The quickest way to change your username

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Accounts > Your info. Click the blue Rename your account button. Type your new username and click Next, then Finish. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in — do that, and your username is changed.

This method works if you are signed into an account with administrator rights and you want to change only the display name that appears on the sign-in screen and Start menu. It takes about two minutes and does not affect your files, programs, or passwords.

If you cannot find the Rename button, or if you need to change the actual account folder name (not just the display name), use one of the methods below instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method changes your display name in about two minutes and is the easiest route for most people.
  • Changing the account folder name requires the Local Users and Groups tool and a restart, and is only necessary if programs or file paths reference your old folder name.
  • You must have administrator rights to change a username through any method.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, installed programs, or saved passwords — they stay in your account.

When you need to change the account folder name instead

Windows stores your files in a folder named after your username — usually C:\Users\YourOldUsername. If you only change the display name through Settings, this folder keeps its old name. Most people never notice, but some older programs look for files in the folder path and may not find them after a display name change.

To change the actual folder name, you need the Local Users and Groups tool, which is not available in Windows 10 Home edition — only Pro, Enterprise, and Education. If you have Home edition and need to change the folder name, you will need to create a new administrator account, copy your files to it, and delete the old account.

Changing the folder name is more involved because Windows locks the folder while you are signed in. You have to sign into a different account, rename the folder, then edit the registry so Windows knows where to find your profile. Most people should stick with the Settings method unless a specific program is not working because of the folder name.

How to change the account folder name on Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise

First, create a temporary administrator account so you can rename your main account's folder while it is not in use. Press Windows key + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter. This opens Local Users and Groups. Right-click in the empty space under the user list and select New User. Give it a temporary name like "Temp Admin", create a password, check Password never expires, and click Create.

Right-click the new temporary account and select Properties. Go to the Member Of tab, click Add, type Administrators, click Check Names, then OK. Close Local Users and Groups and sign out of your main account.

Sign in with the temporary account. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users. Right-click your old username folder, select Rename, and type your new username. Press Enter. Windows may ask for permission — click Continue.

Now you need to tell Windows where your profile moved. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList. Look for a folder that ends with your old username (it will start with S-1-5-21). Right-click it, select Rename, and change the end of the path to your new username. Close the registry editor and restart your computer.

Sign back in with your main account using your new username. Check that your files are still there and your programs still work. If everything looks good, sign back into the temporary account and delete it: open Local Users and Groups again, right-click the temporary account, and select Delete.

What happens to your files and programs when you change your username

Your files stay exactly where they are. Windows stores them in your user folder, and changing your username does not move or delete them. When you sign in after the change, you will see all your documents, downloads, pictures, and desktop files just as they were.

Installed programs continue to work because Windows tracks them separately from your username. Your passwords, browser history, email accounts, and other settings saved in your profile also stay with your account — they do not get lost when you rename.

The only time you might run into trouble is if an older program has the old folder path hard-coded into it. This is rare, but if a program stops working after you change your username, reinstalling it usually fixes the problem.

Changing a username on a Microsoft account versus a local account

If you sign in with a Microsoft account (your email address), changing your username in Settings changes only the display name that appears on your computer. Your actual Microsoft account email stays the same, and you still sign in with that email and password.

If you sign in with a local account (a username and password stored only on your computer), changing the username in Settings changes what you type at the sign-in screen. You will use the new name and your old password to sign in from that point forward.

Either way, the Settings method is the simplest and works for both account types. The Local Users and Groups method only works with local accounts on Pro and Enterprise editions.

Troubleshooting: the Rename button is missing or grayed out

If you do not see the Rename your account button in Settings, you are probably signed into a Microsoft account rather than a local account. Microsoft accounts can be renamed, but the option is in a different place. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and look for Manage your Microsoft account. Click it, sign in if prompted, go to Your info, and look for an option to change your name or profile.

If the button is grayed out, you do not have administrator rights on this account. Ask whoever set up the computer to change the username for you, or sign in with an administrator account and follow the steps above.

If you are on Windows 10 Home and need to change the account folder name, the Local Users and Groups tool is not available. Your only option is to create a new administrator account, move your files to it, and delete the old account. This is more time-consuming, but it accomplishes the same goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username log me out of programs or websites?

No. Your passwords and sign-in information are stored in your Windows profile, not tied to your username. You will stay signed into email, social media, and other programs. If a program asks you to sign in again, just enter your credentials as usual.

Can I change my username back if I change my mind?

Yes. Follow the same steps in Settings or Local Users and Groups and type your old username. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your account.

What if I forget my password after changing my username?

Your password does not change when you rename your account. If you forget it, you can reset it by going to the sign-in screen, clicking I forgot my password, and following the recovery steps. This works the same way whether you use a local account or a Microsoft account.

Does changing my username affect my OneDrive or cloud storage?

No. OneDrive and other cloud services are tied to your Microsoft account email, not your Windows username. Changing your Windows username does not affect your cloud files or sync settings.

Can I change someone else's username on a shared computer?

Only if you have administrator rights. If you do, follow the Settings method and rename their account. They will see the new name the next time they sign in. If you do not have administrator rights, you cannot change another account's username.