6 Methods to Change Local Account Name in Windows 11

To change the local account name in Windows 11, there are multiple methods you can use. In this article, I will guide you through six different methods to rename your local account. These methods are easy to follow and will allow you to update your account name effortlessly.

Key Takeaways:

  • There are various methods to change the local account name in Windows 11.
  • You can use User Accounts, Settings, Control Panel search, Command Prompt, Local Users and Groups, or Windows PowerShell.
  • For Microsoft accounts, the process to change the account name is different and requires accessing the Microsoft account website.
  • You can also change your Microsoft account email address by managing your account settings.
  • Personalize your Windows 11 experience by selecting a new account name that reflects your preferences.

Method 1: Change Account Name through User Accounts

One way to change your local account name in Windows 11 is through the User Accounts settings. First, navigate to the Control Panel and open the User Accounts section. From there, you can find the option to change your account name. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your new desired name and save the changes.

If you’re unsure how to access the Control Panel, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start menu located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
  2. Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and select the Control Panel app from the search results.
  3. Within the Control Panel, locate and click on the “User Accounts” option.
  4. Under the “Make changes to your user account” section, select “Change your account name”.
  5. Enter your new desired name in the provided field.
  6. Click on the “Change Name” button to save your changes.

Once you’ve followed these steps, your local account name in Windows 11 will be successfully modified.

Remember, changing your account name through User Accounts is a simple and straightforward method that does not require any advanced technical knowledge.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Accessible through the Control PanelRequires multiple steps
Provides a clear interface for changing account namesMay not be ideal for advanced users who prefer command-line methods

Method 2: Change Account Name through Settings

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to change your local account name in Windows 11, the Settings menu is the way to go. Follow these easy steps to update your account name:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Accounts section.
  3. Click on the Your Info tab.
  4. Find the option to manage your account.
  5. Select and edit your account name.
  6. Save the changes.

By following these steps, you can quickly and conveniently change your account name in Windows 11 through the Settings menu.

windows 11 account name update

“Changing your local account name through the Settings menu is a breeze. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to update your information and personalize your Windows 11 experience.”

Method 3: Change Account Name through Control Panel Search

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to change your local account name in Windows 11, the Control Panel search feature can help. Follow the steps below to modify your account name effortlessly:

  1. Type “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
  2. Click on the Control Panel app to open it.
  3. Search for the User Accounts section within the Control Panel.
  4. Once you find the User Accounts section, follow the same steps mentioned earlier in the article to change your account name.

This method provides a straightforward approach to accessing the necessary settings within the Control Panel. By using the Control Panel search feature, you can quickly navigate to the User Accounts section and proceed with modifying your account name. It’s an efficient way to personalize your local account in Windows 11.

how to change local account name windows 11

ProsCons
Quick and easy access to User Accounts settingsMay require some familiarity with Control Panel navigation
Straightforward process to modify account nameDoes not offer advanced customization options
Efficient for users who prefer using the Control PanelNot suitable for users who prefer alternative methods

This method is particularly beneficial for users who are comfortable with navigating the Control Panel and prefer a straightforward approach to changing their local account name in Windows 11.

Method 4: Change Account Name through Command Prompt

If you are comfortable using Command Prompt, you can change your local account name using this method. Follow the steps below:

  1. Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  2. Use the net user command followed by your account name and the new desired name. For example, if your account name is “John” and you want to change it to “Jane”, the command would be:

net user John Jane

Press Enter to execute the command and save the changes.

Example:

Let’s say your current account name is “John” and you want to change it to “Jane”. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following command:

net user John Jane

After pressing Enter, the command prompt will indicate that the command was executed successfully.

Important Note:

Please ensure that you have administrative privileges before attempting to change the account name via Command Prompt. Also, be cautious when using this method to avoid any potential errors.

renaming local user account in windows 11

Method 5: Change Account Name through Local Users and Groups

If you consider yourself an advanced user, you can take advantage of the Local Users and Groups feature in Windows 11 to change your local account name. This method provides more control and flexibility over your account settings. Here’s how:

  1. Open the “lusrmgr.msc” window by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then enter “lusrmgr.msc” and click OK.
  2. In the Local Users and Groups window, navigate to the Users folder.
  3. Locate your account name in the list of user accounts.
  4. Right-click on your account name and select Rename from the context menu.
  5. Enter the new desired name for your account.
  6. Click OK to save the changes.

Changing your local account name through Local Users and Groups allows you to have more control over your Windows 11 experience, especially if you are comfortable with handling advanced settings. Feel free to explore this option if you’re looking for deeper customization.

how to change local account name windows 11

Note: It is recommended to exercise caution while making changes through Local Users and Groups, as modifying certain settings can have unintended consequences. Make sure you have administrative privileges and double-check the changes before saving them.

Method 6: Change Account Name through Windows PowerShell

If you’re comfortable using Windows PowerShell, you can also change your local account name with this method. Follow the steps below:

  1. Open Windows PowerShell with administrator privileges.
  2. Use the Rename-LocalUser command to change your account name.
  3. Enter your current account name and the new desired name after the command.
  4. Press Enter to save the changes.

Using Windows PowerShell provides a convenient way to modify your local account name. It is especially useful for users who prefer command-line interfaces and want to automate the process of account name changes.

I find the Windows PowerShell method efficient and straightforward when updating local account names. By following these steps, you can easily modify your account name to a new one of your choice.

