How to Change Your Username in Windows 11

Change Your Local Account Username

Local accounts rely on the Control Panel 🎛️ (a system settings utility) for name updates. This is the exact name visible when logging into the machine.

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

Microsoft accounts require an online update rather than a direct change on the local machine. This profile name links to cloud services like Outlook and OneDrive. Modifying this profile online propagates the new details across all connected devices.

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.

Local accounts rely on the Control Panel, while Microsoft profiles require an online update. Always restart the computer afterward to apply the changes fully.