How Do You Change the Name of a User in Windows 10?
Changing the name of a user account in Windows 10 is a common task that many users find themselves needing to do at some point. Whether you’ve recently updated your personal information, want to personalize your device, or simply need to correct a typo, knowing how to modify your user name can make your computing experience feel more tailored and organized. While it might seem straightforward, Windows 10 offers several methods to accomplish this, each suited to different types of accounts and user preferences.
Understanding the process behind changing a user name is helpful not only for personal customization but also for managing multiple accounts on a single device. The user name displayed on your login screen and in various system settings can impact how you interact with your PC daily. Moreover, ensuring that your user account reflects the correct name can be important for security, clarity, and even professional use.
In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the various ways you can change the name of a user in Windows 10, from simple adjustments in system settings to more advanced options. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who manages multiple profiles, you’ll find clear guidance to help you update your user name quickly and effectively.
Changing User Account Name Through Control Panel
To modify the user account name in Windows 10 via the Control Panel, start by opening the Control Panel itself. You can do this by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar next to the Start menu and selecting the corresponding app. Within the Control Panel, navigate to the “User Accounts” section.
Once inside “User Accounts,” click on “Change your account name.” This option allows you to update the name that appears on the sign-in screen and within the system. Enter the desired new name in the text box provided and confirm the change by clicking the “Change Name” button.
This method works primarily for local user accounts. If you are using a Microsoft Account, the name displayed is linked to your online profile and must be changed via the Microsoft Account settings online. After making changes, you may need to sign out and back in for the update to take effect.
Using Local Users and Groups Management to Rename Account
For users with administrative privileges, the Local Users and Groups tool offers a more advanced way to rename user accounts. This utility is accessible only in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
To open this management console, press `Win + R` to bring up the Run dialog, type `lusrmgr.msc`, and press Enter. In the left pane, click on “Users” to display a list of all local accounts on the system. Right-click the user account you wish to rename and select “Rename.” Type the new username carefully and press Enter.
It is important to note that this method changes the username used for logging into the system but does not modify the user profile folder name located in `C:\Users`. Renaming the profile folder requires additional steps involving registry edits and should be done cautiously to avoid profile corruption.
Renaming User Account Through Command Prompt
The Command Prompt offers a quick method for changing user account names without navigating through various graphical interfaces. To execute this, you need to run Command Prompt with administrative rights.
Open the Start menu, type “cmd,” right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.” Once the elevated Command Prompt is open, use the following command syntax:
“`
wmic useraccount where name=’CurrentName’ rename NewName
“`
Replace `CurrentName` with the existing username and `NewName` with the desired new username. Press Enter to execute the command. If successful, the command prompt will return a confirmation message.
This method also changes the username used for logging in but, like the Local Users and Groups method, does not alter the profile folder name.
Comparison of Methods to Change User Account Name
Each method for changing the user account name in Windows 10 has its own advantages and limitations. The table below summarizes these key points to help determine which approach best suits your needs:
| Method | Applicable Accounts | Requires Admin Rights | Changes Profile Folder Name | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | Local Accounts | No (if changing own name) | No | Easy |
| Local Users and Groups | Local Accounts (Pro/Enterprise/Education) | Yes | No | Moderate |
| Command Prompt (WMIC) | Local Accounts | Yes | No | Moderate |
Important Considerations When Renaming User Accounts
Before proceeding with any method to rename a user account, consider the following points to avoid potential issues:
- Profile Folder Mismatch: Changing the user account name does not rename the associated profile folder in `C:\Users`. This mismatch can cause confusion when accessing user-specific files or troubleshooting.
- Microsoft Accounts: If your user account is linked to a Microsoft Account, the username is synchronized with your online profile. Changes made locally may not reflect until updated via the Microsoft Account website.
- Administrative Permissions: Some methods require administrative privileges. Ensure you have the necessary rights to perform the change.
- System Stability: Avoid renaming system or built-in accounts such as “Administrator” or “Guest,” as this may disrupt system processes.
- Backup Data: It is advisable to back up important data before making changes to user accounts to prevent accidental data loss.
By understanding these factors and selecting the appropriate method, you can effectively change the user account name on your Windows 10 device.
Changing the User Account Name via Control Panel
Windows 10 allows you to modify the display name of a user account through the Control Panel, which is a straightforward method for local accounts. This change affects the name shown on the login screen and in the Start menu but does not alter the folder name in the user directory.
Follow these steps to change the user name using Control Panel:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
controland press Enter to launch the Control Panel. - Set the view mode to Large icons or Small icons, then select User Accounts.
- Click User Accounts again on the next screen.
- Select Change your account name.
- Enter the new user name you want and click Change Name.
After completing these steps, the new name will appear on the sign-in screen and other locations where your user name is displayed. This method only applies to local user accounts and requires you to be signed in with an account that has administrative privileges.
Modifying the User Name Using Local Users and Groups
The Local Users and Groups management console provides an alternative, more advanced method to rename user accounts on Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise editions. This tool is unavailable on Windows 10 Home.
To rename a user account through Local Users and Groups, perform the following:
- Press Win + R, type
lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter to open the Local Users and Groups snap-in. - In the left pane, click on Users.
- In the center pane, right-click the user account you wish to rename, then select Rename.
- Type the new user name and press Enter.
This method changes the account name as recognized by the system and reflected throughout Windows, including the login screen. However, like the Control Panel method, it does not rename the user’s profile folder located under C:\Users.
Changing the User Name Through the Settings App
For Microsoft accounts linked to Windows 10, the user name is tied to the online profile and cannot be changed directly from the local system settings. However, you can initiate a name change through the Settings app, which redirects to the Microsoft account website.
To start this process:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Go to Accounts → Your info.
- If you are signed in with a Microsoft account, click the Manage my Microsoft account link.
- In your web browser, sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to your profile information and update your display name.
Once updated online, the new name will synchronize with your Windows 10 device, reflecting the change on the login screen and account information.
Renaming the User Profile Folder Safely
Changing the user account name through Control Panel or other methods does not update the corresponding user profile folder under C:\Users. Renaming this folder requires careful handling to avoid system errors or login issues.
To safely rename the user profile folder, follow these steps:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create a temporary administrator account | Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add someone else to this PC, then assign administrative privileges. |
| 2 | Sign out and log in with the temporary account | This ensures the profile folder you want to rename is not in use. |
| 3 | Rename the user profile folder | Using File Explorer, navigate to C:\Users and rename the folder to the desired name. |
| 4 | Edit the registry | Open Registry Editor (regedit), navigate to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileListFind the profile matching the original user SID, then update the ProfileImagePath value to the new folder path. |
| 5 | Restart the computer and log in with the renamed account | Verify that all settings and files are intact. |
| 6 | Delete the temporary administrator account | Once confirmed that the renamed profile works correctly, remove the temporary account for security. |