Operating System

Easy Steps: How to Change Sign-in Account Name on Windows 10

One part of your identity that you use to sign in to your Windows 10 is your account name. You may change your account name for any reason, or you might need to update your personal information. Sometimes it is necessary to change your name to secure your account. Thus, you may ask yourself how to change your sign-in account name on Windows 10. In this article, we are going to tell you some methods and tricks to change your sign-in account name.

How to Change Sign-in Account Name via Classic Control Panel

  1. Search and enter the classic Control Panel. To do so, press Windows + R and type control.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Enter the User Accounts in Control Panel.
  4. Select Manage Another Account.
  5. Select the Account you want to edit.
  6. Select Change the Account Name.
  7. Input the correct username for the account.
  8. Select Change Name.

How to Change Sign-in Account Name via User Accounts Advanced Control Panel

Follow the steps below to try another way to change sign-in account name:

  1. Hold Windows key + R.
  2. Type netplwiz or control userpasswords2.
  3. Hit Enter.
  4. Click on the Account.
  5. Select Properties.
  6. Select the General tab.
  7. Input the username you want to use.
  8. Select Apply.
  9. Hit OK.
  10. Click Apply.
  11. Hit OK to confirm the change.

How about Changing the User Folder Name?

You can change the username, but this change does not apply to the User folder in the C drive. Changing the name of the folder in the C drive can be risky. In some cases sticking with it or creating a new user account then you should copy your files to the new account is a great option.

If you must change it to hush your OCD, there is an available option that involves using the command line to connect to the security identifier (SID), then you should make necessary changes in the Registry. Before continuing, activate and then log into the built-in Administrator account, and create a system restore point in advance as a precaution.

If you want to access the information in the SID, you should use the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line to reveal the value which is necessary to find and change it in the Registry. To do so, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the Command Prompt with Administrator privileges.
  2. Type wmic useraccount list full.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Scroll down and take note of the SID values for the account you want to change.
  5. Type cls to clear the screen.
  6. Rename the account. Through the command line it is easy to do so.
  7. Type CD C:\users.
  8. Press Enter.
  9. Type rename OldAccountName NewAccountName.

For example: rename “Angry Dah Cosof” “Angela Brown.”

  1. Go the Start.
  2. Type regedit.
  3. Right-click on Regedit.
  4. Select Run as Administrator.
  5. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows

NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

  1. You should know that whether the SID value accessed earlier or not. Now it is the time to reference it.
  2. After finding it, click on it.
  3. Double-click on the value ProfileImagePath to see the old name we had earlier.
  4. Change the old name to the new one.

How to Change Account Name in Local Users and Groups?

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run.
  2. Input lusrmgr.msc.
  3. Click on OK to open Local Users and Groups.
  4. Go to the Users folder.
  5. Right click on a user.
  6. Click on Rename in the menu.
  7. Type a new name in the name box.

How to Change Administrator or Guest Name in Local Group Policy Editor?

  1. Access Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Go to Computer Configuration.
  3. Enter Windows Settings.
  4. Open Security Settings.
  5. Select Local Policies.
  6. Select Security Options.
  7. Go to the Account.
  8. Rename administrator account or guest account.
  9. Type a new name.
  10. Press OK.

How to Change a Microsoft Account Name in Settings

To change the name on the Microsoft account, follow the steps below:

  1. Hold Windows + I to open Settings on your Windows device.
  2. Select Accounts.
  3. Click on Emails & Accounts.
  4. Locate your Microsoft Account under the Accounts used by other apps.
  5. Select Manage.
  6. Your Microsoft Account page will open on a web browser.
  7. Sign in using proper credentials.
  8. Navigate to the tab of Your Info.
  9. Select Edit Name.
  10. You should complete a challenge to confirm you are not a robot trying to make the changes.
  11. Do not forget to click Save.
  12. Reboot the computer.

Note: You can change your name anytime, but it is better to keep your personal information private.

How to Change Your Display Name for a Microsoft Account

If you want to change the display name on the login screen, you should open your account preference on the Microsoft website and make the changes there. To do so, follow the steps below:

  1. Hold the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Accounts.
  3. Underneath your picture and display name.
  4. Select Manage my Microsoft Account to open your account preference page in a browser.
  5. Select More Actions after the browser opens and the page loads.
  6. Select Edit Profile form the options below.
  7. Under your name, select Edit Name.
  8. Input you first name and last name in the provided fields.
  9. Input the CAPTCHA challenge.
  10. Select Save to update your name.

How to Change Local Account Name with Registry Editor (Regedit)

The Microsoft Registry Editor (regedit.exe) allows you to view, search for, and change settings in your system registry, which has information about how your computer runs. Making incorrect changes can damage your system. To change the name, follow the steps below:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run window.
  2. Type Regedit.

Note: It is necessary that you do not make a mistake because your system may damage.

  • Navigate to this path:

“Key_Local_Machine/Software/Microsoft/Windows

NT/CurrentVersion/ProfileList“.

  • Find your account from the list.
  • Right-click on the account.
  • Tap on Modify, and a small window will appear.
  • Type the new account name.
  • Hit OK.

How to Change Local Account Name with Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)

A tool that helps the administrator manage policy settings in Microsoft Console (MMC) span-ins is Group Policy Editor. You can find all versions of Windows Server. Group Policy Objects (GPOs) store the policy settings set by administrators with the GP editor. Follow the steps below to change the name using the gpedit.msc:

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
  2. Type gpedit.msc.
  3. Select Computer Configuration.
  4. Click on Windows Settings.
  5. Hit Security Settings.
  6. Select Local Policies.
  7. Choose Security Options.
  8. Now, you can see Policies.

Rename administrator account and guest account

  • Double-click on the account.
  • Start typing new account name.
  • Hit OK.

Conclusion

Sometimes it is necessary to change the account name because of security issues. In this article, we presented how to change the sign-in account name in Windows 10. Have you ever wanted to change your account name? What did you do? Which method above will you use? Do know any other way to change the account name? Share your ideas with us.

Reyhane A

Reyhane is an author and technology enthusiast who has a passion for writing about Windows tips and tricks. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Reyhane always had an interest in technology, which led her to pursue a degree in computer engineering from the University of Tehran. After completing her studies, Reyhane began working as a software engineer, where she gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of technology. She soon discovered her love for writing, and began sharing her knowledge with others through her blog. Reyhane's blog quickly gained popularity, and she became known as an expert in the field of Windows tips and tricks. Her articles are known for being clear, concise, and easy to understand, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of technical expertise. Today, Reyhane continues to share her knowledge with the world through her blog and YouTube channel, where she provides tips and tricks for Windows users to help them optimize their computer's performance and get the most out of their technology. In addition to her passion for technology, Reyhane enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid reader and is always on the lookout for new books to add to her collection. Reyhane's dedication to her work and her love for technology have made her a respected figure in the industry, and she continues to inspire and educate others through her writing and online content.

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