So, you’re looking to change your username in Windows 10, huh? No worries! It’s actually pretty straightforward. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you don’t get lost. By the end of this, you’ll have a brand-new username on your Windows 10 account. Let’s get started!
How to Change User Name in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll go through the detailed steps to change your username on Windows 10. These steps will guide you from opening the control panel to finalizing your new username.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
You’ll need to access the Control Panel first.
To do this, simply type "Control Panel" in the search bar next to the Start menu. Click on the Control Panel app that appears in the list of results.
Step 2: Navigate to User Accounts
Next, you need to find the User Accounts section.
Inside the Control Panel, click on "User Accounts." If your Control Panel view is set to "Category," you might need to click "User Accounts" again in the next window.
Step 3: Click on Change Your Account Name
Now, we’ll get straight to changing that name.
In the User Accounts window, you’ll see an option called "Change your account name." Click on it to proceed.
Step 4: Enter New User Name
Here’s where the magic happens.
A new window will pop up asking you to enter your new username. Type in your desired name and click on the "Change Name" button to save it.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, you need to restart your computer.
This step ensures that all changes take effect. Simply click on the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose "Restart."
After completing these steps, your new username should be active. You might notice it immediately at the login screen or when you browse your computer files.
Tips for Changing User Name in Windows 10
- Double-Check Spelling: Make sure you’ve spelled your new username correctly. Once saved, you’ll need to go through the process again to fix any errors.
- Admin Privileges Needed: Ensure you’re logged in as an administrator. You won’t be able to change the username if you don’t have admin rights.
- Effect on Files: Changing your username doesn’t affect your files, but it’s good to back up important data just in case.
- Linked Accounts: If your account is linked to Microsoft, you might need to change the username on the Microsoft account as well.
- User Folder Name: Note that this process doesn’t change the name of your user folder in C:Users. That’s a bit more complicated and involves registry edits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the user name of a standard user account?
Yes, but you will need administrator privileges to do so.
Does changing the username affect my files?
No, your files will remain intact. However, it’s always wise to back up important data.
Can I revert back to the old username?
Yes, you can go through the same steps to revert to your old username.
Will my password change when I change my username?
No, your password will stay the same.
Can I change the user folder name as well?
This requires a more complex process involving registry edits, so be careful if you choose to do so.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Navigate to User Accounts.
- Click on Change Your Account Name.
- Enter New User Name.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Changing your username in Windows 10 is pretty easy, right? Just a few clicks here and there, and you’re all set. It’s always a good idea to keep your system organized and personalized to your liking. Maybe you’ve had the same username forever, or perhaps you’re just looking for a fresh start. Either way, now you know how to do it!
If you found this helpful, why not check out some other customization options in Windows 10? There’s so much you can do to make your computer truly yours. From changing your desktop background to customizing your taskbar, the possibilities are endless.
So go ahead, dive into those settings, and make your Windows 10 experience uniquely yours. Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.