How to Change Your Microsoft Account Display Name
Your Microsoft account display name is the name other people see when you use Microsoft services like Windows or Outlook.com. It’s different from your Windows login name, though you can make them the same.
Your Microsoft account display name is the name that friends, family, or colleagues see when you send emails or collaborate on documents. Keeping your Microsoft account display name accurate helps your online identity appear as intended.
Changing your display name is done through your Microsoft account dashboard, the central hub for managing your account details. Expect changes to show up across all Microsoft services within 24 hours.
Navigate to account.microsoft.com and sign in. Select “Your info” and click “Edit name” next to your current display name. Enter your new name and click “Save” to update it across Microsoft services.
How to Change Your Microsoft Account Display Name
Here’s how to change your Microsoft account display name:
Step 1Go to the Microsoft Account Website
Open your web browser. Go to the Microsoft account website. You can search for “Microsoft account” or go directly to account.microsoft.com. This is the central hub for managing all your account details.
Step 2Sign In to Your Account
Sign in using your Microsoft account email and password. If you have two-step verification, you’ll need to complete that too.

Step 3Find Your Profile Information
Your Microsoft account name is managed through your profile information. After you sign in, look for a section that shows your personal details. This is usually found on the left side of the screen or as a tab at the top, often labeled “Your info,” “Personal info,” or “Profile.”

Step 4Find the “Edit Name” Option
Microsoft account profile settings display your current name. Next to the current name, an "Edit name" or "Change name" option appears, sometimes as a pencil icon. Clicking this option allows you to change your Microsoft account display name.

Step 5Enter Your New Display Name
A box will appear where you can type your new display name. You can enter your first name, last name, or both. Think about how you want others to see your name.

Step 6Save Your Changes
After typing your new display name, look for a “Save” button. Click “Save” to confirm your update.
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Summary
You can change your Microsoft account display name to control how your name appears on Windows, Outlook, and other Microsoft services. This simple update keeps your personal or professional name current across all your Microsoft accounts. The new name might take up to 24 hours to show up everywhere after you save the changes.
After saving your new Microsoft account display name, Microsoft services will begin showing the updated name. The display name might take up to 24 hours to update across all Microsoft services. You can manage all Microsoft account details, including your display name, on the Microsoft account dashboard, which is a central hub for account management.
Should I use my real name for my Microsoft account?
Using a real name and accurate date of birth on a Microsoft account is common and supported by Microsoft's security and privacy design, but the decision depends on personal risk tolerance.
What does a Microsoft account username look like?
Your user ID is the unique email address that was created for you to use when you sign in to Microsoft 365. A user ID may look similar to the following: ellen@contoso.partner.onmschina.cn.
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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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