How to Change The Name of User on Windows 10

Windows / By / July 2, 2023

If you are using Windows 10, you might need to change the name of the user for various reasons. One of the reasons could be changing the username to a more appealing name. Another reason could be wanting to correct an incorrect spelling on the name. Whatever the reason is, changing the name of a user on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that requires little effort. In this article, we will explore different ways to change the user name on Windows 10 and highlight some of the scenarios that may prevent you from making the changes you want.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we delve into the process of changing the name of a user on Windows 10, we first need to understand the tools and resources required to accomplish this task. Below are some of the essential elements:

  • A Computer running on Windows 10 OS
  • Administrator Account Credentials
  • User Account with Administrative Privileges

What Requires Your Focus?

Changing the User name on Windows 10 requires attention to details to avoid mistakes that could lead to permanent damage to the system. Here are some of the critical elements that require your focus:

  • Ensure that the user account you want to change is not currently in use.
  • Be cautious to avoid misspelling the new username.
  • Before changing the username, ensure that you have backed up all the essential files relating to the current username.
  • Ensure that you have administrative privileges for the user account you want to change.

Different Methods to Change The Name of User on Windows 10

Method 1: Change The Username via Control Panel

Control Panel is an integral part of the Windows operating system, and it offers several tools and configurations that enable users to customize their systems. With the Control Panel, you can easily change the name of the user account. Here’s the process:

  1. Log in to your user account.
  2. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and search for "Control Panel" in the search bar.
  3. Click on "Control Panel" in the search results.
  4. Select "User Accounts."
  5. Select "Change your account name" from the options.
  6. Enter the new Name of your user account and click "Change Name."

Pros:

  • It is an easy process that requires few clicks.
  • It does not require any technical expertise.

Cons:

  • You risk losing important files if you do not back them up before the changes.
  • The process may lead to incorrect spelling or user names if you are not careful.

Method 2: Change The Username via PC Settings

The PC Settings option is an efficient way of customizing your Windows 10 user account settings. Here’s the process of changing the name of your user account:

  1. On the taskbar of your Windows 10 system, click on the "Start" button.
  2. Select "Settings."
  3. Select "Accounts."
  4. Select "Your Info" in the left-hand menu.
  5. Then click on "Manage My Microsoft Account" or "Sign in with a local account instead" depending on which account type you have.
  6. If you choose to sign in with a Microsoft account, sign in to your Microsoft account and follow the prompts to change your user name.
  7. If using a local account, click on "Edit Name" under your username.
  8. Enter the new username you want and click on "Next" and then on "Sign Out."

Pros:

  • The process offers an alternative to the Control Panel method that is easy to use.
  • The process does not require any technical expertise.

Cons:

  • You risk losing important files if you do not back them up before the changes.
  • You may experience difficulty when signing in to other Microsoft apps and services using the new user name.

Method 3: Change The Username via Local Users and Groups

The Local Users and Groups method comprises an advanced user management utility that enables Windows 10 users to manage the local user accounts on their systems. Here’s the process of changing the username with Local Users and Groups:

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and search for "lusrmgr.msc" in the search bar.
  2. Click on the "lusrmgr.msc" file from the results.
  3. In the Local Users and Groups window, select "Users."
  4. Right-click on the user account, then select "Rename."
  5. Type in your new username and click on "OK."

Pros:

  • The process is fast and efficient, thus saving time.
  • The process requires minimal technical expertise.

Cons:

  • This method may not work for Windows 10 versions that do not come with Local Users and Groups.
  • Inaccurate naming may lead to wrong spellings or usernames.

Method 4: Change The Username via Command Prompt

Command Prompt is another advanced tool in Windows 10 that offers several functions for customizing the operating system. The tool offers an efficient way of changing the username of a user account. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the "Windows" and "X" key in combination to open up the command prompt, or search for it in the start menu.
  2. Click on "Command Prompt (Admin)" in the results.
  3. Type in "net user [current username] [new username]" and press "Enter."

Pros:

  • This method is fast and efficient, thus saving time.
  • It is an excellent option for IT professionals and technicians who use command prompt frequently.

Cons:

  • Incorrect input could lead to wrong spellings or usernames.
  • It may not work for all Windows 10 versions.

Method 5: Change The Username via Registry Editor

The Registry Editor method is one of the advanced methods for changing the username of a user account. This method requires caution, as incorrect editing could lead to permanent damage to the system. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the Windows key and "R" to open up the Run dialogue box.
  2. Type in "regedit" and press "Enter."
  3. Go to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\
  4. Find the Key with the name of the user account you want to change and double click on it.
  5. Change the ProfileImagePath key value to the directory of your new user name.
  6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Pros:

  • The method offers a permanent change of the user name.
  • This process is excellent for IT professionals and technicians who are familiar with the registry key.

Cons:

  • Incorrect editing could lead to permanent damage to the system.
  • The process is time-consuming and requires technical expertise.

Why Can’t I Change The Name of User on Windows 10?

Even though Windows 10 provides several options to change the name of a user account, several scenarios might prevent you from making the changes you want. Here are some of the reasons you may experience difficulty:

  1. Your User Account does not have administrative privileges.
  2. The Username you want to change is currently in use.
  3. You may have pending updates that prevent you from making the changes you want.

Here are some of the fixes you can implement to overcome the difficulty:

  1. Ensure that your User Account has Administrative Privileges.
  2. Ensure that the User Account is not currently in use.
  3. Disable any pending updates.

Implications and Recommendations

Changing the name of the user account on Windows 10 requires cautiousness to avoid compromising the system’s stability. Here are some of the implications and recommendations:

  1. Back up all the essential files in the current username before making any changes.
  2. Ensure that the user account has administrative privileges before making the changes.
  3. Ensure that you have chosen a username that relates to your personal information.

5 FAQs about Changing The Name of User on Windows 10

Q1: Can I change the Admin name on Windows 10?

A: Yes, you can change the admin name by going to the Control Panel, select the "User Accounts" option, and then follow the prompts to enter the new name.

Q2: Will changing my username affect my system settings?

A: No, changing your username will not affect your system settings. However, you should be cautious not to delete any system files or make any incorrect modifications, which could lead to system damage.

Q3: Can I use a special character in my new username?

A: No, you cannot use any special characters in your new username other than the underscore (_) or the hyphen (-). You can only use numbers and letters.

Q4: Do I need to restart my computer every time I change my username?

A: No, you do not need to restart your computer every time you change your username unless the operating system prompts you to do so.

Q5: Can I change my user’s name without being an administrator?

A: No, you need to have administrative privileges to change the user’s name on Windows 10.

Final Words

Changing the user account name on Windows 10 is a crucial aspect of customization that allows users to have a personal touch on their systems. With the various methods discussed above, you can change the name with ease. However, you should be cautious when implementing the process to avoid any mistakes that could compromise your system’s stability.

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