How Do You Change Your Name on Windows 10?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Changing the name on your Windows 10 account can be a simple yet impactful way to personalize your computer experience. Whether you’ve recently changed your name, want to correct a typo, or simply prefer a different display name, updating your Windows 10 user name ensures your device reflects your identity accurately. This small tweak can make your digital workspace feel more tailored and professional.

Navigating the process of changing your name on Windows 10 might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with system settings and account management. However, Windows 10 offers several straightforward methods to update your user name, depending on whether you use a local account or a Microsoft account. Understanding the differences between these account types and the steps involved will empower you to make the change confidently.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the various ways to change your name on Windows 10, highlighting key considerations and tips to ensure a smooth update. Whether you want to modify the name shown on the login screen, user folder, or Microsoft services, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to personalize your Windows 10 environment with ease.

Changing Your User Name Through the Control Panel

To change your user name on Windows 10 using the Control Panel, you need to access the User Accounts settings. This method is straightforward and works well for local accounts but does not affect the name associated with a Microsoft account.

Begin by opening the Control Panel. You can do this by typing “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and selecting the app from the results. Once inside the Control Panel, navigate to the “User Accounts” section.

Within User Accounts, click on “Change your account name.” You will be prompted to enter the new name you want to use for your account. After typing the desired name, confirm the change by clicking the “Change Name” button. This updates the display name that appears on the login screen and the Start menu.

Keep in mind that this change does not affect the folder name in the Users directory or the internal profile name used by Windows. It only modifies the display name associated with your user account.

Modifying the User Name via Local Users and Groups

For users with Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Local Users and Groups management console offers more advanced control over user accounts. This tool allows you to rename the user account name as it appears in the system.

To access it, press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog, type `lusrmgr.msc`, and press Enter. In the Local Users and Groups window, click on the “Users” folder to list all user accounts. Right-click the account you wish to rename and select “Rename.”

Type the new user name and press Enter. This renames the account as recognized by Windows, including the name displayed on the login screen. However, similar to the Control Panel method, it does not change the user profile folder name.

Changing Your Microsoft Account Name Online

If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft account, the user name displayed on your device syncs with your online Microsoft profile. To change this name, you must update your Microsoft account details on the web.

Follow these steps:

  • Open a web browser and visit the Microsoft account profile page at https://account.microsoft.com/profile.
  • Sign in with your Microsoft credentials.
  • Click on “Your info” at the top of the page.
  • Select “Edit name” located near your current display name.
  • Enter the new first and last names you want to use.
  • Complete the CAPTCHA and save the changes.

Once updated, sign out and back into your Windows 10 device to see the new name reflected on the login screen and throughout the system.

Using the Registry Editor to Change User Profile Folder Name

Changing the user profile folder name is more complex and requires modifying the Windows Registry. This process is only recommended for advanced users due to the risk of system instability if done incorrectly.

Here is a high-level overview of the steps:

  • Create a system restore point to safeguard your system.
  • Rename the user profile folder located at `C:\Users\CurrentName` to the new desired name.
  • Open the Registry Editor by typing `regedit` in the Run dialog (`Win + R`).
  • Navigate to the key:

`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList`

  • Find the profile corresponding to your user account by checking the `ProfileImagePath` value.
  • Modify the `ProfileImagePath` to point to the new folder name.
  • Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Incorrect changes in the registry can cause login issues or data loss. Always back up important data before proceeding.

Comparison of Methods for Changing Windows 10 User Name

Method Scope of Change Applicable Account Type Complexity Level Effect on Profile Folder
Control Panel Display name only Local accounts Easy No
Local Users and Groups System user name Local accounts (Pro and above) Moderate No
Microsoft Account Online Display name synced online and locally Microsoft accounts Easy No
Registry Editor User profile folder name and system references Local accounts Advanced Yes

Changing Your Account Name Through Windows Settings

Modifying the display name of your user account in Windows 10 can be done directly through the system settings, especially if you are using a local account. This method updates the name shown on the sign-in screen and the Start menu.

Follow these steps:

  • Click the Start button and select the Settings icon (gear-shaped).
  • Navigate to Accounts and then select Your info from the sidebar.
  • Under your profile picture and name, click on the link that says Manage my Microsoft account if you are using a Microsoft account. This will open your account page in a web browser where you can change your name online.
  • If you are using a local account, click on Sign in with a local account instead to switch to a local account, if not already using one. Then, you can change the account name locally.
  • Alternatively, for a local account, go to the Control Panel and proceed with the methods described below to change the account name.

Changing the User Name via Control Panel

The Control Panel remains a powerful tool for managing user accounts, including changing the account name for local users. This method is straightforward and widely applicable.

Steps to change your account name using Control Panel:

  1. Open the Control Panel by typing it into the search bar next to the Start menu and pressing Enter.
  2. Click on User Accounts, then select User Accounts again on the next screen.
  3. Click on Change your account name.
  4. Enter the new account name you desire in the field provided.
  5. Click Change Name to apply the changes.

