Change your account name in Windows, Mac, or Linux settings

The method depends on your operating system. On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, click "Rename your device" or "Rename your account", type the new name, and restart. On macOS, open System Settings > General > About, click "Edit" next to the device name, type the new name, and click "Rename". On Linux, the process varies by distribution, but most use the terminal command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname newname followed by a restart.

Your account name and your device name are separate things. The account name is what appears when you log in; the device name is what shows up on your network. You may want to change one, both, or neither depending on your situation. Changing either one does not affect your files, passwords, or installed programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can rename their account through Settings > Accounts > Your info without losing any files or programs.
  • Mac users rename their device through System Settings > General > About by clicking the Edit button next to the device name.
  • Linux users typically use the terminal command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname newname to change the device name.
  • Changing your name does not affect your login password, installed software, or stored documents.
  • You may need to restart your computer for the change to take effect on your network.

Windows: Rename your account or device

In Windows 10 or 11, you have two separate names to consider. Your account name is what appears on the login screen and in the Start menu. Your device name is what other computers see when you connect to a network or share files.

To rename your account, open Settings (press Windows key + I), select Accounts, then Your info. Look for "Rename your account" and click it. Type your new name and click Next. You will be asked to restart your computer; do so to complete the change. Your files stay where they are, and your password does not change.

To rename your device instead, go to Settings > System > About. Click "Rename this PC", type the new name, and click Next. Restart when prompted. This change affects how your computer appears to other devices on your network, but does not change your login account name.

Mac: Rename your device through System Settings

On macOS, the device name is what matters most for network visibility. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then go to General > About. You will see your device name near the top of the window.

Click the "Edit" button next to the device name field, type your new name, and click "Rename". The change takes effect when ready; you do not need to restart. If you want to change your user account name instead (the name that appears on the login screen), that requires a different process through System Settings > General > Users & Groups, but it is more involved and may require you to create a new account.

Linux: Use the terminal to change your device name

On Linux, the device name is controlled through the hostname setting. Open a terminal and type sudo hostnamectl set-hostname newname, replacing "newname" with what you want. You will be asked for your password. After you enter it, restart your computer for the change to take effect across your system and network.

If your Linux distribution does not use systemd (which is rare), you may need to edit the hostname file directly. Open a terminal and type sudo nano /etc/hostname, delete the old name, type the new one, press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter to save. Restart your computer afterward.

What happens to your files and programs when you change your name

Changing your account or device name does not touch your files, folders, or installed programs. Everything stays in the same place. Your login password remains the same. Any shortcuts or bookmarks you have created continue to work. Email accounts, browser history, and saved passwords are unaffected.

The only thing that might break is a network share or file path that explicitly includes your old device name. For example, if you shared a folder and someone accessed it as \\oldname\shared, that path will no longer work after you rename. You would need to tell them the new device name or set up the share again. This is rare in home setups but common in offices.

When to change your account name versus your device name

Change your account name if you want a different name to appear when you log in or in the Start menu (Windows) or login screen (Mac). This is purely for your own visibility and does not affect how other people see your computer on a network.

Change your device name if you share files with other computers, use remote access, or want your computer to have a clearer identity on your home or office network. The device name is what shows up when someone browses for shared computers or printers. If you live alone and never share files, changing the device name makes little practical difference.

Troubleshooting: Name change did not take effect

If you changed your name but it did not stick, restart your computer. Most operating systems require a restart to explore the change across all programs and network settings. After restart, check Settings again to confirm the new name appears.

On Windows, if the rename option is grayed out, you may not have administrator rights on that account. Ask the person who set up the computer to make the change, or create a new administrator account. On Mac, if you cannot edit the device name, make sure you are logged in as an administrator. On Linux, if the hostnamectl command returns an error, try running it with sudo and enter your password when prompted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my name affect my Wi-Fi or internet connection?

No. Your internet connection depends on your network settings and router, not your device name. Changing your device name does not disconnect you from Wi-Fi or change your IP address. Other devices on the network may take a moment to recognize the new name, but your connection itself is unaffected.

Can I change my name back to the old one?

Yes, anytime. Follow the same steps and type your old name (or any other name). There is no limit to how many times you can change it. Each change requires a restart on Windows and Linux, but not on Mac.

What if I forgot my password and cannot rename my account?

On Windows, you can reset your password through the login screen if you have a Microsoft account linked to your computer. On Mac, use another administrator account to change the password, or use Recovery Mode. On Linux, boot into single-user mode or use a live USB to reset the password. If you are locked out completely, you may need to contact your IT department or the person who set up the computer.

Does changing my name affect my Microsoft or Apple account?

No. Your local account name on your computer is separate from your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac). Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your Microsoft or Apple account name, you do that through their websites, not through your computer settings.

Can other people on my network see my new device name right away?

Usually within a few minutes, but sometimes it takes longer. If someone is still seeing your old device name, ask them to restart their computer or refresh their network browser. DNS caches can hold onto old names for a while, especially in office networks.