The quickest way to rename your administrator account
You can change your administrator account name through Settings or through the Local Users and Groups tool, depending on which version of Windows 10 you have. The Settings route works on all versions and takes about two minutes. If you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you also have access to a faster tool called Local Users and Groups that does the same thing in one screen.
Both methods change only the display name — the name that appears on your login screen and in the Start menu. Your user folder name stays the same, which prevents problems with programs that store files in your user directory. If you need to change the folder name itself, that requires a different process and carries more risk of breaking things.
Key Takeaways
- The Settings method works on all Windows 10 versions and is the safest route for most people.
- Local Users and Groups is faster but only available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
- Changing the account name through Settings changes only the display name, not your user folder.
- You must be logged in as an administrator to change any account name, including your own.
Changing your name through Settings
Open Settings 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 your profile picture. Click the button labeled Rename your account. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Type the new name you want, then click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm the change — click Finish and you are done. The new name appears on your login screen the next time you restart.
This method works on every version of Windows 10. It is the safest choice because it does not touch system files or folder structures. The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to sign out and back in to see it reflected everywhere in Windows.
Using Local Users and Groups for a faster change
If you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Local Users and Groups tool, which is faster and shows you more detail about your account. Press the Windows key and type "lusrmgr.msc", then press Enter. If you see a User Account Control prompt asking for permission, click Yes.
In the window that opens, click the folder labeled Users in the left panel. You will see a list of all user accounts on your computer. Right-click the administrator account you want to rename and select Rename. Type the new name and press Enter. The change takes effect when ready.
Local Users and Groups shows you additional information about each account, including whether it is disabled, locked, or password-protected. This tool is not available on Windows 10 Home edition — if you have Home, use the Settings method instead.
What happens to your files and programs after the rename
Your user folder (usually located at C:\Users\YourName) keeps its original name. Programs that store settings or data in that folder will continue to find them because Windows tracks your account by a hidden identifier, not by the display name. You will not lose access to your files, your desktop, your documents, or your program settings.
The display name change affects only where you see your name: the login screen, the Start menu, the Settings app, and anywhere else Windows shows account information. Behind the scenes, your account still points to the same folder and the same data.
Renaming a different administrator account
If you want to rename a different administrator account instead of your own, you must be logged in as an administrator yourself. Use the same Settings or Local Users and Groups method, but select the other account's name from the list instead of your own.
In Settings, go to Accounts and then Other people instead of Your info. You will see a list of other accounts on the computer. Click the one you want to rename, then click Rename. In Local Users and Groups, right-click any account name in the Users folder and select Rename — you do not have to be logged in as that account.
Changing your user folder name (advanced)
If you want to change the actual folder name in C:\Users\ as well as your display name, the process is more complex and carries a higher risk of breaking things. Windows does not provide a built-in tool for this. You would need to create a new administrator account, copy all your files to it, and delete the old account — a process that can take an hour and requires careful attention to permissions.
Most people do not need to do this. Changing your display name through Settings is sufficient for almost all purposes. Only attempt to rename your user folder if a specific program requires it, and back up your files first.
Troubleshooting if the rename does not work
If the rename button is grayed out or you cannot access Local Users and Groups, you are probably not logged in as an administrator. Check your account type in Settings under Accounts and Your info. If it says "Standard account", you will need to ask someone with administrator access to change your name, or to promote your account to administrator first.
If you see an error message saying the name is already in use, choose a different name. Windows does not allow two accounts to have the same display name. If you are trying to rename an account and the change does not appear when ready, restart your computer — the change should show up on the login screen after you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my account name affect my passwords or login?
No. Your password stays the same, and you log in the same way. The display name change does not affect how Windows authenticates you or what you can access.
Can I change the name back if I do not like the new one?
Yes. Use the same method you used to change it the first time. You can rename your account as many times as you want with no penalty or restriction.
What is the difference between the display name and the user folder name?
The display name is what you see on the login screen and in Settings. The user folder name is the actual directory in C:\Users\ where your files are stored. Changing the display name does not change the folder name, which is why programs continue to work normally.
Do I need to restart Windows after changing my account name?
Not required, but restarting ensures the new name appears everywhere in Windows. If you do not restart, you may see the old name in some places until you sign out and back in.
Can I change the built-in Administrator account name?
Yes, using either method. The built-in Administrator account is hidden by default on Windows 10, but if it is enabled, you can rename it the same way you would rename any other account.