The quickest way to change your username

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then click Your info at the top. You'll see your current username displayed under "Who's using this PC right now?" — click the Rename your account button below it, type your new username, and click Next. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in to complete the change.

This method works for local accounts (usernames stored on your computer) and takes about two minutes. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in instead of a local username, the process is slightly different — see the section below on Microsoft accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Local account usernames change through Settings > Accounts > Your info > Rename your account, and take effect after you sign out and back in.
  • Microsoft account usernames cannot be changed the same way — you must change your Microsoft account name through the Microsoft website instead.
  • Your username is what appears on the Windows login screen and in File Explorer; changing it does not affect your files or passwords.
  • If you cannot find the Rename button, your account is a Microsoft account, and you need to visit account.microsoft.com to make the change.

Changing a Microsoft account username

If you sign into Windows using a Microsoft account (an email address like yourname@outlook.com or yourname@gmail.com), the Rename button will not appear in Settings. Instead, you must change your username through Microsoft's website. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and click Your info in the left menu.

Look for the section labeled Manage your Microsoft account name or Edit name. Click it, enter your new name, and click Next. Microsoft will send a confirmation code to your recovery email or phone number — enter that code to finish. The change usually takes effect within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours to show on your Windows login screen.

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

Your username change does not move or rename your files. Windows keeps your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders in the same place on your hard drive, even though the folder path still shows your old username. You can still access everything normally — the change is cosmetic on the login screen and in Settings.

If you use File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users, you will still see a folder with your old username. Renaming the username in Settings does not rename this folder, and attempting to rename it manually can cause problems. Leave it as is — Windows knows where your files are regardless of what the folder is called.

When you need administrator permission to change your username

If you see a message saying "You don't have permission to change the account name," your account does not have administrator rights. You need someone with an administrator account on the computer to make the change for you. Ask them to open Settings, go to Accounts > Other people, select your account, and click Change account type to give you administrator access — then you can rename your own account.

If you are the only person on the computer and cannot access an administrator account, you may need to restart Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt and use the command line to change your username. This is uncommon, but if you are locked out, search for "change Windows username command prompt" and follow instructions specific to your Windows 10 build number (found in Settings > System > About).

Changing your display name versus your username

Windows 10 distinguishes between your username (what you type to sign in) and your display name (what appears on the login screen and in the Start menu). The Rename button in Settings changes your display name, not your login username. Most people want to change the display name, and that is what the quick method above does.

If you need to change your actual login username — the name you type into the password field — that requires the command line or a local account reset. This is rare and usually only necessary for troubleshooting. For everyday purposes, changing your display name through Settings is what you need.

Troubleshooting: the Rename button is missing or greyed out

If the Rename button does not appear or is greyed out, check whether you are signed in with a Microsoft account or a local account. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info and look at the top of the page. If it says "Manage your Microsoft account" or shows an email address, you have a Microsoft account and must use the Microsoft website method described above.

If it shows a local username and the button is still missing, your account may not have administrator rights. You can also try signing out completely, waiting 30 seconds, and signing back in — sometimes Windows needs a refresh to show the button. If the problem persists, restart your computer and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username log me out of my programs?

No. Your programs stay signed in because they use your password, not your username. Email, Microsoft Office, web browsers, and other software will continue working without interruption. You may need to sign back into Windows itself after the change takes effect, but that is the only interruption.

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

Yes. Follow the same steps and type your old username. There is no limit to how many times you can change it. Windows does not track previous usernames or prevent you from reusing one.

Does changing my username affect my password?

No. Your password stays the same. You sign in with your username and password together, so changing one does not change the other. After you rename your account, you still use the same password you used before.

What if I share a computer with other people?

Each person has their own account and username. Changing your username only affects your account and your login screen — it does not change anyone else's username or access to their files. Other users will not see your username change unless they look at the login screen.

Can I change my username to something with special characters or spaces?

Windows allows spaces and most special characters in display names, but some characters like asterisks, question marks, and forward slashes are not permitted. If you try to use a forbidden character, Windows will show an error message and ask you to choose a different name. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens if you want to avoid problems.