How to Change Your Account Picture in Windows 11
Your Windows 11 account picture is the photo you see when you log in or when others look at your profile. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch to your PC. You can pick a photo of yourself, a pet, or even a favorite graphic.
Changing this picture is a straightforward process. If you use a Microsoft account, the new picture will automatically show up on all your connected devices and Microsoft services.
This article explains two easy ways to update your Windows 11 account picture. You can change it directly in your computer’s settings or through your Microsoft account online.
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then navigate to Accounts > Your info. Click “Browse files” to select an existing image or “Open camera” to take a new one. Your chosen image will then update across your Windows 11 account.
Option 1Change Your Account Picture Using Windows Settings
This is the most common method for changing your account picture. It works for both local accounts, which are only on your PC, and for Microsoft accounts. You have the option to take a new photo with your webcam or select a picture you already have stored.
Step 1Open Windows Settings
To open settings, press the Windows key and the I key on your 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" allows you to manage your account picture and other personal details for your 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 your current picture to choose how you want to change your account picture. You can either take a new photo with your computer’s camera or select a picture file that’s already saved on your 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 you chose to take a new photo for your account, click the ‘Open Camera’ button to start. Your computer’s Camera app will open, letting you position yourself for the shot. Once you’re ready, click the circular ‘Take photo’ button to capture your new account picture.
Your computer’s Camera app will launch. Position yourself or your subject within the frame. Once you’re ready, click the Take photo button, which is usually represented by a circular icon at the bottom of the camera interface.
After you capture the image, you can review the photo. You can crop the photo by adjusting the on-screen borders. Click Done when you are satisfied with the cropped photo.
Step 5Choose an Existing Picture
If you prefer to use a picture already on your computer, select ‘Choose a file’ and then click ‘Browse files’. A File Explorer window will appear, allowing you to find the image you want. Click on your chosen picture file and then click ‘Choose picture’ to set it as your account photo.
A File Explorer window will open. Locate the picture you wish 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 your image doesn’t appear, check its file type.
Step 6Finish Your New Picture
Windows 11 will now display your updated account picture. The Settings app can be closed. The change typically takes effect immediately.
Your new picture will be visible in various locations, including your Start menu, the login screen, and within your user account settings.
Option 2Change Your Microsoft Account Picture Online
You can change your Windows 11 account picture by updating it online through your Microsoft account, which is useful if you use services like Outlook or Xbox. Changing it this way means the new picture will automatically show up on all your devices and Microsoft services, keeping everything consistent.
Step 1Go to the Microsoft Account Website
First, open your web browser and go to the Microsoft account profile page, which you can find by searching ‘Microsoft account’ or by visiting account.microsoft.com/profile. Make sure to sign in using the same Microsoft email and password that you use for your Windows 11 computer.
Sign in using the same Microsoft account email and password that you use for your Windows 11 computer. If you are already logged into your browser, you may be taken directly to your profile page.
Step 2Add or Change Your Photo
Once you’re on your Microsoft account profile page, find where your 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 your account.
You may encounter another prompt or a link that says Add a photo. Click this to proceed with selecting your new image.
Step 3Select and Upload Your Image
A window will appear, allowing you to locate the image on your computer. Select the desired picture and click the Open button.
Step 4Adjust and Save
Your chosen picture uploads, and the Microsoft website offers tools to adjust your picture perfectly. You can zoom in or out and move the image until you're happy with how your picture looks. Click the 'Save' button to upload your final photo.
Click the Save button. This action uploads your adjusted picture to your Microsoft account.
Step 5Wait for the Sync
After saving your picture, you can close the browser. Your new Microsoft account picture will start to sync across your devices and services, which might take a few minutes or up to 24 hours. This updated picture will then appear on your Windows 11 login screen and in other Microsoft apps.
Important Note: If you update your picture online, it will also be reflected in Windows Settings. The version updated online serves as the primary picture for your Microsoft account.
Summary
You can easily change your account picture in Windows 11 using either the Settings app or your Microsoft account online. For the Settings app, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, then choose to take a new photo or pick an existing file. If using your Microsoft account, visit their website, sign in, and follow the prompts to upload and adjust your new picture.
C:\Users\Public\Public Account Pictures\<SID of user>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AccountPicture\Users\<SID of user>How do I change my Microsoft account profile image?
Your profile photo will appear on apps and devices that use your Microsoft account. To change the picture associated with your Microsoft account: Go to the Your info tab of your Microsoft account dashboard, or select Change photo below. Select Add a photo or Change photo to search for image files on your device.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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