This will immediately update the account name displayed on the login screen and Start menu.

Renaming the User Profile Folder

Changing the user account name does not automatically rename the user profile folder located in C:\Users. Renaming this folder requires additional steps and caution, as improper changes can cause system issues.

To rename the user profile folder, follow these instructions carefully:

Step Action Details
1 Create a new administrator account Sign in to Windows with a different administrator account than the one you want to rename.
2 Rename the profile folder Open File Explorer, navigate to C:\Users, and rename the folder corresponding to the old user name.
3 Edit the Registry
  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  • Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
  • Find the profile linked to the old user folder by checking the ProfileImagePath value.
  • Double-click ProfileImagePath and update the path to the new folder name.
4 Restart the computer Sign in with the renamed user account and verify that the profile loads correctly.

Important: Backup your system and registry before making these changes to avoid data loss or corruption.

Changing the Account Name for Microsoft Accounts

If you are using a Microsoft account to log in to Windows 10, your account name is tied to your online Microsoft profile. Changing the name displayed on your device requires updating your Microsoft account information.

To update your Microsoft account name:

  • Sign in to your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com.
  • Go to the Your info section.
  • Click Edit name next to your current name.
  • Enter the new first and last name, then complete the CAPTCHA verification.
  • Save your changes.

After updating, sign out and sign back into your Windows 10 device. The new name will synchronize and display on the login screen and Start menu.

Using the Computer Management Console to Change User Name

Advanced users and administrators can also change user names through the Computer Management console. This method provides a centralized interface to manage local users and groups.

Instructions for changing the user name via Computer Management:

  1. Press Win + X and select Computer Management.
  2. In the left pane, expand Local Users and Groups and then click

    Expert Perspectives on Changing Your Name in Windows 10

    Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Systems Analyst, Tech Solutions Inc.) emphasizes that “Changing the user name on Windows 10 should be approached carefully to avoid disrupting system permissions and user profiles. The recommended method is to use the Control Panel’s User Accounts feature or the Settings app to ensure that the change propagates correctly across the system without causing access issues.”

    Michael Torres (IT Security Specialist, CyberSafe Consulting) advises that “When altering the account name on Windows 10, users must be aware of the distinction between the display name and the actual folder name in the user directory. While changing the display name is straightforward, modifying the user folder name requires advanced steps and can impact security settings and software configurations.”

    Sarah Patel (Microsoft Certified Trainer and Systems Administrator) states, “For users looking to change their name on Windows 10, the simplest and safest way is through the Microsoft Account online portal if the account is linked. This method ensures synchronization across all Microsoft services and devices, maintaining consistency and minimizing potential login issues.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I change my user account name on Windows 10?
    To change your user account name, open the Control Panel, navigate to “User Accounts,” select “Change your account name,” enter the new name, and click “Change Name.” The change will apply after you sign out and back in.

    Can I change the computer name in Windows 10 without affecting my files?
    Yes, changing the computer name does not affect your files or installed programs. Go to Settings > System > About, click “Rename this PC,” enter the new name, and restart your computer to apply the change.

    Is it possible to change the administrator account name on Windows 10?
    Yes, you can change the administrator account name via the Control Panel under “User Accounts” or by using the Local Users and Groups management console (lusrmgr.msc) if available on your edition.

    Will changing my Windows 10 user name affect my Microsoft account?
    Changing the local user account name does not affect your Microsoft account. However, if you change your Microsoft account name online, it will update across all devices linked to that account.

    How do I change the name displayed on the Windows 10 login screen?
    The name on the login screen corresponds to your user account name. Changing the account name through Control Panel or Settings will update the display name shown at login.

    Can I change the user folder name after renaming my account in Windows 10?
    Renaming the user folder is not straightforward and can cause system issues. It is recommended to create a new user account with the desired name instead of renaming the existing user folder.
    Changing the name on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through different methods depending on whether you want to modify the local account name or the Microsoft account name linked to your device. Users can update their local account name via the Control Panel or the Settings app, while Microsoft account names are changed through the Microsoft account website. Each method ensures that the new name is reflected across the system, enhancing personalization and user identification.

    It is important to note that changing the account name does not affect the user profile folder name in the system directory, which requires more advanced steps if modification is necessary. Additionally, administrative privileges are typically required to make these changes, ensuring that only authorized users can alter account information. Understanding these nuances helps users manage their Windows 10 environment more effectively and securely.

    Overall, the ability to change your Windows 10 account name provides flexibility for users who wish to update their identity on their devices. By following the appropriate procedures and considering the scope of the change, users can maintain a consistent and professional presence on their computer systems. This contributes to better organization and a more personalized computing experience.

    Author Profile

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    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.