How to Change Account Picture in Windows 11 Easily
Windows 11 account pictures appear on the login screen and the Start menu to help you spot your profile instantly. Changing this photo takes less than 60 seconds and lets you personalize your PC with an image of yourself, a pet, or any favorite graphic.
You can swap your profile photo using the built-in Settings app or your online Microsoft account page. Linking a Microsoft account pushes your new picture to all your connected Windows 11 devices and Microsoft services automatically.
Open Settings by pressing Win+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 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
Press Win+I to open Settings . The Settings app will then appear.
Step 2Go to Your Account Info
Open Settings and select Accounts from the left menu. Next, click on the Your info option on the right side of the window. This section lets you manage your profile picture and other personal account details.
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
You can pick how to change account picture Windows 11 settings by looking below your current photo on the Your info screen. The adjust your photo section gives you two choices. You can either take a new photo with your computer camera or pick an existing picture file 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)
To change account picture Windows 11 using your webcam, click the Open Camera button under the adjust your photo section. This launches the Camera app so you can position yourself in the frame and click the take photo button to capture your new profile image.
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
When you want to change account picture Windows 11 with a saved image, click the Choose a file button and select Browse files. This opens File Explorer so you can locate your desired image, click it, and select Choose picture to set it as your new profile 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
To change account picture Windows 11 through your online profile, open a web browser and go to the Microsoft account website. Sign in using the exact same email address and password linked to your Windows 11 computer to access your profile settings page.
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
You can change account picture Windows 11 settings online by locating your current profile image on the Microsoft account page. Click the link or button that says add a photo or change photo to start uploading your new image files.
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
After uploading your image to change account picture Windows 11 options, use the built-in website tools to adjust the framing. Zoom in or out and move the picture until it looks right, then click the Save button to apply your new profile photo.
Click the Save button. This action uploads the adjusted picture to the Microsoft account.
Step 5Wait for the Sync
When you change account picture Windows 11 services online, close your browser and wait for the update to sync across your devices. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 24 hours before the new picture appears on your login screen.
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
What to do next
Your new account picture should now appear on the sign-in screen and across the Start menu.
C:\Users\Public\Public Account Pictures\<SID of user>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AccountPicture\Users\<SID of user>Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!