How to Change Name on Lock Screen Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever noticed that the name showing on your Windows 11 lock screen isn’t what you want — maybe it’s misspelled, outdated, or just not what you prefer to display? Don’t worry — changing it is easier than you might think!

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to change your name on the lock screen in Windows 11, whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local user account. We’ll also explain what happens after the change, and how to troubleshoot if your new name doesn’t update right away.

Let’s get started and make your lock screen reflect you.

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🧠 What Does the Lock Screen Name Mean in Windows 11?

The lock screen name in Windows 11 is simply the display name associated with your user account.

When you start your PC or wake it from sleep, Windows shows your name above your profile picture on the login screen. That name can come from two different sources depending on how your PC is set up:

• Microsoft Account users → The name is pulled from your Microsoft profile online.

• Local Account users → The name is stored locally on your device.

So, to change your lock screen name, you’ll need to update it either online or on your PC — depending on your account type.

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⚙️ How to Check If You’re Using a Microsoft or Local Account

Before we jump in, you should know which type of account you’re using. Here’s how to check:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Accounts → Your info.

3. Under your profile picture, you’ll see either:

   • “Microsoft account” → You’re signed in with a Microsoft account.

   • “Local account” → You’re using a local user account.

Knowing this will help you choose the correct method below.

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🧩 Method 1: Change Lock Screen Name for Microsoft Account Users

If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 11 (which is most users), your lock screen name is linked to your Microsoft profile online.

🪄 Step-by-Step: Change Microsoft Account Display Name

1. Go to Microsoft Account Settings

   • Open your web browser and visit:
     👉 https://account.microsoft.com

   • Sign in with the same Microsoft account used on your PC.

2. Access Your Info

   • Once logged in, click on Your info in the top menu bar.

3. Click “Edit name”

   • Under your name, you’ll see an option that says “Edit name.”

   • Click it to open the name editor.

4. Enter Your New Name

   • Type your first name and last name exactly as you want them to appear.

   • Example:

     • First Name: John

     • Last Name: Smith

5. Save Changes

   • Enter the CAPTCHA if prompted and click Save.

6. Restart Your PC

   • The new name will appear on your Windows 11 lock screen after a restart or sign-out/sign-in.

✅ Tip: If the name doesn’t change immediately, give it a few minutes — sometimes it takes a short while for the changes to sync with Windows.

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💻 Method 2: Change Lock Screen Name for Local Account Users

If you’re using a local account, your display name is stored locally in Windows settings — no online sync required.

You can change it using Control Panel, User Accounts, or Computer Management.

🧭 Option 1: Change Name via Control Panel

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.

2. Go to User Accounts → User Accounts again (yes, twice).

3. Click Change your account name.

4. Type your new name in the box.

5. Click Change Name.

🪄 Once done, sign out or restart your PC — your new name will appear on the lock screen.

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🧭 Option 2: Change Name via Computer Management

This method is especially useful for administrator or multiple user accounts.

1. Press Windows + X and select Computer Management.

2. In the left pane, expand:

   System Tools → Local Users and Groups → Users


3. In the middle pane, right-click your username and choose Rename.

4. Type your new name and press Enter.

5. Restart your PC.

💡 Note: This changes your display name, not your actual folder name in C:\Users\. That folder name remains the same.

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🧭 Option 3: Change Name Using Netplwiz

Another easy way for local accounts:

1. Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.

2. Select your user account and click Properties.

3. Under the General tab, enter your new name in the Full Name field.

4. Click OK, then Apply.

5. Restart your computer.

After reboot, you’ll see your new display name on the lock screen.

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🧩 Method 3: Change Lock Screen Name Using PowerShell (Advanced)

If you love command-line control, you can change your lock screen name with PowerShell.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   Get-LocalUser


   This lists all local users.

3. Identify your username, then type:

   Rename-LocalUser -Name "OldName" -NewName "NewName"


   Example:

   Rename-LocalUser -Name "Admin" -NewName "John Smith"


4. Close PowerShell and restart your PC.

Your lock screen will now show your new name.

