Change your computer name or user account name in Windows and Mac
Your computer has two separate names you might want to change: the computer name (what appears on your network and in file sharing), and your user account name (what shows on the login screen and in file paths). Windows and Mac handle both differently, and the steps depend on which one you want to change and which operating system you use.
If you want to change how your computer appears to other devices on your network, you are changing the computer name. If you want to change the name that appears when you log in, you are changing your user account name. Some people need to do one, some need to do both.
Key Takeaways
- Windows lets you change your computer name through Settings > System > About, then click Rename This PC.
- To change your Windows user account name, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and click the Rename button next to your account name.
- On Mac, change your computer name in System Settings > General, then click Edit next to the computer name at the top.
- On Mac, change your user account name in System Settings > General > Users & Groups, select your account, and click the lock to make changes.
- You will need administrator access on your computer to make any of these changes, and you may need to restart your computer afterward.
How to change your computer name in Windows
Your computer name is the identifier that shows up when other computers on your network look for shared files or printers. To change it in Windows 10 or Windows 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app.
Once Settings is open, click System on the left side, then scroll down and click About. You will see your current computer name listed under "Device name." Click the blue Rename this PC button, type your new name (use letters, numbers, and hyphens only — no spaces or special characters), then click Next. Windows will ask you to restart your computer. Save your work, click Restart now, and your computer name will change after it boots back up.
How to change your user account name in Windows
Your user account name is what appears on the Windows login screen and in your file paths (like C:\Users\YourName). To change it, open Settings and click Accounts on the left side. Click Your info at the top.
You will see your current account name displayed. Click the blue Rename button next to it, type your new name, then click Next. Windows will confirm the change. Your new account name will appear the next time you log in, though your old user folder name on the hard drive will stay the same — this is normal and does not cause problems.
How to change your computer name on Mac
On Mac, your computer name is what appears in Finder and on your network. To change it, 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.
At the top of the General window, you will see your computer name. Click the Edit button next to it, type your new name, then press Enter. The change takes effect when ready. You do not need to restart your Mac.
How to change your user account name on Mac
Your Mac user account name is different from your computer name. To change it, open System Settings and click General in the sidebar. Scroll down and click Users & Groups (or Accounts on older versions).
You will see a list of user accounts. Select your account on the left, then click the lock icon at the bottom right and enter your password to unlock settings. Right-click your account name and select Advanced Options. You can change the "Full Name" (the display name) here. The "Account name" field is harder to change and may require additional steps — if you need to change it, consider contacting Apple Support, as changing it incorrectly can cause login problems.
What happens after you change your name
After you change your computer name, it may take a few minutes to update across your network. If you have shared folders or printers set up, they will still work, but any shortcuts or network paths that used your old computer name might need to be updated.
If you change your user account name on Windows, your old user folder stays on the hard drive with its original name. This does not cause problems — Windows knows where to find your files. If you change your account name on Mac, your home folder name stays the same as well.
When you need administrator access
You must be logged in as an administrator to change either your computer name or user account name. If you are not sure whether your account has administrator access, try making the change — Windows or Mac will tell you if you do not have permission.
If you share your computer with other people and your account is not an administrator account, you will need to ask whoever set up the computer to make these changes for you. They can log in with their administrator account and change the names from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after changing the name?
Windows requires a restart after changing your computer name, but not after changing your user account name. Mac does not require a restart for either change. Save your work before making the change just in case.
Can I use spaces or special characters in my computer name?
Windows computer names cannot contain spaces or most special characters — stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens. Mac computer names can include spaces and most characters, but it is still a good idea to keep them straightforward to avoid problems with network sharing.
What if I forget my old computer name?
You can see your current computer name anytime by going back to the same settings screen where you changed it. On Windows, that is Settings > System > About. On Mac, it is System Settings > General.
Will changing my account name affect my files or programs?
Your files and programs will continue to work normally. Windows keeps your old user folder name on the hard drive, so file paths do not break. On Mac, your home folder name also stays the same, so nothing is disrupted.
Can I change my account name without restarting?
On Mac, yes — changes take effect when ready. On Windows, changing your user account name does not require a restart, but changing your computer name does. You can change your account name and keep working, then restart later when it is convenient.