Change Your Login Name Through Settings
The fastest way to change your login name in Windows 10 is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts, then Your info on the left side. At the top of the screen, you'll see your current account name. Click on it, type your new name, and click Next. Windows will ask you to confirm the change — click Finish, and your login name updates when ready.
This method works for any account type on your computer, whether it's a local account or a Microsoft account. The change takes effect the next time you sign in, though you can continue working without restarting. If you're changing the name on someone else's account, you'll need administrator permissions to make the change.
Key Takeaways
- The Settings app is the simplest way to change your login name — it takes about two minutes and requires no restart.
- Your old username will no longer appear on the login screen; Windows uses the new name when ready after you confirm the change.
- Changing your login name does not affect your files, passwords, or any programs you have installed.
- If you forget your new login name, you can always change it again using the same Settings path.
What Happens to Your Files and Folders
When you change your login name, Windows keeps all your files and folders exactly where they are. Your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders remain accessible and unchanged. The folder path on your hard drive stays the same — it still points to your user account, not to the name you type at login.
Programs and settings tied to your account also stay in place. Your email accounts, browser bookmarks, installed software, and saved passwords all remain. The login name is just the label you see on the sign-in screen and in the top-right corner of the Start menu — changing it doesn't touch anything underneath.
Changing a Local Account Name vs. a Microsoft Account
If you sign in with a local account (a username and password stored only on your computer), the Settings method above works exactly as described. You type the new name, confirm it, and you're done.
If you sign in with a Microsoft account (the email address you use for OneDrive, Outlook, or Xbox), the process is slightly different. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, but instead of clicking your name, look for Manage my Microsoft account. This opens your Microsoft account online. Click Your info, then Edit name, type your new display name, and save. This change appears in Windows within a few minutes. Note that this changes the name Windows displays, not your actual Microsoft email address — you still sign in with your email.
Using the Control Panel Method (Older Approach)
If Settings doesn't work or you prefer the older interface, you can change your login name through the Control Panel. Press the Windows key, type "control panel," and open it. Click User Accounts, then User Accounts again. Find your account and click Change your account name. Type the new name and click Rename.
This method produces the same result as the Settings app — it's just an older way to reach the same function. Most people find Settings faster, but the Control Panel route works if you're more comfortable with that interface.
Troubleshooting: When the Change Won't Stick
If you change your login name but it reverts to the old name after restart, check whether you're using a Microsoft account. Microsoft accounts sometimes sync the display name across devices, and if another device has the old name set, Windows may revert. Sign in to your Microsoft account online and confirm the name is updated there, then wait a few minutes for Windows to sync.
If you're using a local account and the name still won't change, make sure you have administrator permissions. Right-click Settings, select Run as administrator, and try again. If the problem persists, restart your computer and attempt the change once more — sometimes Windows needs a restart to process account changes fully.
What You Cannot Change This Way
Changing your login name does not change your username folder on the hard drive. If you open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users, you'll still see the old folder name. This is normal and doesn't cause problems — Windows knows which folder belongs to your account regardless of what name you use to sign in.
You also cannot change your Microsoft email address through this process. If you sign in with an email address and want to use a different email, you'll need to create a new account or change your Microsoft account email through the Microsoft website directly. The login name change only affects the display name, not the account credentials themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my login name affect my passwords?
No. Your saved passwords for websites, email accounts, and apps remain intact. Windows stores passwords separately from your login name, so changing the name you see on the sign-in screen doesn't touch them.
Can I change my login name back to what it was before?
Yes, anytime. Follow the same steps in Settings > Accounts > Your info, click your current name, type the old name, and confirm. There's no limit to how many times you can change it.
What if I'm changing someone else's account name and they have a password?
You can change their login name without knowing their password — you only need administrator permissions on the computer. Their password stays the same; only the name they see on the sign-in screen changes.
Does changing my login name affect my OneDrive or cloud files?
No. OneDrive and other cloud services are tied to your Microsoft account email, not your login name. Changing the name you use to sign in to Windows doesn't change anything in the cloud.
Why does Windows still show my old name in some places?
Some programs and settings cache the old name and don't update when ready. Restart your computer to force all programs to recognize the new name. If a specific program still shows the old name after restart, that program may need to be restarted separately.