Your account display name in Windows 11 is the name that appears on the sign-in screen and within various system applications. Changing it can help personalize your experience or update information if your name has changed. In this guide, we’ll explain all the available methods to change your account display name in Windows 11, covering both Microsoft and local accounts.
Why Change Your Account Display Name?
Changing your account display name allows for a more personalized Windows experience. It’s helpful if you’re using a shared computer, recently changed your name, or want a different display name on the sign-in screen. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for updating your account display name with multiple methods to choose from.
Methods to Change Account Display Name in Windows 11
Below are several methods to change your account display name, whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account.
Method 1: Changing the Display Name for a Microsoft Account
If you’re signed in with a Microsoft account, you’ll need to change your display name online. Here’s how:
- Open a web browser and go to the Microsoft Account website: account.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- Go to Your Info at the top of the page.
- Click Edit name under your current display name.
- Enter your First Name and Last Name as you’d like them to appear, then click Save.
- Restart your computer or sign out and sign back in to see the updated name on the sign-in screen.
Note: Changes to your Microsoft account display name can take a few minutes to apply across Windows 11.
Method 2: Changing the Display Name for a Local Account
If you’re using a local account, you can change the display name through the Control Panel. Here’s how:
- Open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
- Go to User Accounts and then click on User Accounts again.
- Select Make changes to my account in pc settings option.
- Enter the new name you want to use and click Change Name to save it.
This method will update the display name for your local account on the Windows 11 sign-in screen.
Method 3: Using Computer Management
For users who prefer an advanced approach, Computer Management offers a way to change a local account name directly:
- Right-click the Start button and select Computer Management.
- In the left pane, navigate to Local Users and Groups > Users.
- In the Users list, find and right-click on your account, then select Properties.
- Under the General tab, enter your desired name in the Full Name field.
- Click OK to save your changes.
After completing these steps, the new display name will appear on the sign-in screen and in Windows 11 applications.
Method 4: Using PowerShell
If you prefer command-line tools, you can use PowerShell to change the display name for a local account:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin).
- To update your display name, use the following command:
Rename-LocalUser -Name "CurrentName" -NewName "NewName"
- Replace
"CurrentName"with your current account name and"NewName"with the name you want to display.
- Press Enter, and your account display name will be updated.
PowerShell offers a quick way to update your account name without navigating menus, ideal for advanced users.
Method 5: Using the Settings App for Microsoft Account
While this method is similar to Method 1, it provides a more integrated approach if you’re already in Settings:
- Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I.
- Go to Accounts and select Your info.
- Under Manage my Microsoft account, click the link that takes you to your Microsoft account page.
- Follow the steps in Method 1 to change your display name.
This method combines the convenience of Settings with the steps to update a Microsoft account display name, offering an all in one solution.
Method 6: Using Command Prompt:
- Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command to rename the account:
wmic useraccount where name="CurrentName" rename "NewName"
- Replace
"CurrentName"with the current username you want to change. - Replace
"NewName"with the new display name you’d like to set. - Press Enter to execute the command.
This will change the account name instantly, though you might need to sign out and back in to see the updated name on the sign-in screen.
Note: This command works for local accounts only and doesn’t apply to Microsoft accounts.
Important Notes
- Local vs. Microsoft Account: The method you use depends on whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account. Microsoft account changes require online access, while local account changes are made on your device.
- Changes May Take Time to Apply: It might take a few minutes for changes to reflect on all sign-in screens or Windows apps.
Conclusion
Changing your account display name in Windows 11 is simple and can be done through several methods, whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account. By following the steps outlined above, you can personalize your device with ease, ensuring that your preferred name appears across Windows. Choose the method that suits you best, and enjoy a more personalized Windows 11 experience.
