How to change local account name Windows 10?

Changing Local Account Name in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Local Account?

Before we dive into how to change the local account name in Windows 10, let’s quickly explain what a local account is. In Windows 10, the local account is a user account that is used to authenticate and log in to the computer. It’s a separate account from the Administrators account, which has full administrative privileges.

Why Change the Local Account Name?

There are several reasons why you might want to change the local account name in Windows 10. Some common reasons include:

• Different username: If you have a different username in your system and prefer to use a different one for your local account.
• Customization: Changing the local account name can give you more control over how your account is presented to others.
• Security: In some cases, changing the local account name can help prevent unauthorized access to your account.

How to Change the Local Account Name in Windows 10

To change the local account name in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the User Accounts Settings

• Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I (or type Settings in the Start menu)
• Click on Accounts from the left-hand menu
• Click on Family & other users from the right-hand menu

Step 2: Click on "Manage another account"

• In the Family & other users page, click on Manage another account in the Family section
• This will take you to the Account Settings page

Step 3: Select the Local Account

• In the Account Settings page, click on Local account in the left-hand menu
• This will take you to the Account Information page

Step 4: Update the Account Name

• In the Account Information page, click on Change account name in the right-hand menu
• Enter the new local account name in the Username field
• Click Save to save the changes

Alternative Method: Using the Command Prompt

Alternatively, you can change the local account name using the Command Prompt. Here’s how:

• Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)
• Type the following command: net user <old_username> <new_username>
• Replace <old_username> and <new_username> with the actual usernames you want to use

Checking the New Account Name

To verify that the account name has been changed, you can check the Accounts page in the Settings app. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I (or type Settings in the Start menu)
• Click on Accounts from the left-hand menu
• Click on Family & other users from the right-hand menu
• In the Family section, click on Manage another account
• In the Account Settings page, click on Account Information
• In the Account Information page, click on Change account name
• Verify that the new account name is displayed

Tips and Variations

• If you’re using a custom domain, you may need to update the local account name to match the domain name.
• You can also change the local account name using the Control Panel app. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Control Panel by pressing Windows + I (or type Control Panel in the Start menu)
  2. Click on User Accounts from the left-hand menu
  3. Click on Manage another account
  4. In the Manage another account page, click on Local account
  5. In the Local account page, click on Change account name
  6. Enter the new local account name and click Save

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid common mistakes when changing the local account name, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you have administrative privileges: If you’re not an administrator, you won’t be able to change the local account name.
• Backup your account information: Before making any changes to your account information, make sure to backup your account settings and usernames.
• Test your account name: Make sure to test your new account name by logging in and verifying that everything works as expected.

Conclusion

Changing the local account name in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process that can help you customize your account settings and improve your online security. By following these steps and tips, you should be able to change the local account name successfully. Remember to test your new account name and backup your account information to ensure that everything works as expected.