What changing your name on your computer means
Changing your name on your computer means updating the user account name that appears when you log in, in the Start menu, and in file folders. This is different from changing your legal name — it is a setting inside your operating system that takes a few minutes to adjust. On Windows, you change it through Settings. On Mac, you do it through System Settings. The steps differ between the two, and the name you choose here does not have to match your legal name.
Most people change their computer name because they got a new device and want to personalize it, or because they want their account to reflect a name change in their life. Some do it for privacy or simplicity. The change affects only how your name displays on that one computer — it does not change anything on other devices or online accounts.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, you change your account name through Settings > Accounts > Your info, then click "Rename your account".
- On Mac, you go to System Settings > General > About, then click "Edit" next to the computer name to change it.
- Changing your computer name does not affect your Microsoft account, Apple ID, or any online passwords or logins.
- You need administrator access to make this change, so if you are on a work or school computer, you may need to contact IT support.
- The new name appears the next time you restart your computer or log out and back in.
How to change your name on Windows 10 or 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click Accounts in the left sidebar, then click Your info at the top. You will see your current account name displayed on the screen.
Below your account name, click the button that says Rename your account. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one you want. Click Next, then Finish. Your computer will ask you to restart or log out for the change to take effect. The new name will appear the next time you sign in.
If the "Rename your account" button does not appear, you may be using a Microsoft account rather than a local account. In that case, you would be changing your Microsoft account name, which is a different process handled through the Microsoft website rather than your computer settings.
How to change your name on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click General in the sidebar, then click the About tab. You will see your computer name listed near the top of the window.
Click the Edit button next to the computer name. A text box will appear. Delete the current name and type the new one. Press Return or click outside the box to save. The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to restart some applications for the new name to appear everywhere.
On some older Mac models, the computer name and the local account name are separate. If you want to change your user account name (the one that appears in the login window), go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups, select your account, and look for an option to edit the account name. This process varies by macOS version.
What happens to your files and folders
When you change your account name on Windows, your user folder (usually located at C:\Users\YourName) keeps its old name. Windows does this to avoid breaking file paths and permissions. Your files remain accessible, but the folder name will not match your new account name. This is normal and does not cause problems.
If you want the folder name to match your new account name, you would need to create a new user account with the new name, then manually move your files over. This is more complicated and usually not necessary unless you are setting up a computer from scratch.
On Mac, changing the computer name does not affect your home folder or file structure. Your files stay exactly where they are, and the change is purely cosmetic.
When you need administrator access
You must be logged in as an administrator to change your account name. If you are on a personal computer that you own, you almost certainly have administrator access. If you are on a work, school, or shared computer, you may not have permission to make this change.
If you try to rename your account and get an error message saying you do not have permission, contact the person who manages that computer — usually your IT department at work or school, or the computer's owner. They can either give you administrator access or make the change for you.
Your Microsoft account and Apple ID are separate
Changing your computer name does not change your Microsoft account or Apple ID. These are online accounts that live on Microsoft's or Apple's servers, not on your computer. Your passwords, email, and all your online settings stay the same.
If you want to change the name associated with your Microsoft account or Apple ID, you would do that on the Microsoft or Apple website, not on your computer. Those changes are separate from what appears on your computer screen.
Troubleshooting if the change does not appear
If you changed your name but it still shows the old name in some places, restart your computer. The new name may not appear in all applications until you have logged out and back in, or until you restart. Some programs cache the old name and need to be restarted to pick up the change.
If the change did not save at all, make sure you clicked the final confirmation button (Finish on Windows, Return on Mac). If you are still having trouble, check that you are logged in as an administrator. On Windows, you can verify this by going back to Settings > Accounts and looking for "Administrator" next to your account name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my computer name affect my passwords or logins?
No. Your passwords, Microsoft account, Apple ID, and all online logins remain unchanged. The computer name is only what displays on your device — it does not connect to any accounts or services.
Can I change my computer name back if I do not like the new one?
Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. You can change your computer name as many times as you want with no consequences.
What if I share my computer with other people?
Each person can have their own user account with their own name. If you change the account name, it only affects your account. Other people's accounts and their names stay the same. You can create separate accounts for each person through Settings > Accounts > Other people (Windows) or System Settings > General > Users & Groups (Mac).
Does changing my computer name affect my Wi-Fi or network?
Your computer name is used on your local network, so changing it may cause your computer to appear under a different name if you look at connected devices on your router. This does not affect your ability to connect to Wi-Fi or the internet. Your Wi-Fi password and connection settings stay the same.
What if I cannot find the rename option?
Make sure you are in the right place: on Windows, it is Settings > Accounts > Your info. On Mac, it is System Settings > General > About. If the button or option still does not appear, you may not have administrator access, or you may be using an older version of Windows or macOS. Contact your IT support or the computer's owner for help.