Changing the administrator name in Windows 11 might sound complicated, but it’s actually a lot easier than you think. Whether you’re tired of seeing the wrong name on your login screen, you recently bought a used laptop, or you just want something more personal, Windows 11 gives you several ways to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the different methods step by step—so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Why Change the Administrator Name in Windows 11?
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s quickly talk about the why.
- Personalization – Your PC should feel like yours. Having your real name (or a nickname) as the admin name adds that personal touch.
- Professional reasons – If you’re using a work computer, you may need to display your official name instead of something random like “Owner” or “Admin.”
- Security – Using a generic name like “Administrator” can sometimes make your computer more vulnerable. A unique name adds a tiny extra layer of security.
Different Ways to Change Administrator Name in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple methods to rename your admin account. Depending on whether you’re using a local account or a Microsoft account, the process will be slightly different. Let’s break it down.
Method 1: Change Administrator Name via Settings
This is the easiest method if you’re signed in with a Microsoft account.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Accounts
- In the left-hand menu, click Accounts.
Step 3: Select Your Info
- Under Accounts, click Your info.
Step 4: Manage Your Microsoft Account
- You’ll see an option called Manage my Microsoft account. Clicking it will open your Microsoft profile in a web browser.
Step 5: Edit Your Name
- On the Microsoft account page, choose Your info > Edit name.
- Type in your new first and last name.
Step 6: Restart Your PC
- Once done, restart your computer. You’ll now see the new name on your login screen.
Method 2: Change Administrator Name Using Control Panel
If you’re using a local account, the Control Panel method works perfectly.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
- Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
Step 2: User Accounts
- Click User Accounts, then click again on User Accounts in the next window.
Step 3: Change Account Name
- Select Change your account name.
- Enter the new name you want and hit Change Name.
Step 4: Restart
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Method 3: Change Administrator Name Using Local Users and Groups
This method is for more advanced users, but don’t worry—I’ll make it simple.
Step 1: Open Local Users and Groups
- Press Windows + R, type
lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Select Users
- In the left panel, click Users.
Step 3: Right-Click Administrator
- Find your admin account, right-click it, and select Rename.
Step 4: Type New Name
- Enter the name you want, press Enter, and restart your computer.
Method 4: Change Administrator Name via Command Prompt
If you like using command lines, this one’s for you.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Admin
- Search for cmd in the Start menu.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Enter Command
Type this command (replace NewName with your chosen name):
wmic useraccount where name='Administrator' rename 'NewName'
Step 3: Restart
- Restart your PC to see the changes.
Method 5: Change Administrator Name via PowerShell
PowerShell is another powerful tool for renaming accounts.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Admin
- Right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Enter Command
Type the following command:
Rename-LocalUser -Name "Administrator" -NewName "NewName"
Step 3: Restart
- Restart your PC, and voilà—the new name is active.
Method 6: Change Administrator Name with Netplwiz
Another quick and easy way is through the Netplwiz utility.
Step 1: Open Netplwiz
- Press Windows + R, type
netplwiz, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Select Account
- Choose the administrator account you want to rename.
Step 3: Properties
- Click Properties, type in the new name, and hit OK.
Step 4: Restart
- Restart your PC to confirm changes.
What If You Can’t Change the Name?
Sometimes, Windows might prevent you from renaming your admin account. Here’s why:
- You don’t have admin rights.
- You’re trying to rename a system-protected account.
- Group policy restrictions are in place (mostly in company PCs).
If this happens, make sure you’re logged in with full administrative privileges.
Does Changing Administrator Name Affect Anything Else?
Good question! Changing the name only affects the display name you see on the login screen and in Windows menus.
- Your files, settings, and programs remain intact.
- The actual user folder name in
C:\Users\usually does not change. (That’s a different process.)
Which Method Should You Use?
- If you’re on a Microsoft account → Use Settings.
- If you’re on a local account → Use Control Panel or Netplwiz.
- If you like command lines → Use Command Prompt or PowerShell.
- If you’re an advanced user → Use Local Users and Groups.
Tips Before Renaming Your Admin Account
- Always create a backup before making changes.
- Write down your current account name just in case you forget.
- If it’s a work laptop, check with your IT team first—some companies restrict these changes.
Conclusion
Changing the administrator name in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science. With so many methods available—Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, Netplwiz—you can pick whichever feels easiest for you. Just remember, while the display name changes, your files and system remain safe. Now, the next time you boot up your PC, you’ll be greeted with a name that actually feels like yours.
FAQs
1. Will changing the administrator name affect my files?
No. Your files, apps, and settings remain untouched. Only the display name changes.
2. Can I change the name of the “C:\Users” folder?
Not directly through these methods. That requires a more advanced process involving creating a new account.
3. Do I need admin rights to change the name?
Yes. Only an administrator can rename the admin account.
4. Is it safe to change the administrator name?
Absolutely! It’s perfectly safe and can even add a small layer of security.
5. Can I revert back to the old name later?
Yes. You can repeat any of these methods and enter your old name again.