How To Change the Account Name of a Local Account

Rick Akura on
If you want to change your account’s name, there are two ways to go about it depending on your account type. Here's how you can change your account name in Windows 10.

Windows 10 allows users to customize accounts to a high degree. You’re able to assign a name to any local or Microsoft account connected to your Windows 10 system. This name appears on the Welcome screen and the Start screen, as well as menus such as the Start menu.

Change Account Name on Windows 10


If you want to change your account’s name, there are two ways to go about it depending on your account type. Follow our step by step guides to learn how to rename your Windows 10 account.

Change the account name of a local account

A local user means that your user information, downloaded apps, and data is only present locally on one computer. If you didn’t link a Microsoft account to your Windows 10 user, changing your username is a simple process.

  1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
    windows dialog box
  2. Type in “control” and press the Enter key on your keyboard. This will launch the classic Control Panel application.
    control panel
  3. Make sure to change your View by mode to either Large icons or Small icons. Doing so will display all Control Panel tabs without grouping them together.
  4. Click on the User Accounts option.
    User accounts
  5. Once you see your options, click on Change your account name. You may be required to provide an administrator password to make changes.
    Need help? Check out our How to make a local user an administrator in Windows 10 guide.
    change account name
  6. Type in your desired account name into the New account name field. Once done, click on the Change Name button.

Change the account name of a linked Microsoft account

Windows 10 allows you to connect your own Microsoft account as a local Windows 10 user. This gives you the ability to sync across different devices, download and use apps you’ve bought, and have a unified way of managing your user information.

If you want to change your account name after connecting your Microsoft account to Windows 10, follow the steps below.

  1. Click on the Start menu in your taskbar. Its symbol is the classic Windows 10 logo and can be found in the bottom left of your screen.
  2. You’ll see the profile picture of the currently logged in user on the left side of the Start menu panel. Click on the image, and then select Change account settings from the context menu.
  3. A new window will appear. Here, if you already have a Microsoft account connected, click on the Manage my Microsoft account link to be able to modify settings such as your account name.
  4. If you don’t have your Microsoft account linked yet, click on Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and complete the connection process. You’ll see instructions shown on the screen.

Final thoughts

If you need any further help with Windows 10, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern day technology!

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Tags: How To