How to Change Account Picture in Windows 11 Easily

Option 1Change Your Account Picture Using Windows Settings

This is the most common method for changing the account picture. It works for both local accounts, which stay only on the PC, and for Microsoft accounts. Take a new photo with the webcam or select an existing picture stored on the computer.

Step 1Open Windows Settings

To open settings ⚙️, press the Win and the I key on the keyboard simultaneously. The Settings ⚙️ app will then appear.

Step 2Go to Your Account Info

Within the Settings ⚙️ app, click on Accounts in the menu that appears on the left side.

On the right side of the Settings window, click on the "Your info" option, which is typically the first option listed. Selecting "Your info" lets users manage the account picture and other personal details for the Windows 11 profile.

Step 3Choose How to Add a Picture

On the Your info screen in Windows 11, find the 'Adjust your photo' section below the current picture to choose how to change the account picture. Take a new photo with the computer's camera or select a picture file already saved on the device.

• Take a photo: Use this if your computer has a webcam and you want to take a new picture now.
• Choose a file: Use this if you have a picture saved on your computer that you want to use.

Step 4Take a New Photo (If You Have a Camera)

If choosing to take a new photo for the account, click the 'Open Camera' button to start. The computer's Camera app opens, letting users position themselves for the shot. Once ready, click the circular 'Take photo' button to capture the new account picture.

The computer's Camera app will launch. Position yourself or the subject within the frame. Once ready, click the Take photo button, which is usually represented by a circular icon at the bottom of the camera interface.

After capturing the image, review the photo. Crop the photo by adjusting the on-screen borders. Click Done when satisfied with the cropped photo.

Step 5Choose an Existing Picture

If preferring to use a picture already on the computer, select 'Choose a file' and then click 'Browse files'. A File Explorer window appears, allowing users to find the desired image. Click on the chosen picture file and then click 'Choose picture' to set it as the account photo.

A File Explorer window will open. Locate the picture to use. Click on the image file itself, and then click the Choose picture button positioned at the top of the window.

Tip: Windows 11 supports common image types such as JPG, PNG, and BMP. If the image doesn't appear, check its file type.

Step 6Finish Your New Picture

Windows 11 displays the updated account picture now. The Settings app can be closed. The change typically takes effect immediately.

The new picture is visible in various locations, including the Start menu, the login screen, and user account settings.

Option 2Change Your Microsoft Account Picture Online

Change the Windows 11 account picture by updating it online through the Microsoft account, which is useful when using services like Outlook or Xbox. Changing it this way means the new picture automatically shows up on all devices and Microsoft services, keeping everything consistent.

Step 1Go to the Microsoft Account Website

First, open the web browser and go to the Microsoft account profile page, found by searching 'Microsoft account' or by visiting account.microsoft.com/profile. Sign in using the same Microsoft email and password used for the Windows 11 computer.

Sign in using the same Microsoft account email and password used for the Windows 11 computer. If already logged into the browser, the system may take users directly to the profile page.

Step 2Add or Change Your Photo

Once on the Microsoft account profile page, find where the current account picture is displayed. Look for a button or link that says 'Add a photo' or 'Change photo' and click it to start the process of uploading a new image for the account.

Users may encounter another prompt or a link that says Add a photo. Click this to proceed with selecting the new image.

Step 3Select and Upload Your Image

A window appears, allowing users to locate the image on the computer. Select the desired picture and click the Open button.

Step 4Adjust and Save

The chosen picture uploads, and the Microsoft website offers tools to adjust the picture perfectly. Zoom in or out and move the image until happy with how the picture looks. Click the 'Save' button to upload the final photo.

Click the Save button. This action uploads the adjusted picture to the Microsoft account.

Step 5Wait for the Sync

After saving the picture, close the browser. The new Microsoft account picture starts to sync across devices and services, which might take a few minutes or up to 24 hours. This updated picture then appears on the Windows 11 login screen and in other Microsoft apps.

Important Note: If updating the picture online, it also reflects in Windows Settings. The version updated online serves as the primary picture for the Microsoft account.

Summary

Change the account picture in Windows 11 using either the Settings app or the online Microsoft account page. For the Settings app, go to Settings › Accounts › Your info, then choose to take a new photo or pick an existing file. If using the Microsoft account, visit their website, sign in, and follow the prompts to upload and adjust the new picture.

C:\Users\Public\Public Account Pictures\<SID of user>

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AccountPicture\Users\<SID of user>