How to Change Your Username in Windows 10

The Two Ways to Change Your Username

Windows 10 gives you two separate 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, and the change syncs to your computer automatically. If you use a local account (a username and password stored only on your machine), you change it directly in Windows Settings on that computer.

The Microsoft account route is more common now, especially if you use OneDrive, the Microsoft Store, or sync settings across multiple devices. The local account route is simpler if you only use one computer and do not need cloud services. Both take about five minutes.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft account users change their display name at account.microsoft.com, and the change appears on Windows within a few hours.
Local account users open Settings, go to Accounts, select your account, and click "Rename your PC" or edit the account name directly.
Changing your username does not affect your files, passwords, or installed programs — they stay exactly where they are.
If you forget which type of account you have, open Settings and go to Accounts; it will say "Microsoft account" or "Local account" next to your name.

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 on Windows. Click "Your info" in the left menu, then look for the section that shows your name — it usually says something like "James Rodriguez" or "J Rodriguez" depending on what you entered when you created the account.

Click "Edit name" or the pencil icon next to your name. Type the new name you want to use, then click "Save". Windows will show the new name the next time you sign out and back in, or within a few hours if you stay signed in. Your files, folders, and programs do not move or change — only the display name on the sign-in screen and in the Start menu updates.

If you do not see an "Edit name" option, your account may be set up differently. Some work or school accounts managed by an organization cannot be changed this way. If that is the case, contact your IT department or organization's help desk.

Changing a Local Account Username in Settings

Press the Windows key and type "Settings", then open the Settings app. Click "Accounts" in the left menu. On the left side, you should see "Your info" — click it. At the top of the screen, you will see your current username. Click "Rename your PC" or look for an "Edit" button next to your account name.

Type the new username you want. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in to complete the change. Click "Next", then "Sign out now" or "Sign out later" — if you choose later, the change takes effect the next time you restart your computer. Your files and programs stay in place; only the account name changes.

If you do not see a "Rename your PC" button, try this alternative: right-click the Start button, select "Settings", go to "Accounts", click "Other people", find your account in the list, click it, and select "Rename". The steps are the same from there.

What Happens to Your Files and Folders

Your username appears in the file path for your personal folders — for example, C:\Users\JamesRodriguez\Documents. When you change your username, Windows does not automatically move these folders to a new path. Your files stay where they are, and you can still access them normally through File Explorer and your programs.

Behind the scenes, Windows keeps track of your account using a unique identifier that does not change when you rename. This is why your programs, settings, and permissions all work the same way after the rename. You will not lose access to anything or have to reinstall software.

If you want to see your username in File Explorer, open it and click "This PC" on the left. Your user folder will still show the old path name in the address bar, but you can navigate into it and work with your files normally. Renaming the folder itself is not necessary and can cause problems, so leave it as it is.

Changing Your Display Name vs. Your Account Name

Windows 10 actually has two separate name fields: your display name (what appears on the sign-in screen and Start menu) and your account name (the technical name used for file paths and permissions). For Microsoft accounts, changing the display name at account.microsoft.com is usually all you need to do. For local accounts, the process changes both at once.

If you want to change only the display name on a local account without changing the account name itself, you can do this through Control Panel. Press Windows key + R, type "netplwiz", and press Enter. Find your account in the list, click it, then click "Properties". In the "Full name" field, type the new display name you want. Click "explore" and "OK". This changes only what appears on the sign-in screen, not the account name used for file paths.

Troubleshooting: When the Change Does Not Appear

If you changed your Microsoft account name but Windows still shows the old name, sign out completely and sign back in. Go to the sign-in screen, click your account tile, enter your password, and wait for Windows to load. The new name should appear after you are logged in. If it still does not show, restart your computer — sometimes Windows needs a full restart to sync the change from Microsoft's servers.

If you changed a local account name and it did not take effect, make sure you signed out and back in as instructed. If you chose "Sign out later", restart your computer to complete the change. If the Settings app would not let you rename the account, you may be using a work or school account that is managed by an organization, and you will need to contact your IT support to make changes.

If you see an error message saying the name is already in use or contains invalid characters, try a different name. Windows does not allow certain symbols like / \ : * ? " < > | in usernames. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my passwords or login?

No. Your password stays the same, and you sign in the same way. Only the display name changes. If you use a Microsoft account, you still sign in with your email address. If you use a local account, you still use the same password you created.

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 rename your account. Just remember that if you changed a local account name, you will need to sign out and back in again for the change to take effect.

What if I do not remember whether I have a Microsoft account or a local account?

Open Settings and go to Accounts. Click "Your info" on the left. At the top, next to your name, it will say either "Microsoft account" or "Local account". That tells you which method to use to change your username.

Does changing my username affect my OneDrive or cloud files?

No. OneDrive and any files stored in the cloud stay exactly where they are. Your Microsoft account email address is what matters for cloud services, not your display name. Changing the display name does not touch your cloud storage.

Can I change my username if my computer is part of a work network?

It depends on how your account is set up. If you use a work or school account managed by your organization, you probably cannot change it yourself. Contact your IT department or help desk — they may need to change it for you or tell you that it cannot be changed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.