This guide will show you the easiest and safest method to rename your Windows user folder in Windows The options are to create a new local account or go through the Windows Registry. Due to the time involved and the risks associated with changing the user folder name, it’s probably best to do so if you can live with the existing name.

Changing the name of your account in Windows 10 is relatively simple, but changing the name of the user folder is another matter entirely. Many applications and Windows settings rely on the user folder name as part of a pathway to required data for them to run correctly.

Although it is possible to change the name of your folder in Windows 10, it can very easily break software or even make the entire user profile unusable. With that in mind, the safer and more reliable method is to create a new account with the desired folder name. Create a local account for Windows Make sure to name it what you want your user folder to be.

You also want to set the account as an administrator. Select Sign in with a Microsoft Account instead. Input your Microsoft account name and password to log in. That will automatically sync your Microsoft account settings and store purchases. You will still need to install your applications on the new account, but your user folder name will be the same as the original local account.

The more advanced method for changing your user folder name is to do so in the registry. This method won’t force you to make a new account, but any mistakes can make your user profile invalid, and even when it works, some software may not function properly due to file path conflicts.

Proceed with caution and only if you’re happy to create a system restore point before starting in the event something goes wrong. Open the Command Prompt in administrator mode. Type wmic useraccount list full and press enter. In the resulting list, search for your existing account name. Take note of the SID number for your existing account name.

Rename JonM Jon Martindale , for example. Be sure to set your new account name to what you want the user folder to be. Look for the profile you want to change the user folder name based on the SID value you noted earlier and open the ProfileImagePath value. Change the value data to the new folder name—make sure it’s the same as your newly renamed account—and select OK.

Restart your Windows 10 PC. If you followed the steps correctly, your Windows 10 user folder name should have your new account name. If you run into some issues accessing the account or the user profile is corrupted, use your system restore point to get back to a functioning system again, and if you still want to change the user folder name, run through the steps again. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.

You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookie Settings. By Jon Martindale. Jon Martindale. Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr. Tweet Share Email. What to know Create a new local account with the name you want set it as an administrator. You’ll need to move all of your files and applications over to the new account. Warning: Changing the user folder name has the potential to break any installed software.

Local or Microsoft Account? What’s Best for Your Windows Experience? This method is only viable on Windows 10 Pro, not Windows 10 Home. How to Create a New Folder in Windows. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You’re in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Tell us why! More from Lifewire.

How to change my user name folder in a safe way ? – Microsoft Community.How to Change User Folder Name in Windows 10 – 2 Ways

Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn’t help. What happens if I log out of my MS account, create a new PC user with a name I like, log back in to my MS account using the new user, and then having copied any files first delete the old user? Does that screw up the connection, if any, between my PC user name and my MS account, e. This should work but since I stick to local rather than MS accounts, I do not consider myself an expert.

Choose where you want to search below Search Search the Community. Search the community and support articles Windows Windows 10 Search Community member. I don’t fancy any furgling in the registry. This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread.

I have the same question 2. Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Frederik Long. While it is possible to change the name of your profile folder with a registry hack which you are reluctant to undertake , it is not recommended because this name exists in numerous places in the registry.

I’m afraid you will have to live with this name. Thanks for your feedback. How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

In reply to Frederik Long’s post on May 10, In reply to Cortexpert’s post on May 10, In reply to Frederik Long’s post on May 11, Can anyone else help with a definitive answer please? This site in other languages x.

Windows 10 change user folder name free

I want to change my user folder name. What should i do? Please help me. This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. Threats include any threat of suicide, violence, or harm to another. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site. Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Any behavior that is insulting, rude, vulgar, desecrating, or showing disrespect. Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software.

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Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn’t help. Choose where you want to search below Search Search the Community. Search the community and support articles Windows Windows 10 Search Community member. I have the same question 0. Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. DaveM Independent Advisor. Thanks for your feedback. How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. This site in other languages x.