How to Change the Username of an Account in Windows 11

Changing the username of an account in Windows 11 can help you personalize your user profile or correct any mistakes made during the initial setup. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the username for both local and Microsoft accounts.

Introduction

The username is the name that appears on the login screen and in various places throughout the system. Updating the username can make your account more identifiable and personal. This guide provides methods for changing the username for local accounts and Microsoft accounts in Windows 11.

Method 1: Changing the Username for a Local Account

Step 1: Open Control Panel

  1. Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. Type "Control Panel" in the search bar and select the Control Panel app from the search results.

Step 2: Navigate to User Accounts

  1. In the Control Panel, set the View by option to Large icons or Small icons.
  2. Click on User Accounts.

Step 3: Change Your Username

  1. Click on Change your account name.
  2. Enter the new username you want to use and click Change Name.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

  1. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 2: Changing the Username for a Microsoft Account

Step 1: Open Your Microsoft Account Online

  1. Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft account website.

Step 2: Sign In

  1. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.

Step 3: Access Your Info

  1. Click on your profile picture or initials in the upper-right corner and select Your info.

Step 4: Edit Name

  1. Under Your info, click on Edit name.

Step 5: Change Your Name

  1. Enter the new first and last name you want to use.
  2. Enter the CAPTCHA code as required and click Save.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

  1. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 3: Changing the Username Using Local Users and Groups

Note:

This method is available only in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Step 1: Open Local Users and Groups

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter.

Step 2: Select Users

  1. In the Local Users and Groups window, click on Users in the left-hand sidebar.

Step 3: Change the Username

  1. Right-click on the account whose username you want to change and select Rename.
  2. Enter the new username and press Enter.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

  1. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Additional Tips

  • Profile Folder Name: Changing the username does not change the name of the user profile folder in the C:\Users directory. If you need to change the folder name, you must create a new account with the desired name and transfer your data.
  • Administrator Privileges: Ensure you have administrator privileges to change the username.
  • Microsoft Account Sync: Changes to your Microsoft account name will sync across all devices using the same account.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to change the username of an account in Windows 11. By following these methods, you can update the username for both local and Microsoft accounts, ensuring your user profile is personalized and accurate. Remember to restart your computer to apply the changes effectively.


Comments

Post a Comment