How to Change User File Name on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 25, 2025

Changing the user file name on Windows 11 might seem like a small tweak, but it can make a big difference in personalizing your computer, organizing files, and keeping things consistent. Whether you’ve just set up a new PC, inherited a used laptop, or simply mistyped your username during installation, you might want to update the user profile folder name in Windows 11.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change user file name on Windows 11 step by step. We’ll also explain why it’s not as straightforward as renaming a regular folder, what risks you should know about, and the different methods available.

📝 Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 doesn’t let you directly rename the user profile folder from File Explorer.

  • You can change it through the Registry Editor, Control Panel, or by creating a new user account.

  • Back up your data before attempting changes — mistakes in the Registry can cause system issues.

  • Best method for beginners: create a new account and transfer your files.

  • Power users can use the Registry Editor to rename the folder without reinstalling Windows.

Why Change the User File Name in Windows 11?

You might be wondering: Is it really worth the trouble? Here are common reasons:

  • Personalization: Want your PC to feel like yours? Rename the folder from “User123” to your real name.

  • Professionalism: If you’re using your PC for work, having your correct name in file paths looks cleaner.

  • Consistency: Maybe your Microsoft account name has changed, but the user folder didn’t update.

  • Mistakes during setup: Accidentally typed the wrong username? Now every file path shows the error.

Things to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, let’s cover some important warnings and tips:

  • The user profile folder name is tied to Windows system files. Renaming it incorrectly can break logins, apps, or settings.

  • Always back up important files or create a system restore point first.

  • Not all methods work for every account type (local vs. Microsoft account).

  • In some cases, creating a new account is safer than editing the Registry.

Methods to Change User File Name on Windows 11

There are several ways to achieve this. We’ll cover them all, from beginner-friendly to advanced.

Method 1: Change User Display Name (Easy but Limited)

If you just want the name shown on the login screen (not the folder name), this is the easiest option.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type netplwiz, and hit Enter.

  2. Select your account and click Properties.

  3. Enter the new name in the Full Name field.

  4. Click Apply > OK.

  5. Restart your computer.

👉 This only changes the display name, not the actual folder name under C:\Users.

Method 2: Rename User Folder with Registry Editor (Advanced)

This is the real way to change the actual folder name in Windows 11.

⚠️ Warning:

This method involves editing the Registry. Be careful, as mistakes can affect your system.

Steps:

  1. Log in with a different administrator account (not the one you want to rename).

  2. Go to C:\Users and rename the folder (e.g., from OldName to NewName).

  3. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  4. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

  5. Inside ProfileList, you’ll see several SIDs (long strings of numbers).

  6. Click each SID and check the value of ProfileImagePath until you find the one pointing to your old username.

  7. Double-click ProfileImagePath and change the old folder path to the new one (e.g., C:\Users\NewName).

  8. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

✅ Now, your user file name should be updated system-wide.

Method 3: Create a New User Account (Safest for Beginners)

If you don’t want to risk Registry edits, this is the safest route.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings with Win + I.

  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.

  3. Click Add account.

  4. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

  5. Create a new username with the correct name.

  6. Set the account as Administrator.

  7. Sign into the new account.

  8. Manually transfer files from your old account folder (C:\Users\OldName) to the new one.

Method 4: Use Command Prompt (For Power Users)

Advanced users can also rename profile folders with commands.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Type:

    wmic useraccount where name='OldName' rename NewName

  3. Press Enter.

  4. Restart your PC.

👉 Note: This changes the account name, but you may still need to adjust the Registry for the folder path.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Method Difficulty Risk Level Changes Folder Name? Best For
Change Display Name Easy Low ❌ No Just cosmetic change
Registry Editor Hard High ✅ Yes Power users
New Account Medium Low ✅ Yes Beginners, safest
Command Prompt Hard Medium ✅ Partial Advanced users

Common Issues and Fixes

❓ My apps stopped working after renaming the folder. What now?

  • This happens if paths are broken. Double-check the ProfileImagePath in Registry.

❓ I see both old and new folders in C:\Users. Which one do I use?

  • The system might have created a backup. Stick with the one linked in Registry.

❓ Can I revert the change?

  • Yes, by following the same steps and entering the old name again.

❓ What if I’m locked out after editing the Registry?

  • Boot into Safe Mode with another admin account and fix the path.

Tips to Avoid Problems

  • Always keep a secondary admin account as backup.

  • Use short, simple names without spaces or special characters.

  • Consider whether you really need the folder renamed — sometimes just changing the display name is enough.

Conclusion

Changing the user file name in Windows 11 isn’t as simple as renaming a folder, but it’s possible.

  • If you just want a cosmetic update, change your display name.

  • If you need the actual folder updated, use the Registry method or create a new account.

  • Beginners should stick with the new account method for safety.

Take your time, back up data, and you’ll have a cleaner, more personalized Windows 11 experience.

FAQs About Changing User File Name in Windows 11

1. Can I change the user file name without creating a new account?
Yes, by using the Registry Editor method, but it’s risky.

2. Will changing the folder name delete my files?
No, but mistakes can cause apps to lose track of file paths. Always back up first.

3. Why doesn’t Windows 11 let me just rename the folder?
Because it’s tied to system profiles, registry entries, and apps.

4. What’s the safest method for beginners?
Creating a new account and transferring files.

5. Can I use PowerShell to rename the user folder?
Yes, but like Command Prompt, it often requires additional Registry edits.

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