How to Modify Your User Name on Windows 10 or 11
Discover hassle-free ways to change your user name on Windows 10 or 11 Learn the step-by-step process for modifying your Microsoft or local account name using Control Panel or netplwiz Simplify personalizing your Windows experience effortlessly
Some Noticeable Information
To change the user name of a Microsoft account, log in to your Microsoft Account, click on your name, and then click "Edit name."
To modify the username of a local account, access Control Panel. Begin by clicking on Start, then type "Control Panel" and select the corresponding option for User Accounts. Next, click on "Change your account name" to proceed.
Alternatively, you can also change the username utilizing netplwiz. Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog box, then type "netplwiz" and press Enter. From the list of user names, choose the one you wish to modify. Next, click on "Properties" and enter the desired new username.
If you wish to modify the username linked to your Windows user account, you have the option to do so. However, the procedure for changing it varies depending on the type of account you possess. Here is a guide on how to accomplish this task.
How to Change a Microsoft Account Name
To change your user name on the Microsoft website, follow these steps:
1. Sign in to your Microsoft Account. If you are using Microsoft Edge as your default browser, you may already be logged in. Otherwise, you will need to manually log in.
2. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and click on "Manage My Account" to access the page.
Once you've logged in, click on your name at the top of the screen.
Then look towards the bottom-right side of the first section — click "Edit name."
Fill in your desired user name and the captcha in the popup, then click "Save."
How to Change a Local Account Name with Control Panel
The way you change a user name is different if you're logged in with a local account. You'll need to use Control Panel, since the option isn't available in the Settings App.
Click Start, then enter "Control Panel" in the search bar and press Enter. The user interfaces in Windows 10 and Windows 11 are similar but not identical. Any visual dissimilarities within Control Panel and its menus are merely cosmetic, so there's no need to be concerned if things appear slightly different.
Click "User Accounts" in the Control Panel.
Then, click "User Accounts" again.
Click on "Change your account name" in the list.
If User Account Control (UAC) presents you with a prompt at this point, go ahead and allow it. Then, type the new name you'd like in the text box. Finally, click "Change Name."
After you click "Change Name," close the user account screen.
How to Change a Local Account Name With netplwiz
To change your user name, you have the option to utilize netplwiz. This method is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
To begin, press the Windows key + r and input "netplwiz" in the dialog box that appears. Hit Enter or click "Ok" to proceed.
Select the user name you want to change, and then click "Properties."
Type the new user name in the box, click "Apply," and then click "Ok."
Whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account, you should restart your PC to make sure the changes stick.
Please note that your user folder will remain unchanged and in its original location. Windows and several other applications save files and preferences within sub-folders of your user folder. Therefore, modifying the name of your user folder can cause complications. For instance, if you initially had a user name of "Bill" and afterwards you switched it to "Tom," your user folder would still be located at "C:\Users\Bill" instead of "C:\Users\Tom."
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have a few thoughts on the article.
First, I appreciate that the article provides clear and concise instructions on how to modify a user name on Windows 10 or 11. The step-by-step process is easy to follow, and the screenshots help to illustrate the process.
Second, I think it's helpful that the article includes information on how to modify both Microsoft and local account names. This is important because many people may not be aware that there are two different types of accounts, and they may not know which type of account they have.
Finally, I appreciate that the article includes a warning about the potential complications of modifying the name of a user folder. This is important information to know, as it can help to prevent people from making mistakes that could cause problems with their computers.
Overall, I think this article is a helpful resource for anyone who wants to modify their user name on Windows 10 or 11. The instructions are clear and concise, and the article includes helpful information on both Microsoft and local account names.
