How to Rename User Folder on Windows 11

When you create an account on your computer, Windows 11 will concurrently make a corresponding folder in the C:\Users\Username path. It’s here where all the documents, OneDrive items, desktop items, media files, etc. will be stored.

Furthermore, the folder name will be similar to the name of the account. Moreover, in other instances, you may need to assign a unique name to the user folder. Unfortunately, the renaming process has been overly complex. If you should change the user folder name because of some reason, you will have two ways to complete this task on Windows 11. That is, you can make a new local account with the name you suggest for the folder. Remember you should transfer your details to the newly created profile. Alternatively, you can rename the folder through the Registry by modifying the settings but it’s not recommended.

Rename a User Folder By Creating a New User Account

This is one of the simplest ways of renaming a user folder by changing some settings. It’s simpler to have a new user account and during the process, you will name the user folder whatever you want. Below is a step-by-step process.

1. Click on the Search icon from your Windows 11 taskbar.
2. Key in settings in your search bar. After searching click on it to open.
3. Go to the Accounts section available in the left panel.
4. Choose family and other users.
5. Click Add account. It’s next to Other users.
6. After that, an account setup wizard will open. Remember you have to choose ‘I don’t have the person’s sign-in details” to move to the next step. At this stage, you shouldn’t use your Microsoft account.
7. Name your new user account. Remember this will be your User folder’s name as well. Moreover, you can also have a password to protect the account. When done, click Next.
8. At this step, your new account is ready. Click on the next small arrow button to the new user account and choose a Change account type.
9. Choose the account type as the Administrator and click OK.

At this step shut down your computer to save the change. Turn it on to check if the changes were effective. If so, you will log in using your new user account.

Deleting an Old Account

Deleting an account on Windows 11 is simple and you need to follow the following steps:

1. Go to settings.
2. Open accounts.
3. Click on the Other users’ page.
4. Choose the newly made local account
5. Click the Remove button.
6. Click on delete account & data.

After completing the steps above, you will have deleted the old account, and you’ll use the same Microsoft account to connect to your new account.

Linking a Microsoft account

To change your local account to Microsoft account, you need to follow the steps below.

1. Go to settings
2. Open accounts
3. Select your info page.
4. At “Account settings” click on “Sign in using a Microsoft account”.
5. Confirm the credentials and you are done

Changing User Folder Name Using Registry Editor

As stated earlier, this method is slightly advanced and involves some risk. Therefore, it’s advisable to have a backup of your computer before you start the process.

To rename the user profile folder you need to follow the steps below.

1. Sign out of your existing user account. Login with a newly created or built-in administrator account
2. Press Win + R to go to the Run dialog.
3. Key in CMD and press OK to go to the command prompt.
4. At the command prompt interface, key in  . This shows the Security Identifier of one’s user accounts and types the name of the account with the user folder you will rename.
5. Click on the “Windows + R” keys and key in “regedit.”
6. Click on the “OK” button to begin your Registry Editor. Move to this location:

1. In your ProfileList section, select the name which matches the correct SID.
2. Key in the new name you want to name the user folder and click “OK.”
3. Close Command Prompt plus Registry Editor.
4. Click the “Windows button + E” simultaneously to start File Explorer.
5. Move to the Users directory at C: drive.
6. Select the user profile. Click F2 or “FN + F2” to rename the user folder. Key in the new name and always ensure it matches that which you entered at Registry Editor.
7. Click “Continue” to save the changes made and complete the process.

Conclusion

With either of the process above, you will successfully change the name of the user folder on windows 11. Moreover, your account will also reflect a new folder name. Remember the next time you are setting up Windows, ensure you don’t sign in with your old Microsoft account.

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