The Two Ways to Change Your Username

Windows 11 gives you two paths to change your username, 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 in the Start menu is what you are changing. This is different from your actual Microsoft account email, which stays the same if you have one. Your files and folders will still be there after the change — Windows updates the path automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account users change their display name on the Microsoft account website, not in Windows Settings.
  • Local account users change their username through Windows Settings under Accounts, then Family & other users.
  • The change takes effect the next time you sign in, and your files move with you automatically.
  • If you forget your password or cannot sign in, you will need to reset it before you can change your username.

Changing a Microsoft Account Username

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the email address and password you use to sign into Windows. Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" on the left side of the page and click it.

On the Your info page, you will see your current display name at the top. Click "Manage your Microsoft account name" or the edit button next to your name. Windows will ask you to enter a new name. Type what you want to be called, then click "Next". Microsoft will send a confirmation code to your email address — check your inbox (and spam folder) for it, enter the code, and click "Next" again. Your new name will appear the next time you sign into Windows.

Changing a Local Account Username

Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type "Settings", then press Enter. In Settings, click "Accounts" on the left side. Under Accounts, click "Family & other users".

You will see a list of accounts on your computer. Find your own account name in the list and click it. A menu will pop up with several options — click "Rename". A text box will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete it, type your new username, and press Enter. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Yes". The change takes effect the next time you sign in.

What Happens to Your Files After the Change

Your Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and Pictures folders stay exactly where they are. Windows automatically updates the path to these folders behind the scenes, so you will not see any difference. Any shortcuts or saved locations on your computer will still work.

If you have programs that remember your username (some older software does this), they may show your old username once or twice before updating. This is harmless and clears itself after a restart. Your email, photos, and saved passwords are not affected by the username change at all.

If You Cannot Remember Your Password

If you have a Microsoft account and cannot sign in, go to account.microsoft.com/security on another device or computer. Click "Security info" and follow the steps to verify your identity using a phone number or backup email. Once you have reset your password, you can sign back into Windows and change your username.

If you have a local account and cannot sign in, you will need to use another administrator account on the same computer to change the password. If no other account exists, you may need to use Windows recovery options, which requires your Windows installation media or access to another computer.

Changing Your Username Does Not Change Your Email

If you have a Microsoft account, your email address (the one you use to sign in) stays the same no matter what display name you choose. The display name is just what appears in the Start menu and on your sign-in screen. Your actual account email remains your sign-in credential.

This matters if you share your computer with others or use it for work. They will see your new display name, but your email address in the system stays unchanged. If you want to change your actual Microsoft account email, that is a separate process done on the Microsoft account website under "Email & phone".

Troubleshooting a Username Change That Did Not Work

If you changed your username but it still shows the old name when you sign in, restart your computer. Windows does not always update the display when ready, and a restart forces it to refresh. Sign out completely, shut down, wait a few seconds, and turn the computer back on.

If the old name persists after a restart, check that you actually saved the change. For Microsoft accounts, go back to account.microsoft.com and confirm the new name appears there. For local accounts, go back to Settings and check the account name in the list. If it still shows the old name, repeat the rename process and make sure you clicked "Yes" to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my Microsoft account password?

No. Your password stays the same whether you have a Microsoft account or a local account. The username and password are separate — changing one does not touch the other. You sign in the same way after the change.

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

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. There is no limit to how many times you can change your username, and Windows does not lock you out or require a waiting period between changes.

What if I have a Microsoft account but want to use a local account instead?

You can switch account types in Settings under Accounts, then "Your info". Click "Sign in with a local account instead" and follow the prompts. This creates a new local account, but you will need to move your files manually if you want to keep them.

Does changing my username change my computer name on the network?

No. Your username is what you see in the Start menu. Your computer name is different and is used when other people on your network try to find your computer. To change your computer name, go to Settings, then "System", then "About", and click "Rename this PC".

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

For Microsoft accounts, you can use spaces and most characters. For local accounts, Windows does not allow certain characters like asterisks, question marks, or forward slashes. If you try to use one, Windows will tell you it is not allowed and ask you to choose a different character.