How to change user names in Windows 10

Depending on the type of account you’ve got, there are multiple options to change your Windows 10 account name. The “hard” way involves resetting Windows 10. However, this is a relatively complex process and is only worth it where every other option fails or if you encounter a grave issue such as Windows no longer starting up.

Most cases won’t require a full reset just to change your Windows user name. Changing your account name in Windows 10 is usually a straightforward process. But there are different steps involved to change a local account name versus an online one.

The local Windows 10 user account can be changed directly via the Control Panel. If you’re looking to change the name on your Microsoft account, you’ll need to access the Preferences menu. We’ll explain both options in detail below.

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Changing your user name: Windows 10 with local account

  1. Launch the Control Panel: Windows 10 provides different ways to launch the Control Panel including Windows shortcuts. The easiest way to access the Settings is by clicking on the Windows symbol from the start list or alternatively the Windows key on your keyboard. Select Settings or the gear icon and enter “Control Panel”.
Settings in the Windows task list
By clicking on Settings or the gear icon you can view your Settings in Windows.
Search for the “Control Panel” using the search field in Windows Settings.
If you can’t locate the Control Panel, you can find it by searching for it using the search bar in Settings.
  1. Select Change account type under User Accounts. You may need an administrator password to do so.
Overview of system settings and “Change account type” options.
Below “User Accounts”, you’ll find the “Change account type” option. Depending on the security settings, you may need to enter an administrator password.
  1. Select the (local) account you wish to modify.
The local user account in the account overview.
Choose the local user account you wish to amend.
  1. Select “Change the account name” from the overview.
Menu where you can change the account name from.
Change the user account name from within the account options.
  1. Enter the new user name in the dialog field.
Dialog field to enter new account name.
Windows will launch a new dialog to enter your new account name.
  1. Confirm your selection by choosing “Change name”.

Once you’ve completed all these steps, you can log out. The sign-in field should now show your new user name.

Tip

If you’re unsure of the operating system version currently installed on your computer, you can view it in a few simple steps. It’s just as easy to change your user name in Windows 7, for example.

Changing your Windows 10 account name using a Microsoft account

If you’re logged in with a Microsoft account, the name displayed is the user name of your account. If you want to change it, you will need to change your Windows account settings from your Microsoft account.

You can do so by logging into your Microsoft account which can be located via the Settings menu.

On the first page of your Windows Settings, open the “Accounts” overview. A link should be displayed below your user name and email address. By clicking this link, you will be taken to the Microsoft account login page. Note that you need to have Internet access for the web page to launch.

To change your Windows 10 user account online, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Microsoft user account: You can sign in to your account by hitting the button in the center of the display or the Sign in option at the top right of the window.
Microsoft account with two Sign-in options.
Sign in to your Microsoft account.
  1. Below your user name (top left) select More actions and Edit profile.
Profile menu from where you can modify your Microsoft user profile
You can make various modifications to your Microsoft account online.
  1. You should now be able to view your personal data. Select Edit name below your user name.
Profile menu from where you can modify your Microsoft user profile
Modification options can be viewed directly below your current account name.
  1. Enter your new preferred user name and the captcha code. Hit Save to finish the process.
Dialog to choose new Microsoft account name
Enter the new user name in the dialog window.

Once you’ve logged out and in again, you should be able to view your new user name. Occasionally, it may take a little longer until changes have been implemented across all your devices.

Note

Importantly, both methods to change your Windows 10 user name will not have an effect on the name of the user directory. This directory was created when you created your user account and won’t be modified even after you change your user name. Manual changes to the directory could cause issues. If you plan to change the name of the directory, you should sign up for a new user account with the correct name and transfer all your data to that account.

Changes to your Microsoft account name will affect all other Microsoft services including email and Office applications. That means that your user name will also be your email account name.

Tip

Your Microsoft account is not just connected to Windows, but also many Microsoft products such as the Office suite. The latest version of the software is included in the Microsoft 365 package.

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