How to Change Your Username in Windows 11

Change Your Local Account Username

To change your local account username in Windows 11, you need to use the classic Control Panel 🎛️ rather than the main Settings app ⚙️. This updates the name that shows up on your sign-in screen and across your local profile. Open the Start menu ⊞, search for Control Panel, and navigate to User Accounts to rename your profile.

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.

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.

1. Type the new name you want and click Change Name.

Always restart the computer afterward to apply the changes fully.

Change Your Microsoft Account Name

To change your Microsoft account name in Windows 11, you must update your profile through the official Microsoft website rather than changing it locally on your PC. Because Microsoft accounts sync across all your connected devices and cloud services, editing your name online automatically updates it everywhere you sign in.

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

In Settings:

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

Alternatively, open a web browser and navigate to https://account.microsoft.com/profile/

1. Sign in with your Microsoft email and password. Then:
2. Click on Your info at the top menu.
3. Click the Edit name link next to your current name.
4. Type in your new name and click Save.

Updating a Microsoft account name changes the display label across Outlook, OneDrive, and the operating system itself. This guarantees a consistent identity appears during sign-in and profile views.

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 information private.

Changing your username in Windows 11 depends entirely on whether you use a local login or sign in with a Microsoft account. Local profiles update directly through the Control Panel on your computer, while Microsoft accounts require you to edit your profile details online. Always restart your PC after making changes so the new name appears properly.