The two ways to change your username in Windows 10

Windows 10 lets you change the name that appears on your login screen and in the Start menu through two different routes. The method you use depends on what kind of account you have — a local account (stored only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (linked to Microsoft's servers). Both take about five minutes and require you to be logged in as an administrator.

Your username is the display name that shows up when you start your computer, not your password. Changing it does not affect your files, installed programs, or any other settings. The change takes effect the next time you restart your computer or sign out and back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Local accounts are changed through Settings > Accounts > Your Info, where you click your account picture and type a new name.
  • Microsoft accounts require you to change the name at account.microsoft.com on any web browser, then wait for the change to sync to your computer.
  • You must be logged in as an administrator to change any account name on your computer.
  • The change appears on your next login or after you restart your computer.

Changing a local account username

If your account is not connected to a Microsoft email address, it is a local account. To change it, open the Start menu and type "Settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Accounts, then Your Info on the left side.

At the top of the window, you will see your current username with a picture next to it. Click on your username directly — it should be underlined and clickable. A text box will appear where you can type your new name. Type what you want, then press Enter. Windows will ask you to confirm the change. Click Next, then Finish. You are done. The new name will show the next time you sign in.

Changing a Microsoft account username

If your account is linked to a Microsoft email address (you see your email on the Your Info page), you have a Microsoft account. The username change must happen on Microsoft's website, not in Windows itself. Open any web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with your Microsoft email and password if you are not already signed in.

Click Your Info on the left side of the page. Look for a section labeled Manage your Microsoft account or Edit name. Click the pencil icon or Edit button next to your name. Type your new name in the fields provided — you may have separate boxes for first name and last name. Click Save. The change usually appears on your Windows computer within a few minutes, but it can take up to an hour. You do not need to restart, though restarting will speed up the sync.

What happens to your files and programs

Changing your username does not move, delete, or rename any of your files. Your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders stay exactly where they are. Programs you have installed continue to work normally. Your passwords, saved Wi-Fi networks, and browser history are not affected.

The only thing that changes is the name displayed on the login screen and in the Start menu. Behind the scenes, Windows keeps using the same user folder — the folder that holds your files is not renamed. This is why the change is safe and instant.

If you cannot change your username

The most common reason you cannot change your username is that you are not logged in as an administrator. If you see a message saying "You do not have permission to make this change", ask whoever set up the computer to change it for you, or ask them to give your account administrator rights.

If you have a Microsoft account and the change is not appearing after an hour, sign out of Windows completely, then sign back in. This forces Windows to sync with Microsoft's servers. If you are still stuck, restart your computer — this almost always completes the sync.

Switching between a local account and a Microsoft account

If you want to convert your local account to a Microsoft account (or the reverse), that is a separate process from changing your username. You can do this in Settings > Accounts > Your Info by clicking Sign in with a Microsoft account instead or Sign in with a local account instead. This is optional and does not affect your files — it only changes how you log in and whether your account syncs across Microsoft devices.

Converting your account type does not require you to create a new username or lose any existing data. If you switch to a Microsoft account, you will use your email address to sign in instead of a local username, but you can still change the display name that appears in Windows using the same steps described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username log me out?

No. The change takes effect on your next login or restart, but you stay signed in while you make the change. You can keep working and see the new name appear the next time you sign in.

Can I change my username back to the old one?

Yes. Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. There is no limit to how many times you can change your username.

What if I forgot whether I have a local account or Microsoft account?

Open Settings > Accounts > Your Info. If you see your email address listed under your name, you have a Microsoft account. If you see only a username with no email, you have a local account.

Does changing my username change my password?

No. Your password stays the same. If you want to change your password, that is a separate step in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

Yes. Windows allows spaces, numbers, and most punctuation marks in usernames. Avoid only the characters backslash (\) and forward slash (/), which Windows does not permit.