How to Change User Account Name in Windows 10

This guide shows you how to rename a user account in Windows 10, whether you want to change the display name shown on the login screen and Start menu, or the folder name associated with the account. You’ll need to be signed in with an administrator account to make these changes, and you may need to temporarily disable certain protections if you’re renaming the folder.

What You’ll Need

An administrator account on the Windows 10 PC.
If you’re changing the folder name, you’ll need to be able to temporarily disable antivirus or ransomware protection that may lock the folder.
A backup of any important files in the user folder (recommended before renaming the folder).

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Change the Display Name (Easiest, Most Common)

This changes the name that appears on the login screen, Start menu, and in account settings. It does not change the folder name in C:\Users.

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
Click Accounts.
Click Your info in the left sidebar.
Click Manage my Microsoft account (if you use a Microsoft account) or Rename (if you use a local account).
If you clicked Manage my Microsoft account, your browser will open. Sign in if prompted, then click Your info in the top menu. Click Edit name under your name. Enter the new name, enter the CAPTCHA if shown, and click Save. Changes may take up to 24 hours to appear on your PC.
If you clicked Rename (for a local account), type the new name in the box, click Next, and then click Finish.
Restart your PC to see the change everywhere.

Method 2: Change the Folder Name (C:\Users\YourName)

This changes the actual folder name that stores your files. It’s riskier and not officially supported by Microsoft, but it works if done carefully. It’s usually only necessary if you want to change the path in file explorer or for certain programs that reference the old path.

Create a new administrator account (if you’re renaming your own account) or use another admin account. You cannot rename the folder of the account you’re currently signed into.
Sign in with that other administrator account.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users.
Right-click the folder you want to rename and select Rename. Type the new name (e.g., if you want the folder to be John, type that). Press Enter.
If you get an error that the folder is in use, you may need to disable your antivirus or ransomware protection temporarily. Open your antivirus settings and look for a folder protection or ransomware shield, and turn it off for a few minutes. Also, close any programs that might be using files in that folder.
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
Click each subfolder (they look like long strings of numbers) until you find the one where the ProfileImagePath value points to the old folder name (e.g., C:\Users\OldName).
Double-click ProfileImagePath and change the path to the new folder name (e.g., C:\Users\NewName). Click OK.
Close the Registry Editor.
Restart your PC and sign in to the renamed account. Check that your files are still accessible. If something is broken, you may need to restore the old name.

Common Mistakes

Changing the folder name without updating the registry – This breaks the account’s path and can cause apps to fail or your profile to be treated as a temporary profile.
Renaming the folder while signed into that account – Windows will not allow it, or it will cause errors. Always use a different admin account.
Expecting the folder name to change when you change the display name – They are separate; the folder name stays the same unless you use Method 2.
Not backing up files – If something goes wrong during a folder rename, you could lose access to your files.
Using special characters in the folder name – Stick to letters, numbers, and spaces. Avoid symbols like \ / : * ? " < > |.

Tips

For most people, changing the display name is enough. It’s safe and official.
If you use a Microsoft account, the name change will sync across all your Windows devices, so it might change on your other PCs too.
After renaming the folder, you may need to update shortcuts and file paths in apps that hardcode the old path.
If you’re renaming the folder to fix a typo, consider just creating a new user account and migrating your files instead – it’s cleaner.
Write down the old and new folder names before you start, so you can revert if needed.

Troubleshooting

You can’t rename the folder because it says it’s in use. Close all programs, disable your antivirus temporarily, and make sure you’re signed in with a different admin account. If it still fails, restart in Safe Mode and try again.
After renaming the folder, you get a temporary profile error when signing in. This usually means the registry wasn’t updated correctly. Sign in with another admin account, open Registry Editor, and verify the ProfileImagePath value matches the new folder name exactly (including case). If it’s wrong, fix it and restart.
The display name change doesn’t show up on the login screen. Try restarting your PC. If you use a Microsoft account, it can take up to 24 hours to sync. You can also force a sync by opening Settings > Accounts > Your info and clicking “Verify” if available.
You can’t find the ProfileList key. Make sure you’re in the correct registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList. Also, ensure you’re looking at the right subkey – each user has one, and the one with the old path is the one to edit.
After renaming, some apps can’t find your files. This is expected because the path changed. You can either update the app’s file paths or, if the problem is widespread, revert the folder name and registry change back to the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the display name affect my files or programs?

No. The display name is just a label. Your files and programs remain unchanged because the folder path (C:\Users\OldName) stays the same.

Can I change the folder name without touching the registry?

No. The registry stores the profile path, and Windows uses it to find your files. If you don’t update it, your account will break.

Is it safe to rename the user folder?

It’s generally safe if you follow the steps exactly, but it’s not officially supported by Microsoft. There’s a small risk of file access issues, so always back up first.

How do I change the name of a Microsoft account?

Go to account.microsoft.com/profile, sign in, click “Edit name” next to your name, and follow the prompts. The change will eventually sync to your PC.

What if I don’t have another administrator account?

You can create one by going to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC > I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account. Then make that account an administrator.

Can I change the user name in Command Prompt?

Yes, you can use the wmic useraccount where name='OldName' rename NewName command, but it only changes the display name for local accounts, not the folder name.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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