Tip: Before using Windows PowerShell to change your local account name, make sure to have a clear understanding of the commands and their syntax. Double-check your inputs to ensure accurate execution.

Windows PowerShell Method

StepsCommands
1Open Windows PowerShell with administrator privileges.
2Use the Rename-LocalUser command.
3Enter the current account name and the new desired name.
4Press Enter to save the changes.

Changing Account Name for Microsoft Accounts

If you are using a Microsoft account in Windows 11, the process to change your account name is slightly different. To make the changes, you need to access the Microsoft account website. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Accounts section.
  3. Click on “Your Info”.

From there, you can manage your Microsoft account and update your first or last name. Simply enter your new desired name and save the changes.

Changing your Microsoft account name will ensure that your profile reflects your preferred identity across all Microsoft services and platforms.

Change Microsoft Account Name

Note:

It’s important to note that changing your Microsoft account name in Windows 11 only updates your display name. It does not change the email address associated with your account. If you also need to update your email address, follow the steps mentioned in the next section.

Changing Microsoft Account Email Address

To change the email address associated with your Microsoft account, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Microsoft account page.
  2. Click on the “Your Info” tab.
  3. Under the “Account info” section, access the sign-in preferences.
  4. Add a new email address as an alias.
  5. Set the new address as the primary alias.
  6. Remove the old email address if desired.

Make sure to double-check your new email address before saving the changes. Updating your email address ensures that you receive important communications from Microsoft and can easily log in to your account.

Changing Microsoft Account Email Address

In addition to changing your Microsoft account name, you may also need to update your email address. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Microsoft account page.
  2. Click on the “Your Info” tab.
  3. Under the “Account info” section, you can access the sign-in preferences.
  4. Add a new email address as an alias.
  5. Make sure to set the new address as the primary alias before removing the old one.

Updating your email address is important for maintaining the security and accessibility of your Microsoft account. By following these simple steps, you can easily change your email address and continue enjoying all the benefits of your Microsoft account.

Steps to Change Microsoft Account Email Address

StepDescription
1Go to your Microsoft account page.
2Click on the “Your Info” tab.
3Under the “Account info” section, access the sign-in preferences.
4Add a new email address as an alias.
5Set the new address as the primary alias.
6Remove the old email address.

Conclusion

Changing your local account name in Windows 11 has never been easier. With the variety of methods provided in this article, you can update your account name to suit your preferences effortlessly. Whether you choose to use User Accounts, Settings, Command Prompt, Local Users and Groups, or PowerShell, each method offers a simple and straightforward way to modify your account name.

For those using Microsoft accounts, don’t forget to access the Microsoft account website to update not only your account name but also your email address. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Windows 11 experience is personalized and tailored to your liking.

So go ahead and take control of your local account name on Windows 11 today. Say goodbye to generic names and hello to a new account name that truly represents you. Get started now and enjoy a more personalized and customized Windows 11 experience!

FAQ

How can I change my local account name in Windows 11?

There are six different methods you can use to change your local account name in Windows 11. These methods include using User Accounts, Settings, Control Panel Search, Command Prompt, Local Users and Groups, and Windows PowerShell.

How do I change my account name through User Accounts?

To change your account name through User Accounts, navigate to the Control Panel, open the User Accounts section, and follow the on-screen instructions to enter your new desired name and save the changes.

Can I change my account name through the Settings menu?

Yes, you can change your account name through the Settings menu. Open the Settings app, go to the Accounts section, navigate to the “Your Info” tab, and manage your account to change the name and save the new changes.

How can I change my account name quickly using the Control Panel search feature?

To change your account name quickly using the Control Panel search feature, type “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar, open the Control Panel app, search for the User Accounts section, and follow the same steps mentioned earlier to modify your account name.

Is it possible to change my account name using Command Prompt?

Yes, you can change your account name using Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges, use the “net user” command followed by your account name and the new desired name, and press Enter to save the changes.

How do I change my account name through Local Users and Groups?

To change your account name through Local Users and Groups, open the “lusrmgr.msc” window, navigate to the Users folder, right-click on your account name, select “Rename,” enter the new name, and click OK to save the changes.

Can I change my account name using Windows PowerShell?

Yes, you can change your account name using Windows PowerShell. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges, use the “Rename-LocalUser” command followed by your current account name and the new desired name, and press Enter to save the changes.

How do I change the account name for Microsoft accounts?

To change the account name for Microsoft accounts in Windows 11, you need to access the Microsoft account website. Go to the Settings app, navigate to the Accounts section, click on “Your Info,” manage your Microsoft account, and update your first or last name.

Can I change my Microsoft account email address?

Yes, you can change your Microsoft account email address. Go to your Microsoft account page, click on the “Your Info” tab, access the sign-in preferences, add a new email address as an alias, and set the new address as the primary alias before removing the old one.

Are there any additional considerations for changing my local account name in Windows 11?

No, these methods will allow you to easily modify your account name to reflect your preferences and personalize your Windows 11 experience.

Nilesh Kamble is Certified in Microsoft & GCP, having 13+ Years of Experience in IT Industry. As a Senior IT Employee, having vast experience on Windows Server, Windows Client, Powershell, Cloud Technologies. Passionate about Laptop, Mobiles & Other emerging Technologies.