How to change account name on Windows 11
Do you need to update your account name? Here’s how on Windows 11.
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You can change the name of yourWindows 11account at any time for any reason. You can change it because the name is spelled wrong, you recently updated your name, or you want to make it a little more private. Or you use a local account and wish to display your real name instead of a nickname.
Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 allows you to update the account name in different ways, depending on the account type you use.
In this guide, we will walk you through the different ways to update your account in the Sign-in screen for a Microsoft and local account.
How to change account name using Settings
When creating a Windows 11 account with a Microsoft account, the system will show the name from your online account. If this is the case, you would have to change your online settings to change the name on your computer.
To change the account name on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Sign-in screen will update the information and display the new name.
Although making changes to your account is easy, this will also update the information on every service provided by the company, including Outlook mail, Microsoft 365, and Xbox network.
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How to change account name using Control Panel
If you use a local account (without a Microsoft account), you have multiple methods to change the account name on Windows 11.
User Accounts
To modify the account name through the User Accounts settings, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the next time you sign into your account, the name will be reflected on the screen.
Netplwiz
Alternatively, you can use the legacy user manager to change the account name on Windows 11.
To change the account name with netplwiz, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Sign-in screen will reflect the new name on Windows 11.
The settings will also display your Microsoft accounts (if applicable), but the cloud settings will overwrite the information if you try to change your account name with this tool.
Computer Management
To change the account name through the Computer Management app, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the new local account name will appear on the Sign-in screen and across the experience.
While it’s possible to change the account name in more than one way, there’s not an option that will rename your profile folder inside the “Users” folder. If you also want to change the name of your profile folder, it’s best to create an entirely new account and transfer the information to the newly created profile.
More Windows resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
