The quickest way to change your Windows 10 user name

You can change your Windows 10 user name in Settings without restarting your computer or losing any files. The process takes about two minutes and works whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account. The name that appears on your sign-in screen and in the Start menu will update when ready after you save the change.

Windows 10 stores your user name in two places: the account name (what appears on the sign-in screen) and the full name (what shows in Settings and on your profile). You can change one, both, or neither depending on what you need. Most people change the full name because it is simpler and does not affect how Windows identifies your account behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your full name in Settings is the easiest method and takes effect when ready without restarting.
  • If you use a Microsoft account, your full name syncs across all your devices that use the same account.
  • Changing your account name (the sign-in name) requires the Local Users and Groups tool and is more involved than changing your full name.
  • You must be signed in as an administrator to change either your full name or your account name.
  • If you forget your password, you cannot change your user name until you sign back in.

Change your full name through Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then click Your info at the top. You will see your current name displayed under your profile picture.

Click the Rename your device button (or in some versions, Edit next to your name). Type your new name in the box that appears, then click Next. Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in to complete the change. Click Sign out now, and when you log back in, your new name will appear everywhere in Windows.

This method works for both Microsoft accounts and local accounts. If you use a Microsoft account, the name change syncs to all your other devices signed in with the same account within a few hours.

Change your account name using Local Users and Groups

If you need to change the actual account name (the one that appears in file paths and folder names), you will need to use the Local Users and Groups tool. This is more technical than changing your full name and is usually only necessary if you want to change how your account appears in Windows system files.

Press the Windows key and type "lusrmgr.msc", then press Enter. If you see a User Account Control prompt, click Yes. In the window that opens, click the Users folder on the left. Right-click your account name in the list and select Rename. Type your new account name and press Enter.

You will need to sign out and sign back in for this change to take effect. Be aware that changing your account name does not automatically rename your user folder (usually C:\Users\YourName). If you want the folder name to match, you will need to rename it separately through File Explorer, which requires more steps and carries a higher risk of problems if done incorrectly.

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

Changing your full name in Settings does not affect your files, programs, or any data on your computer. Everything stays exactly where it is and works the same way. Your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, and all other folders remain accessible and unchanged.

If you change your account name using Local Users and Groups, your files and programs still work, but the file path to your user folder does not update automatically. For example, if your old account name was "John" and you change it to "Jonathan", your user folder will still be called "C:\Users\John" unless you manually rename it. This rarely causes problems, but it can be confusing if you look at file paths or need to troubleshoot permissions later.

Changing your name on a Microsoft account versus a local account

If you sign in with a Microsoft account (your email address), changing your full name in Settings updates it across all your Windows devices, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services. The change takes effect after you sign out and sign back in on that device, and then syncs to your other devices within a few hours.

If you use a local account (a name and password stored only on your computer), the name change only affects that computer. It does not sync anywhere because there is no cloud account connected to it. Local accounts are less common now, but some people use them for privacy or on computers that are not connected to the internet.

When you cannot change your user name and what to do

You must be signed in as an administrator to change your user name. If your account does not have administrator rights, you will see a message saying you do not have permission. Ask the person who set up your computer to give you administrator rights, or have them change the name for you.

If you have forgotten your password and cannot sign in, you cannot change your user name until you regain access to your account. You will need to reset your password first. If you use a Microsoft account, go to the Windows sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password", and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. If you use a local account, you will need to use a password reset disk (if you created one earlier) or have an administrator reset it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my user name affect my passwords or sign-in?

No. Your password stays the same and you sign in the same way. If you use a Microsoft account, you sign in with your email address regardless of what name you display. If you use a local account, you sign in with your account name, so changing the account name does change what you type at sign-in — but Windows will prompt you with the new name the first time you log in.

Can I change my user name back to what it was before?

Yes. Follow the same steps and type your old name. There is no limit to how many times you can change it. You can change it back when ready if you change your mind.

What is the difference between renaming my device and renaming my user account?

Your device name is what appears in network settings and when you connect to Wi-Fi — it is the name of your computer itself. Your user name is the account you sign in with. Changing one does not change the other. Most people only need to change their user name, not their device name.

If I change my account name, do I need to reinstall my programs?

No. Your programs continue to work normally. Some programs store settings in your user folder, and they will still find those settings even if your account name changes, because Windows keeps the folder in the same location.

Can I have more than one user name on the same computer?

Yes. You can create additional user accounts in Settings under Accounts > Other people > Add someone else to this PC. Each account has its own name, password, files, and settings. You switch between accounts by clicking your profile picture in the Start menu and selecting a different account.