Change Your Username Through Settings

The fastest way to change your PC username is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Accounts in the left sidebar. Click Your info at the top. You will see your current username displayed under "Your info". Click the Rename your account button, type your new username, and click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Finish and restart your computer for the change to take effect.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The new username will appear on your login screen and in the Start menu after you restart. Any files or folders you already created will stay in place — Windows updates the account name but keeps all your data intact.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method (Windows key + I, then Accounts > Your info > Rename your account) is the simplest way and works on all recent Windows versions.
  • You must restart your computer after changing your username for the change to take effect everywhere.
  • Changing your username does not affect your files, programs, or login password — only the display name changes.
  • If you cannot find the Rename option in Settings, you may have a Microsoft account rather than a local account, and you will need to change it through your Microsoft account online instead.
  • Administrator access is required to change a username; if you do not have it, ask the person who set up the computer.

What Happens to Your Files and Programs

When you change your username, Windows updates the account name but leaves everything else untouched. Your Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and all other folders stay where they are. Programs you installed continue to work. Your password does not change — you still log in the same way. The only visible difference is that your username appears differently in Settings, the Start menu, and on the login screen.

If you have shortcuts on your desktop or in the Start menu that point to specific user folders, those shortcuts may show an error briefly. Restarting your computer fixes this because Windows re-scans the file system and updates the paths automatically.

Change a Username on a Microsoft Account

If your PC is linked to a Microsoft account (you log in with an email address rather than a local username), the Settings app will not show a Rename option. Instead, you need to change your display name through your Microsoft account online. Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser, sign in with your email and password, and click Your info. Look for Manage your Microsoft account and find the option to edit your name or display name. Save the change, then sign out and back into your PC — the new name will appear after you restart.

This method changes how your name appears across Microsoft services (Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, etc.), not just on your PC. The change can take a few minutes to show up everywhere.

Use the Local Users and Groups Window for More Control

If you need to rename a different user account on your PC (not your own), or if the Settings method does not work, you can use the Local Users and Groups window. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter. In the window that opens, click Users in the left sidebar. Right-click the account you want to rename and select Rename. Type the new name and press Enter. Restart your computer for the change to take effect.

This method requires administrator access. If you do not see the Local Users and Groups window, you may be using Windows Home edition, which does not include this tool — use the Settings method instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not forget to restart your computer after changing your username. The change will not appear everywhere until you do. Some users think the change is broken because their old username still shows in File Explorer or Command Prompt until the restart is complete.

Do not use special characters or spaces in your new username. Windows allows only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. If you try to use a space or symbol like @, #, or !, Windows will reject it and ask you to choose a different name. Keep it straightforward — something like "john_smith" or "jsmith42" works reliably.

Do not assume changing your username will change your password. It will not. If you want a new password, you need to change that separately through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password.

Troubleshooting When the Rename Option Does Not Appear

If you open Settings > Accounts > Your info and do not see a Rename button, you are likely using a Microsoft account. The Rename option only appears for local accounts. To check which type of account you have, look at the top of the Your info page — if it shows an email address, it is a Microsoft account. If it shows just a username, it is a local account.

If you have a local account but still do not see the Rename button, make sure you are signed in as an administrator. Right-click the Settings app and select Run as administrator, then try again. If the button still does not appear, try the Local Users and Groups method instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my email or Microsoft account?

No. Your email address and Microsoft account login stay the same. Changing your PC username only changes the display name on that computer. You still sign in the same way.

Can I change my username without restarting?

Windows requires a restart for the username change to take effect everywhere on your system. Some places may show the old name until you restart.

What if I change my username and then forget what it was?

Open Settings > Accounts > Your info to see your current username. If you need to know what it was before, check your file path in File Explorer — the folder path shows your username.

Can I have two usernames on the same PC?

Yes. You can create a second user account with a different username through Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add account. Each account is separate and has its own files and settings.

Does changing my username change my user folder name?

No. Your user folder (like C:\Users\oldname) keeps its original name even after you change your username. Windows still recognizes it correctly, but the folder name in File Explorer will not update.