The name shown on the Windows sign-in screen, Start menu, and File Explorer sidebar is your display name. Changing it is different depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account.
This guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Does This Affect You?
If your account shows an email address, change the name online through Microsoft. If it is a local account with only a username, change it in Control Panel.
Change a Microsoft Account Name
- Open a browser and go to
account.microsoft.com. - Sign in with the same Microsoft account used on the PC.
- Open Your info.
- Choose Edit name.
- Enter the new name and save it.
- Sign out of Windows or restart. The new name may take a few minutes to sync.
Change a Local Account Name
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to User Accounts > User Accounts.
- Click Change your account name.
- Enter the new name and click Change Name.
- The new display name appears on Windows screens.
Important Username Notes
The User Folder Does Not Rename
Changing the display name does not rename C:UsersOldName. Windows creates that folder during account setup and normally leaves it alone. This mismatch is cosmetic and expected.
Check Account Type
Open Settings > Accounts > Your info. An email address means Microsoft account; no email usually means local account.
Admin Accounts Rename the Same Way
Changing the display name does not change whether the account is standard or administrator.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Change your Microsoft account name
- Microsoft Support: Create a local user or administrator account in Windows
- Microsoft Learn: User profiles overview