How to Change Your Username in Windows 11

Your username is the name Windows uses to identify your account. If you don’t like the current name or want something more personal, you can change it easily!

For privacy, you might want to use a nickname instead of your full name.

Change Your Local Account Username

If you use a local account (an account only on your computer), follow these steps to change your username:

  1. Click the Start button (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner).
  2. Type Control Panel into the search box.
  3. Click on Control Panel when it appears.
Windows 11 Control Panel search

Inside Control Panel:

  1. Click on User Accounts.
  2. Click User Accounts again on the next screen.
  3. Click the link that says Change your account name.
User Accounts in Control Panel
User Accounts selection in Control Panel
Change your account name link



Now, type the new name you want and click Change Name.

Changing account name

Finally, sign out and sign back in, or restart your computer. Your new name will show on the login screen.

New username shown on login screen

Change Your Microsoft Account Name

If you log into Windows 11 using a Microsoft account (your email account with Microsoft), your username comes from your online profile. Here’s how to change it:

  1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings, or click Start > Settings.
Windows 11 Settings button

In Settings:

  1. Click on Accounts.
  2. Click Your info on the right side.
  3. Under Related settings, click Manage my Microsoft Account.
Accounts - Your info in Windows Settings
Manage my Microsoft Account link


Alternatively, open your web browser and go to https://account.microsoft.com/profile/

Sign in with your Microsoft email and password. Then:

  1. Click on Your info at the top menu.
  2. Click the Edit name link next to your current name.
  3. Type in your new name and click Save.
Microsoft account profile page
Edit name on Microsoft account


After changing this, your Microsoft account name will update across all Microsoft services, including Windows 11.

Summary

  • Changing your username in Windows 11 is simple and quick.
  • Local accounts are changed using the Control Panel on your PC.
  • Microsoft accounts are changed online through your Microsoft profile.
  • Remember to sign out or restart your PC to see the new name appear.
  • Using a unique username can help personalize your computer and keep your info private.

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