Changing the username of a local account in Windows 11 might seem intimidating, but it is actually a straightforward process. Whether you’ve misspelled your name during setup, inherited a PC with an old username, or just want a fresh start, you can change it in just a few minutes.
If you need to change the folder name as well, it is a much more complex process involving the Registry Editor and is generally not recommended unless strictly necessary, as it can break application paths.
This changes the display name that appears on the Start menu and login screen.
wmic useraccount where "name='OldUserName'" rename "NewUserName" how to change the name of my local account in windows 11 hot
Windows will restrict account alterations if you do not have administrative privileges. Ensure you are logged into an account designated as an "Administrator" before attempting to change names. If your account is a standard user profile, you must provide the administrative password when prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) pop-up. Missing Options in Settings App
If you encounter any while running these commands?
This is the official, Microsoft-supported method. It works on all Windows 11 versions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Changing the username of a local account in
Changing the name of your local account in Windows 11 is a common task, often necessary when inheriting a PC, changing your name, or organizing shared devices. While Windows 11 pushes Microsoft Accounts (linked to emails), many users prefer for privacy and offline usability.
Open the Control Panel and ensure "View by" is set to . Click on User Accounts , then select User Accounts again. Choose Change your account name . Enter your desired new name and click Change Name .
This visual interface is useful for more direct account management. Press , type netplwiz , and hit Enter . In the Users tab, select your account and click Properties . This changes the display name that appears on
Sign out or restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Method 2: The Control Panel Way (Classic Method)
This guide will show you how to change the easily, and the advanced, riskier method to change the profile folder name.
: Alternatively, select Properties to modify only the Full name display field.
Log out of your current session and log back in to see the updated name.