How to change the Windows 10 username? Step by step

Setting the computer’s username is a very useful feature. It allows you to distinguish your own profile from others if multiple people use the same device. It cannot be denied that the ability to set a username or profile picture increases the comfort of using the system from a pure UX perspective: we like to feel that system elements are “ours” and tailored to individual preferences.

It is worth remembering that Microsoft distinguishes between a local account (existing only on the computer on which the system is installed) and a Microsoft account, linked to the local account but stored on Microsoft servers and used, among other things, for OneDrive cloud, settings synchronization, and many additional services. This article covers both types of accounts. How to change the Windows 10 account name? Welcome to the reading!

How to change the Windows 10 account name? Local account

Changing the Windows 10 username on a local account is very simple. The instructions are below. on a local account is very simple. Instructions are below.

First, you need to go to the menu Start → Control Panel.

Then in the control panel, click User Accounts, and the following panel will appear.

In Windows 11 the order is the same: Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts.

So, regarding Windows 10, how to change the username? In the User Accounts section, click Change your account nameto display the following panel.

After entering the new username, the local account will be displayed under the new name. That’s all!

Also in the menu Settings -> Accounts -> Your info the local name is displayed in the changed form.

How to change the Win 10 account name? Microsoft account

Changing data on a Microsoft account must be done through the Microsoft website. It cannot be done via system settings. You can enter the address https://account.microsoft.com in the web browser address bar or use the following path: Settings → Accounts → Your info → Manage my Microsoft account. https://account.microsoft.com or use the following path: Settings → Accounts → Your info → Manage my Microsoft account.

Then the Microsoft website will open, where you need to log in. After entering the login and password, click Your info – the button is located in the upper part of the menu on the left side.

After entering Your info the next step will be to click Edit name on the right side.

Besides entering your data, you need to enter the characters from the captcha code (this is a protection against bots).

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Will the Microsoft account work for Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, the Microsoft account is universal and can be configured on both Win 10 and Win 11 – regardless of the system edition (Windows Home, Pro, etc.).

Where is the best place to buy Windows?

Product keys for Windows systems can be purchased at the Key-Soft.pl store. These are original keys for digital editions of the system with full manufacturer support – among them you will find both Windows 10 in various versions (Home, Professional, Enterprise)and Windows 11. Choose a trusted seller and get your Windows key now!

Will changing the Windows 10 (local) account name affect the Microsoft account?

No, the local account may be linked to the Microsoft account, but changes made on the local account do not affect the account on the live.com service.

Is the Microsoft account free?

Yes, you can create a Microsoft account without any fees or attaching a card.

Do I have to create a Microsoft account? Is it worth doing?

A Microsoft account is required when installing Windows 11. Using online guides, this can be somewhat bypassed, but full system management comfort comes with a connected account. The MS account supports, among others, the OneDrive cloud, Outlook mail, and access to apps in the Microsoft Store. The account also enables synchronization of settings and Microsoft Edge browser history across multiple devices. 

You also log into paid services with the Microsoft account after purchasing them – including Microsoft 365 or Xbox Game Pass.

You can also deactivate an old device on the Microsoft account (for example, in the case of computer modifications) to transfer the system to new hardware. However, this depends on the specific system license.