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🔄 What to Do If the Name Doesn’t Change After Updating

Sometimes, your lock screen name might not update right away. Here’s what to do:

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🔐 Optional: Change the Username Folder Name in Windows 11

Changing your user folder name in C:\Users is a bit more advanced. It doesn’t automatically change when you rename your account.

If you want them to match, follow this carefully:

1. Sign in using a different administrator account.

2. Go to C:\Users and rename the user folder to your new name.

3. Open Registry Editor (regedit).

4. Navigate to:

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


5. Click each subkey until you find the one with the old user path in ProfileImagePath.

6. Double-click ProfileImagePath and change it to your new folder name.

7. Restart your PC and sign back in.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always back up before making changes.

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🎨 Bonus: Customize Your Lock Screen Display Name and Picture

After updating your name, you might want to personalize your lock screen further:

To Change Lock Screen Picture:

1. Open Settings → Personalization → Lock screen.

2. Under Personalize your lock screen, choose:

   • Picture, Slideshow, or Windows spotlight.

3. Click Browse photos to select your preferred image.

To Add a Profile Picture:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Your info.

2. Click Browse for one to upload a new profile image.

Now your name and your picture match your personality perfectly!

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⚡ Why Change Your Lock Screen Name?

Here are a few reasons you might want to change your lock screen name:

• You recently got married or changed your legal name.

• You bought a pre-owned PC that shows the previous owner’s name.

• Your Microsoft account shows a nickname you no longer use.

• You want your PC to look more professional.

Whatever the reason, it’s your device — your name should appear exactly how you want.

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🧰 Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into problems, here’s how to fix them quickly:

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🧠 Advanced Tip: Changing Name via Local Security Policy (Pro Users)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro, you can also modify your account name using the Local Security Policy tool.

1. Press Windows + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.

2. Go to:

   Local Policies → Security Options


3. Double-click Accounts: Rename administrator account.

4. Type your desired name and click OK.

This is especially useful for administrators who want to hide or rename the default Administrator account for security reasons.

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🪄 Pro Tips for Managing Your Account Name in Windows 11

• 🧩 Always restart your PC after making any account name changes.

• ☁️ For Microsoft accounts, make sure sync is enabled under Settings → Accounts → Windows backup.

• 💻 If multiple users share the PC, double-check that you’re editing your account only.

• 🔐 Avoid using special characters or emojis in account names.

• 🪙 Want to look professional? Match your account name with your email or business name.

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🏁 Conclusion: Changing Your Lock Screen Name in Windows 11 Is Simple

That’s it! You’ve learned exactly how to change your name on the lock screen in Windows 11, step by step.

Whether you’re updating your Microsoft account or a local one, the process is quick, safe, and helps personalize your PC. Just remember:

✅ Microsoft users change it online.
✅ Local users change it through Control Panel, Computer Management, or PowerShell.
✅ Restart after making any changes.

With just a few clicks, your lock screen can show the correct name — and a more accurate reflection of you.

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🔍 FAQs: How to Change Name on Lock Screen Windows 11

1. Why isn’t my new name showing on the lock screen?

It might take a few minutes for Microsoft account changes to sync. Try restarting or signing out/in again.

2. Can I use a nickname on the lock screen?

Yes! Just edit your name in your Microsoft account and use any display name you prefer.

3. Will changing my name affect my files or settings?

No — changing your display name doesn’t rename folders or affect data.

4. Do I need admin rights to change my name?

Yes, if it’s a system-level or administrator account. Local user accounts can be changed without admin access.

5. Can I hide my name on the lock screen?

You can disable “Show account details on sign-in screen” in Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Privacy.

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🗝️ Key Takeaways

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Now it’s your turn!
Try one of the methods above and refresh your Windows 11 lock screen with your correct name. It’s quick, clean, and makes your device feel truly personal.