Change your username through Settings

The fastest way to change your Windows 10 login username is through the Settings app. 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 will see your current username displayed under "Create your account". Click the Rename your account button. A dialog box will appear asking for your new username. Type the new name you want to use — it can be up to 20 characters and can include spaces, numbers, and most punctuation marks. Click Next, then Finish. You will need to sign out and sign back in to see the change on your login screen.

This method works if you set up Windows with a local account (one that exists only on your computer). If you signed in with a Microsoft account instead, this process changes only the display name, not the email address you use to log in.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method (Accounts > Your info > Rename your account) is the simplest way to change a local account username.
  • Your new username appears on the login screen after you sign out and sign back in.
  • If you use a Microsoft account to log in, changing the name in Settings only changes what displays on your screen, not your login email.
  • You cannot change a username through the login screen itself — you must be signed in first.
  • If Settings does not show a Rename button, your account may be a Microsoft account or a work account managed by your organization.

Change your username through Control Panel (older method)

If the Settings method does not work on your computer, you can use Control Panel instead. Press the Windows key and type "control panel", then open it. Click User Accounts, then click User Accounts

You will see a list of accounts on your computer. Click on your account name, then click Change your account name in the left menu. A text box will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new username, then click Rename. Sign out and sign back in to see the change on your login screen.

Understand the difference between username and Microsoft account email

Windows 10 accounts come in two types: local accounts and Microsoft accounts. A local account is stored only on your computer and uses a username you create. A Microsoft account is linked to an email address and syncs your settings across devices if you sign in on multiple computers.

If you log in with a Microsoft account, the "username" you see on the login screen is actually the first part of your email address (everything before the @). Changing the display name in Settings does not change this email address. To change what appears on your login screen with a Microsoft account, you would need to change your Microsoft account email itself, which is a separate process done through Microsoft's website.

To check which type of account you have, open Settings, go to Accounts, and look at Your info. If it shows an email address under your name, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows only a username with no @ symbol, you have a local account.

What happens to files and folders after you change your username

Changing your username does not affect your files, documents, or any programs you have installed. Everything stays in the same place and works exactly as before. Windows keeps track of your account using a hidden identifier behind the scenes, so the username change is purely cosmetic from your computer's perspective.

However, if you have set up shared folders or given other people on your network access to your files using your old username, those permissions may stop working. You would need to re-share those folders with your new username. This is rare on home computers but more common in offices.

Troubleshoot if you cannot rename your account

If the Rename button does not appear in Settings, your account is likely a Microsoft account or a work account managed by your organization. Microsoft accounts must be renamed through the Microsoft account website, not through Windows Settings. Work accounts managed by an organization cannot be renamed through Windows at all — you would need to contact your IT department.

If you are certain you have a local account but still do not see the Rename button, try restarting your computer and opening Settings again. If the button still does not appear, your account may have been converted to a Microsoft account at some point, even if you do not remember doing so.

Another reason the Rename button might be missing is if you are not signed in with administrator rights. Local accounts need administrator permissions to change their own username. If you are not sure whether your account is an administrator, open Settings, go to Accounts, and look under Your info. It will say "Administrator" or "Standard user" below your account name.

Change your username before you set up Windows

If you have not finished setting up Windows yet, you can choose your username during the initial setup process. Windows will ask you to create an account name before you reach the desktop. This is the easiest time to get the username right, since you will not have to sign out and back in to see the change.

If you are setting up a new computer and want to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account, look for the option that says "Sign in without a Microsoft account" or "Create a local account" during setup. This lets you create a username that exists only on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my password?

No. Your password stays the same. You will still log in with the same password you used before — only the username displayed on the login screen changes. If you want to change your password as well, that is a separate action done through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password.

Can I change my username to something that is already used by another account on this computer?

No. Windows will not let you use a username that another account on the same computer already has. If you want to use a specific name, you may need to rename or delete the other account first. Deleting an account is permanent, so make sure you back up any files from that account before you delete it.

What if I forgot my password and cannot sign in to change my username?

You cannot change your username without being signed in. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it first. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps. Once you are signed in, you can change your username through Settings.

Does changing my username on Windows 10 change my username on other devices?

Only if you use a Microsoft account that syncs across devices. If you have a local account, the username change affects only that computer. If you use a Microsoft account, the display name syncs to other devices where you are signed in with the same Microsoft account, but your login email address remains the same.

Can I have spaces or special characters in my Windows username?

Yes, Windows allows spaces and most punctuation marks in usernames. However, some special characters like asterisks, question marks, and forward slashes are not allowed. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, Windows will show an error message telling you which characters you cannot use.