Change Your Account Name in Windows or macOS

You can change the name that appears on your computer's login screen and in system menus without reinstalling anything or losing your files. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you use Windows 11, Windows 10, or macOS. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are.

The name you see when you log in is stored in your user account settings, separate from your actual files. Changing it updates only the display name — the label Windows or macOS shows for you throughout the system.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, and change the name in the "Your info" section without needing administrator permission.
  • macOS users open System Settings, select Users & Groups, unlock the settings with their password, and edit the Full Name field.
  • The change takes effect when ready on Windows but may require a restart on macOS to show everywhere in the system.
  • Your files, programs, and login password remain unchanged — only the display name updates.
  • If you cannot edit your account name, you may be using a managed account (at work or school) that requires administrator permission.

How to Change Your Name in Windows 11 or Windows 10

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Accounts in the left sidebar, then click Your info at the top of the main panel.

You will see your current account name displayed under a profile picture. Click the Rename your account button. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one, then click Next. Click Finish to confirm.

The new name appears when ready on your login screen and in the Start menu. If you do not see a "Rename your account" button, your account may be managed by your workplace or school — contact your IT department for permission to change it.

How to Change Your Name in macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click General in the sidebar, then scroll down and click About. You will see your computer name and account name listed here, but this is read-only.

Go back to the main System Settings window and click Users & Groups in the sidebar. You may need to click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your password to make changes. Right-click your account name in the left panel and select Advanced Options. Find the Full Name field, delete the current name, type the new one, and click OK.

Restart your computer for the change to appear everywhere in the system. The new name will show on your login screen and in the Finder sidebar after the restart.

What Happens to Your Files and Programs

Changing your account name does not move, delete, or rename any of your files. Your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, and all other folders stay in the same place with the same contents. Programs you have installed continue to work normally.

Your login password does not change — you still use the same password to log in. The only thing that changes is the display name that appears in menus, on the login screen, and in system settings. If you have shared folders or network access set up, those permissions remain the same because they are tied to your account, not to the display name.

If Your Account Name Will Not Change

If you see a message saying you do not have permission to change the account name, your account is likely managed by your workplace, school, or organization. Managed accounts have restrictions that prevent individual users from changing certain settings. Contact your IT department or system administrator and ask them to change the account name for you.

On Windows, you can check whether your account is managed by opening Settings, going to Accounts, and looking at the account type. If it says "Administrator" or shows no restrictions, you should be able to change the name yourself. If it says "Standard user" or "Managed account," you will need administrator help.

Changing Your Computer Name Versus Your Account Name

Your account name is the name of your user profile — what appears when you log in. Your computer name is the name of the entire machine, which appears in network settings and when you connect to other computers. They are separate things, and changing one does not affect the other.

If you want to change your computer name instead, the process is different. On Windows, right-click the Start button, select System, scroll down, and click Rename this PC. On macOS, go to System Settings, click General, then About, and click Edit next to the computer name. Most people only need to change their account name, not the computer name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my account name affect my email or Microsoft account?

No. Your account name on your computer is separate from your email address or Microsoft account. Changing the display name on your computer does not change your email, password, or any online accounts. If you want to change your Microsoft account name, you need to do that through your Microsoft account settings online, not through your computer settings.

Can I change my account name if I forgot my password?

You cannot change your account name without being able to log in. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it first. On Windows, use another administrator account or a password reset disk. On macOS, use your Apple ID to reset your password. Once you can log in, you can change your account name.

What if I have multiple user accounts on my computer?

Each account has its own name, and you can change each one separately. Log in to the account you want to change, then follow the steps above. You cannot change another person's account name unless you have administrator permission. If you are the administrator, you can change any account name from the Users & Groups or Accounts settings.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my account name?

On Windows, the change takes effect when ready — no restart needed. On macOS, a restart is recommended so the new name appears everywhere in the system, including the login screen and Finder. You can use your computer without restarting, but some places may still show the old name until you restart.