Changing your account name in Windows 11 isn’t exactly a big deal, but it can be a bit of a pain if you’re not sure where to look or if it doesn’t update straight away. Maybe you want your user profile to match a more professional name, or just keep things a bit more private on your login screen — whatever the reason, getting that name to change can sometimes be tricky, especially with Microsoft accounts that sync online. This guide runs through the quickest, most reliable ways to update your account name without pulling your hair out trying to figure out why it’s not sticking. Once you’ve sorted it, your new name will show up on login screens, File Explorer, and pretty much everywhere else—no more old labels hanging around.
How to Change Your Account Name in Windows 11
Getting into Settings and Your Info
First up, hit the Start menu and click on Settings. From there, head to Accounts. On the left sidebar, click on Your info. That’s where Windows shows your current profile picture and name. Sometimes, changing the name here does the trick for local accounts but not for Microsoft accounts, so keep that in mind.
Method 1: Change Name via the User Accounts Control Panel
This is the old school way, and it still does the job on most setups. To get there, type netplwiz in the search bar next to Start, then hit Enter. A User Accounts window pops up—kind of like the good old days but still reliable. On some Windows setups, this might be blocked or fussy, especially with certain editions or work/school accounts. If it opens, pick your user account and click Properties. Under the General tab, you’ll see your current account name. Just type the new name, click OK, and restart your PC to see if it updates everywhere.
Sometimes it works straight away. Other times, it’s a bit dodgy and reverts after a restart. No real idea why, but Windows can be a bit cheeky with this stuff sometimes.
Method 2: Change Your Name Using Settings for Microsoft Accounts
If you’re using a Microsoft account (like Outlook, Hotmail, or your Microsoft 365 login), changing your profile name online often does the trick. Just log into your Microsoft account at Microsoft Account Settings. There, you can edit your name — be patient, it might take a few minutes to sync. Sometimes a quick sign out or restart helps the change go through.
If you want it done quick smart, after updating online, head back to Settings > Accounts > Your info. Sometimes, Windows gives you a link to “Manage my Microsoft account” or asks you to verify your identity. Follow the prompts, make the change, and hopefully, your profile will show the new name not long after.
Extra Tips: Keep This in Mind
Changing the account name doesn’t automatically change your user folder or login details. If you want your desktop and files in a new folder with a different name, that’s a separate process and might need another guide. Also, if you notice the old name is still hanging around after changing it online, try signing out and back in or doing a quick restart. Windows can be a bit stubborn about syncing changes immediately.
In some setups, especially work or school computers, the admin rights might be locked, and you won’t be able to change things without help from IT. If that’s the case, best to ask your admin.
All up, changing your account name is pretty straightforward — when it works. But Windows sometimes hides options or makes you jump through hoops, especially with linked Microsoft accounts. Still, once it’s done, your PC will look a lot cleaner and more personal. It’s a small win!
Summary
- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info
- If needed, run
netplwizand change your name there - Or, update your name directly via the Microsoft account webpage
- Restart or sign out to make sure the changes stick
Wrap-up
To sum up, changing your Windows 11 account name isn’t too tricky, but it can vary depending on your setup. Sometimes a quick online update does the trick, other times you might need to dig into more old-school controls. Once it’s sorted, your PC will look a lot better with your chosen name — less generic, more you. Hopefully, this makes life a bit easier and saves you some hassle — because Windows can be a bit cheeky sometimes!