The Two Ways to Change Your Windows 10 Username
Windows 10 lets you change your username in two different places, and which one you use depends on what kind of account you have. If you sign in with a Microsoft account (the kind that uses an email address), you change the name through Microsoft's website. If you use a local account (a username and password stored only on your computer), you change it directly in Windows Settings. Both take about five minutes.
The name you see on your sign-in screen and the name that appears in Windows Settings are controlled separately. You might change one without changing the other, depending on which method you use. This guide covers both paths so you can pick the one that matches your setup.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft account users change their display name at account.microsoft.com, while local account users change it in Windows Settings under Accounts.
- Changing your username does not affect your files, programs, or passwords — everything stays where it is.
- If you use a Microsoft account, the change may take a few minutes to show up on your sign-in screen.
- Local account changes take effect when ready and do not require an internet connection.
- You need administrator rights on your computer to change a local account username.
How to Change a Microsoft Account Username
If you sign in to Windows with an email address and password, you have a Microsoft account. To change the name that appears on your computer, go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with that email and password.
Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu and click it. Find the field that says "Name" or "Display name" — this is the name that will show on your Windows sign-in screen and throughout Windows. Click "Edit" next to it, type your new name, and click "Save" or "Done". The change usually appears on your computer within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour in rare cases.
You do not need to restart your computer. The next time you sign out and back in, or the next time you open Settings, you should see the new name. If it does not appear right away, restart Windows and it will be there.
How to Change a Local Account Username
If you sign in with a username (not an email address) and a password stored on your computer, you have a local account. To change it, open the Start menu and type "netplwiz" into the search box, then press Enter. A window called "User Accounts" will open.
In the User Accounts window, you will see a list of accounts on your computer. Click the account you want to rename, then click the "Rename" button at the bottom. Type your new username and click "Rename" again. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Yes". You do not need to restart, though you may need to sign out and back in to see the change everywhere.
If the "Rename" button is grayed out, you do not have administrator rights on this account. You will need to sign in as an administrator or ask whoever manages the computer to make the change for you.
What Stays the Same After You Change Your Username
Changing your username does not touch your files, folders, programs, or passwords. Everything you have saved stays exactly where it is. Your Documents folder, Desktop, Downloads, and any other files remain accessible. Programs you have installed continue to work. Passwords you have saved in browsers or programs do not change.
The only thing that changes is the name that appears on the sign-in screen, in the Start menu, and in Settings. Behind the scenes, Windows still recognizes you as the same person with the same permissions and the same access to everything on the computer.
Changing the Folder Name That Matches Your Old Username
When you change your username in a local account, Windows does not automatically rename your user folder (the one at C:\Users\YourOldName). This folder keeps its original name even after you change your username. This is intentional — renaming it can cause programs to stop working or lose access to your files.
If you want to rename the folder to match your new username, you can do it, but it requires extra steps and carries some risk. The safest approach is to leave it alone. The folder name does not appear anywhere you normally look, and it does not affect how Windows works or how your files are organized. If you decide you need to rename it anyway, you should back up your files first and consider asking someone with technical experience to help.
Troubleshooting: Your Username Did Not Change
If you changed your Microsoft account name but it is not showing up in Windows, wait a few minutes and restart your computer. Sometimes the change takes time to sync. If it still has not appeared after a restart, sign out completely (not just lock the screen) and sign back in.
If you tried to change a local account username and the Rename button was grayed out, you do not have the right permissions. You need to be signed in as an administrator. If you are not sure whether your account is an administrator account, open Settings, go to Accounts, and look at the account type listed under your name. If it says "Standard user", you will need an administrator to make the change.
If you changed your username but programs are not recognizing it, restart those programs. Some programs read your username when they start up, so they may not see the change until you close and reopen them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my Microsoft account or email?
No. Your Microsoft account email address stays the same — you use it to sign in. The username you change is just the display name that shows on your computer. Your email, passwords, and account settings do not change.
Can I change my username if I forgot my password?
For a Microsoft account, you can reset your password at account.microsoft.com before changing your name. For a local account, you need to sign in first. If you cannot sign in, you will need to reset your password through the sign-in screen or ask an administrator for help.
Do I need to restart Windows after changing my username?
No, but it does not hurt. Local account changes take effect when ready. Microsoft account changes may take a few minutes to show up, and restarting speeds that up. If you do not see the change right away, restart and it will be there.
What if two people share the same computer?
Each person has their own account and can change their own username independently. Open Settings, go to Accounts, and make sure you are signed in to the account you want to change. You can only change the username of the account you are currently using, unless you are an administrator.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. For Microsoft accounts, go back to account.microsoft.com and edit your name. For local accounts, open netplwiz again and click Rename. You can change it as many times as you want.