Two ways to change your Windows 11 username

Windows 11 gives you two paths to change your username: through Settings (the simpler route for most people) or through Local Users and Groups if you need more control. The Settings method takes about two minutes and works on any Windows 11 machine. Local Users and Groups is faster if you're managing multiple accounts or need to change a username that's tied to administrator privileges.

Your username is what appears on the sign-in screen and in the top-right corner of your taskbar. Changing it does not affect your files, passwords, or anything else on your computer — Windows keeps all your personal data linked to your account even after the name changes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings method is the standard way to change your username and works on all Windows 11 machines without extra steps.
  • Your files and settings stay exactly where they are after you change your username — Windows tracks your account by ID, not by name.
  • If you use a Microsoft account (one tied to Outlook, Hotmail, or another Microsoft service), you can only change your display name through Settings, not your actual account name.
  • Local Users and Groups is an alternative method that works only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, not Home.
  • You must be signed in as an administrator to change any username on your computer.

Changing your username through Settings

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button, then Settings. Go to Accounts on the left side, then select Your info at the top.

You will see your current username displayed under "Account settings." Click the Rename button next to it. Type your new username in the box that appears — Windows allows letters, numbers, and most symbols, but not characters like / \ : * ? " < > |. Click Next, then Finish. Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect.

After you sign back in, your new username will appear on the sign-in screen and in the taskbar. Any shortcuts, file paths, or programs that reference your old username will still work — Windows handles the connection behind the scenes.

What happens if you use a Microsoft account

If your Windows account is connected to a Microsoft email address (Outlook, Hotmail, Live, or another Microsoft service), the Settings method will only let you change your display name, not your actual account name. Your display name is what shows in the taskbar and on the sign-in screen, but your account name stays tied to your email address.

This is a security feature — your Microsoft account name is linked to your email and password across all Microsoft services. If you want to change the email address itself, you would do that through your Microsoft account settings online, not through Windows. To change only what appears on your computer, use the display name option in Settings, which takes effect when ready without signing out.

Using Local Users and Groups (Windows 11 Pro and above)

If you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can also change a username through Local Users and Groups. This method is faster if you need to change multiple accounts or if you're managing a work computer. Home edition does not include this tool.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter. Click Users in the left panel. Right-click the account you want to rename and select Rename. Type the new username and press Enter. The change takes effect when ready without signing out, though you may need to restart some programs for them to recognize the new name in file paths.

What does not change when you rename your account

Your files stay in the same place. Windows stores them in a folder that uses your username as part of the path (like C:\Users\YourName\Documents), but renaming your account does not move or hide them. You can still access everything exactly as before.

Your password does not change. You sign in with the same password you used before — only the name displayed changes. Your email address (if you use a Microsoft account) stays the same. Programs and shortcuts continue to work. Windows keeps track of your account by an internal ID number, not by the name you see, so software that was installed under your old username will run without problems.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed rename

If the rename button is grayed out in Settings, you are probably not signed in as an administrator. Sign out, sign back in with an administrator account, and try again. If you are the only account on the computer, you are already an administrator.

If you get an error message during the rename, close Settings completely and try again. If the error persists, restart your computer and attempt the rename once more. Errors during rename are rare on Windows 11, but a restart usually clears temporary issues. If you renamed your account through Local Users and Groups and programs are not recognizing the new name in file paths, restart those programs or restart Windows entirely.

Renaming a different account on your computer

You can rename any account on your computer as long as you are signed in as an administrator. Go to Settings, Accounts, Other users. Find the account you want to rename, click it, then click Rename. Follow the same process as renaming your own account. The person who uses that account will see the new name the next time they sign in.

If you need to rename an account but do not have administrator access, ask whoever set up the computer to make the change for you, or sign in with an administrator account first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my Microsoft account or email?

No. If you use a Microsoft account, your email address and password stay the same. You are only changing what appears on your computer. Your Microsoft account itself is not affected, and you can still sign into Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services with your email and password.

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

Yes. Follow the same steps and type your old username. Windows treats it like any other rename. Your files and settings will not be affected.

What if I forget my new username after I change it?

Your new username appears on the sign-in screen every time you turn on your computer, so you will see it there. If you are already signed in, it shows in the top-right corner of the taskbar when you click your profile picture.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my username?

Through Settings, Windows asks you to sign out and sign back in, which is enough for the change to take effect. Through Local Users and Groups, the change is when ready, but restarting is recommended if programs are not recognizing the new name in file paths.

Can I change the username of a guest account?

Guest accounts are temporary and designed not to be renamed. If you need a permanent account with a specific name, create a new standard or administrator account instead through Settings, Accounts, Other users, Add account.