your Microsoft account name on the Microsoft website if you want to.

Can I change my username without knowing my password?

Not through Settings or Local Users and Groups. You will need to reset your password first through your Microsoft account website. If you cannot access your Microsoft account, contact Dell support or a local technician for help regaining access to your laptop.

What if I see "Local Users and Groups" is not available?

You are using Windows 10 Home edition, which does not include Local Users and Groups. Use the Settings method instead — it works on all Windows 10 editions and is just as fast.

Do I need to restart my laptop after changing my username?

No, but logging out and back in will show the change when ready. If you stay logged in, you may see the old name in some places until you restart or log out.

Can I change my username back to the old one?

Yes. Use the same method you used to change it the first time. There is no limit to how many times you can change your username.