The quickest way to change your username

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Accounts > Your info. Click the Rename your device button near the top. Type your new username, click Next, then restart your computer. Windows will explore the change after the restart.

This method changes the name that appears on your sign-in screen and in the Start menu. It does not affect your user account folder or files already saved in your Documents, Downloads, or Desktop — those stay where they are.

The process takes about five minutes plus restart time. You do not need administrator permission if you are already signed in as the account owner.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method (Windows key + I, then Accounts > Your info) is the fastest way and requires no restart until the very end.
  • Your username change appears on the sign-in screen and Start menu when ready after restart, but your user folder keeps its old name.
  • If you cannot find the Rename button in Settings, your account may be linked to a Microsoft account, which requires a different process.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, programs, or passwords — everything stays in place.

What happens to your files and folders when you rename

Your personal files in Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and Pictures stay exactly where they are. Windows does not move or rename them. The folder that holds your account (usually C:\Users\YourOldName) keeps its original name even after you change your username.

This separation exists because Windows tracks accounts by a hidden identifier, not by the display name. Your username is just what you see on screen. If you ever need to find your user folder for troubleshooting, it will still be under the old name.

Programs you have installed continue to work without any changes. Shortcuts on your desktop, taskbar, and Start menu all remain functional.

If your account is linked to a Microsoft account

If you signed into Windows with a Microsoft account (your email address), the Settings method may not show a Rename button. Instead, you will see an option to Manage your Microsoft account. Clicking this takes you to the Microsoft account website, where you can change your display name.

The change can take a few hours to appear in Windows. Sign out and sign back in to refresh it faster. Your local username on the computer stays the same, but what appears in the Start menu and sign-in screen updates to match your Microsoft account name.

If you want to change only the local username (not your Microsoft account name), you will need to use the local account method instead, which requires the Control Panel.

Using Control Panel for a local account

If Settings does not work or you prefer the older method, open Control Panel by typing "control panel" into the Windows search box. Go to User Accounts > User Accounts again. Click Manage another account, select your account, then click Change the account name. Type your new name and click Rename.

This method works on local accounts (accounts not linked to Microsoft email). It is slower than Settings but produces the same result. You do not need to restart when ready — Windows will prompt you when you next sign out.

Control Panel is being phased out in newer Windows versions, so Settings is the preferred method. Use Control Panel only if Settings does not show the option you need.

Renaming your computer name versus your username

Windows has two separate names: your username (what appears in the Start menu and sign-in screen) and your computer name (what appears in File Explorer and on your network). Changing your username does not change your computer name, and vice versa.

If you want to change your computer name instead, go to Settings > System > About, then click Rename this PC. This is useful if you are on a network and want your computer to have a recognizable name when others browse shared files.

Most people only need to change their username. Change your computer name only if you share files on a network or if you want a different name to appear in File Explorer's address bar.

What to do if you cannot find the rename option

If the Rename button does not appear in Settings, your account may be a child account, a guest account, or managed by your workplace. Child accounts and managed accounts have restrictions on what can be changed locally.

For a child account, the parent account holder can change the name through Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, then select the child account and click Edit. For a work account, contact your IT department — they control what you can change.

If you are unsure what type of account you have, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and look at the description under your name. It will say "Local account", "Microsoft account", "Work account", or "Child account".

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username log me out?

No. You stay signed in during the change. Windows logs you out only when you restart the computer, and it logs you back in automatically using your new username. You do not need to enter your password again.

Can I change my password at the same time?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click Password > Change. You can change your username and password separately, one after the other. They are not linked.

What if I change my mind after restarting?

You can change it back the same way. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, click Rename your device, type your old username, and restart. There is no limit to how many times you can rename.

Does changing my username affect my Wi-Fi password or email?

No. Your Wi-Fi password and email account are separate from your Windows username. Changing your Windows name does not touch either one. You stay connected to your networks and your email works exactly as before.

Can I use special characters in my new username?

Windows allows letters, numbers, spaces, and some symbols, but not characters like asterisks, question marks, or forward slashes. If you try to use a forbidden character, Windows will show an error and ask you to pick a different name.