Changing the C:Users/Username folder in Windows 10 might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually straightforward when you break it down into steps. By following a few simple instructions, you can easily change the username associated with your user profile on your computer.
How to Change C:UsersUsername in Windows 10
By following these steps, you’ll be able to change the folder name that Windows uses for your user profile. This can be useful if you’ve recently changed your name or if you just want to personalize your computer a bit more.
Step 1: Create a New Local User Account
First, we need to create a new local user account.
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I. Go to Accounts > Family & other users, then click on “Add someone else to this PC.” Choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information,” then “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
Step 2: Assign Administrator Rights
Make this new account an administrator.
Go back to the Accounts menu, select the new account under Family & other users, click on “Change account type,” and set it to Administrator.
Step 3: Log into the New Account
Log out of your current account and log into the new one.
Click on the Start menu, select your profile icon, and choose the new user account to log in.
Step 4: Rename the User Folder
Rename the folder in the Users directory.
Open File Explorer, go to C:Users, and rename your old user folder to the desired name.
Step 5: Change the Registry Settings
Edit the registry to reflect the new folder name.
Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList. Find the folder corresponding to your old username, and change the ProfileImagePath to the new folder name.
Step 6: Log Back into Your Original Account
Log back into your original account and verify the changes.
Go to the Start menu, select your profile icon, and switch back to your original user account. Check if everything is working correctly.
After completing these steps, your user profile folder will have the new name you chose. All your files and settings should remain intact, but now they’ll be associated with the updated folder name.
Tips for Changing C:UsersUsername in Windows 10
- Always back up your important files before making changes to system settings.
- Ensure you have another administrator account to avoid getting locked out.
- Double-check the spelling when renaming the folder and editing the registry.
- Avoid using special characters in the folder name to prevent issues.
- If something goes wrong, you can always revert the changes by following these steps in reverse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the username without creating a new account?
No, Windows doesn’t allow renaming of the user folder directly. Creating a new account is necessary to change the folder name.
Will I lose my files if I change the C:UsersUsername folder?
No, the files will remain intact, but it’s always wise to back up any important data.
What happens if I type the wrong folder name in the registry?
Entering the wrong folder name can cause your profile to not load correctly. Double-check your entries to avoid issues.
Is it possible to rename the folder back to the original name?
Yes, you can follow these steps in reverse to rename the folder back to its original name.
Can I delete the old user account after changing the folder name?
Yes, once you’ve confirmed that everything works as expected, you can delete the old user account.
Summary
- Create a new local user account.
- Assign administrator rights.
- Log into the new account.
- Rename the user folder.
- Change the registry settings.
- Log back into your original account.
Conclusion
Changing the C:UsersUsername in Windows 10 can feel like changing the name tag on a high-tech locker. It’s a small detail, but it can make your computing experience feel more personal and streamlined. By following the steps outlined, you can easily rename your user profile folder without losing your data or settings.
Remember, always back up your important files before diving into system changes. It’s like having a spare key to your digital house. If you found this guide helpful and want to learn more about personalizing your Windows experience, keep exploring other tutorials and tips. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.