How to Change Local Account Name in Windows 11: A Simple Guide

By / September 1, 2025

Changing your local account name in Windows 11 might sound like a small thing, but it can make your computer feel more personal and organized. Whether you recently bought a new PC, set up a temporary name during installation, or just feel like giving your account a fresh start, Windows 11 makes it easy to rename your account.

In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to change your local account name. We’ll keep things simple, clear, and beginner-friendly so you don’t have to stress about messing up your settings.

Why Would You Want to Change Your Local Account Name?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Here are a few common reasons:

  • Personalization – Maybe “User1” doesn’t feel like you.
  • Professionalism – If you use your PC for work, having your real name looks cleaner.
  • Multiple Users – Easy to identify who’s logged in.
  • Fresh Start – Sometimes, a new name just feels right.

Difference Between Local and Microsoft Accounts

It’s important to know that Windows 11 has two types of accounts:

  • Local Account – Stored only on your PC. Great for privacy and offline use.
  • Microsoft Account – Synced across devices using your Microsoft credentials.

👉 This article focuses on local accounts. If you’re using a Microsoft account, renaming works differently (through Microsoft’s website).

Method 1: Change Local Account Name Using Control Panel

This is the classic way—simple and effective.

Steps to Rename via Control Panel

  1. Press Windows + S and type Control Panel, then open it.
  2. Click User Accounts.
  3. Select User Accounts again.
  4. Click Change your account name.
  5. Type in the new name you want.
  6. Hit Change Name, and you’re done.

💡 Note: This won’t change your actual folder name in File Explorer, but it does change the display name on the login screen.

Method 2: Change Local Account Name Using Settings App

The Settings app is the modern hub for tweaks in Windows 11.

Steps to Rename via Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Your info.
  3. If you’re using a local account, you’ll see an option to manage your account.
  4. Enter your new desired name and confirm.

This method is straightforward, but sometimes the option may redirect you to Microsoft account settings (if you’re not on a local account).

Method 3: Change Local Account Name Using netplwiz

If you like the “hidden tricks,” this one’s for you.

Steps to Rename via netplwiz

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type netplwiz and press Enter.
  3. Select your local account and click Properties.
  4. In the General tab, type your new name.
  5. Click Apply > OK > OK again.

The next time you sign in, your new account name will appear.

Method 4: Change Local Account Name Using Computer Management

This option is a bit advanced but still very doable.

Steps to Rename via Computer Management

  1. Right-click the Start menu and choose Computer Management.
  2. Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
  3. Right-click your local account and select Rename.
  4. Type the new name and hit Enter.

Easy, right? Just make sure you’re logged in as an admin.

Method 5: Change Local Account Name Using Command Prompt

For the tech-savvy (or those who like to look cool), the Command Prompt works too.

Steps to Rename via Command Prompt

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and run it as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: wmic useraccount where name='CurrentName' rename 'NewName'
  3. Replace CurrentName with your current account name and NewName with what you want.

Voilà! Your account name is updated.

Method 6: Change Local Account Name Using PowerShell

Another geeky way—PowerShell.

Steps to Rename via PowerShell

  1. Search for PowerShell and run it as Administrator.
  2. Type this command and press Enter: Rename-LocalUser -Name "CurrentName" -NewName "NewName"
  3. That’s it. Your local account now has a shiny new name.

Will Changing Your Local Account Name Affect Anything Else?

Not really—most of your files and apps will still work just fine.
But here’s the catch:

  • The user folder name in C:\Users will stay the same.
  • Some apps might still display your old name (rare, but possible).

If you need to rename the user folder, that’s a different (and trickier) process.

Tips Before Renaming Your Local Account

  • Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator.
  • Write down your old account name just in case.
  • If you share your PC, inform other users about the change.
  • Restart your PC after renaming to make sure everything applies properly.

What If You’re Using a Microsoft Account Instead?

If you’re logged in with a Microsoft account, the local rename methods won’t work.
Instead, you’ll need to:

  1. Go to Microsoft Account Profile Page.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft credentials.
  3. Click Your info > Edit name.
  4. Change your first and last name, then save.

The new name will sync to Windows 11 automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, renaming doesn’t go smoothly. Here’s what you can do:

  • Problem: The name doesn’t update on the login screen.
    • Fix: Restart your PC or try another method (like netplwiz).
  • Problem: The folder name in C:\Users is still old.
    • Fix: Unfortunately, renaming the folder requires creating a new account or advanced registry edits.
  • Problem: You don’t see the rename option.
    • Fix: Make sure you’re using a local account and not a Microsoft account.

Best Method for Beginners

If you’re not very techy, Control Panel or Settings App is the easiest and safest method.
But if you’re comfortable with commands, PowerShell or Command Prompt can get the job done quickly.

Conclusion

Changing your local account name in Windows 11 is much easier than it sounds. Whether you prefer the classic Control Panel method, the modern Settings app, or the geek-approved PowerShell command, you’ve got plenty of options. Just remember: the name change mostly affects how your account appears on the login screen and menus—not the actual user folder.

So, go ahead—give your PC a fresh identity. It’s like giving your computer a new nickname that finally feels right.

FAQs

1. Can I change the user folder name in Windows 11?
Not directly. Changing the account name doesn’t rename the folder. To do that, you’d need to create a new user account.

2. Do I need administrator rights to change my local account name?
Yes, only accounts with admin privileges can rename a user account.

3. Will changing my account name affect my files?
No, your files, apps, and settings will remain safe. Only the display name changes.

4. Can I change my Microsoft account name the same way?
No, Microsoft accounts must be renamed through Microsoft’s online profile settings.

5. Which method is the easiest for beginners?
Using the Control Panel is usually the simplest method for most users.

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