How to change local account name Windows 10?

How to Change Local Account Name Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of using your default Windows 10 account name? Do you want to change it to a more personalized or professional name? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of changing your local account name on Windows 10.

Understanding Local Accounts in Windows 10

Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand what local accounts are in Windows 10. Local accounts are user accounts that are created and managed solely on the local machine, separate from online services like Microsoft accounts. Local accounts are perfect for users who prefer to keep their online activities separate or for those who don’t want to share their personal data with online services.

Why Change Your Local Account Name?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your local account name:

• Personalization: You might want to change your account name to a more personal or unique name that reflects your personality or Professional branding.
• Security: Changing your account name can help improve security by making it harder for hackers to guess or stumble upon your account.
• Organization: If you have multiple user accounts on the same machine, changing the account names can help you keep them organized and easy to identify.

How to Change Local Account Name Windows 10

Now, let’s get to the step-by-step guide on how to change your local account name on Windows 10:

Method 1: Change Local Account Name Using Settings App

1. Step 1: Open Settings App
   Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.
2. Step 2: Navigate to Accounts
   In the Settings app, click on the Accounts option.
3. Step 3: Select Your Account
   In the Accounts window, click on your local account name to select it.
4. Step 4: Click on "Change"
   Click the Change button next to your account name.
5. Step 5: Enter New Name
   Enter your new account name in the New name field.
6. Step 6: Confirm Changes
   Click Next to confirm the changes.
7. Step 7: Reboot Your System
   Restart your system to apply the changes.

Note: Be aware that changing your account name will not affect your login credentials, such as password, and you will still be able to log in with your original credentials.

Method 2: Change Local Account Name Using Command Prompt

If you prefer to use the command line, you can use the following steps:

1. Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Run (Windows Key + R), then typing cmd and pressing Enter.
2. Step 2: Use the Net User Command
   In the Command Prompt, type the following command: net user , replacing with your current account name and with the new name you want to use.

Example: net user OldName NewName

1. Step 3: Press Enter
   Press Enter to execute the command.
2. Step 4: Reboot Your System
   Restart your system to apply the changes.

Tips and Variations

• To add a prefix or suffix to your account name, use the following format: <prefix/new_name><suffix>
• To remove the _ at the beginning and end of the name, use the following command: net user <old_name>.
• If you want to change the display name of your account (the name that appears in the User section of the Windows Settings app), use the following command: net user <old_name> /DomainOnly

Conclusion

Changing your local account name on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few minutes. Whether you want to personalize your account, improve security, or simply organize your user accounts, this guide provides you with two easy methods to achieve the desired result. Remember to back up your important files and data regularly to ensure your safety and security online.

Additional Resources

For more information on Windows 10 and its features, we recommend checking out the official Microsoft documentation and the Windows 10 User Guide.