Where to Change Your Microsoft Account Name

You can change the name associated with your Microsoft account directly through Windows settings, and the change takes effect when ready across all your devices that use that account. The name you change is the one that appears on your Windows sign-in screen, in the Start menu, and in Microsoft services like Outlook and OneDrive.

The process takes about two minutes and requires you to be signed into your PC with administrator rights. If you share your computer with other users, only your own account name will change — other accounts remain unaffected.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, select Accounts, then Your info to change the name displayed on your Windows sign-in screen.
  • The name you enter here is what appears in the Start menu, on the lock screen, and across Microsoft services tied to your account.
  • Changes sync across all devices signed into the same Microsoft account within a few minutes.
  • If you cannot edit the name field, your account may be managed by your workplace or school, and you will need to contact your IT administrator.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Account Name in Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, select Accounts from the left sidebar.

Click Your info at the top of the Accounts menu. You will see your current account name displayed under a profile picture. Look for the blue Edit button next to your name and click it. A text field will appear where you can type your new name. Delete the old name and type the new one you want to use.

After you enter your new name, click the Next button, then click Finish. Windows will confirm the change, and your new name will appear when ready on your sign-in screen and Start menu. If you do not see the Edit button, your account is likely managed by your workplace or school — skip to the "Managed Accounts" section below.

What Happens After You Change Your Name

Your new name appears on the Windows sign-in screen the next time you restart your PC, though it usually shows up right away in the Start menu and Settings. If you use the same Microsoft account on a phone, tablet, or another computer, the name change will sync to those devices within a few minutes — you do not need to change it separately on each one.

Any files or folders you created before the change keep their original location and permissions. Your email address and password do not change, so you still sign in the same way. Microsoft services like Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox will reflect your new name once the sync completes.

If Your Name Field Is Locked or Grayed Out

If the Edit button does not appear or the name field is grayed out, your account is likely managed by your workplace, school, or organization. These managed accounts have restrictions that prevent users from changing their own display name through Settings.

Contact your IT department or system administrator and ask them to change your account name. Provide them with the new name you want to use, and they can make the change from their admin panel. The change will then appear on your PC within a few minutes.

Changing Your Local Account Name Instead

If you use a local account (one that does not sync to Microsoft services) instead of a Microsoft account, the process is slightly different. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Your info. Look for the option that says Make changes to your account in Settings or Rename your account.

Click that option, and Windows will open a dialog where you can type your new local account name. Enter the new name and click Rename. Your local account name will change when ready, but the change does not sync to other devices because local accounts are not connected to Microsoft services.

Common Issues and Fixes

The name change is not showing up: Wait a few minutes for the change to sync, then sign out and sign back in. If it still does not appear, restart your PC. Changes usually show up right away, but syncing across devices can take up to five minutes.

You see an error message when trying to save: Make sure you have typed a name that is between 1 and 32 characters and does not contain only numbers or spaces. Avoid special characters like asterisks, question marks, or forward slashes. If the error persists, restart Settings and try again.

You cannot find the Your info section: Make sure you are in the Accounts menu in Settings, not in Control Panel. On older versions of Windows 10, the option may be labeled Your profile instead of Your info. The location is the same — Accounts in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my account name affect my password or email address?

No. Your password and email address stay exactly the same. The name change only affects what is displayed on your sign-in screen and in menus. You still sign in using your email address and password as before.

Can I change my account name on just one device?

If you use a Microsoft account, the name change syncs to all devices signed into that account. If you want different names on different devices, you would need to use separate local accounts instead, which do not sync to Microsoft services.

What if I want to change my Microsoft email address instead of my display name?

Changing your email address is a different process that happens on the Microsoft account website, not in Windows Settings. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look for the option to add or change your email alias. That change is separate from your display name.

Do I need administrator rights to change my account name?

Yes, you need to be signed in with an administrator account to change your own account name. If your account is a standard user account, ask the administrator on your PC to make the change for you through Settings.

Will my files or programs be affected if I change my account name?

No. Your files, folders, and installed programs remain in the same place with the same permissions. Only the display name changes — nothing about how your account functions or where your data is stored.