Step-by-Step Guide to Change User Folder Name in Windows 11

How to Change the User Folder Name in Windows 11

Changing the user folder name in Windows 11 may seem complex, but you have a couple of effective methods to accomplish this. Before diving into the details, it’s crucial to recognize that Windows automatically creates a user folder based on the name you assign when you create an account. While this folder name is generally not problematic for functionality, many users prefer a more aesthetically pleasing title.

To alter the user profile folder name on Windows 11, you can choose from two primary approaches:

Create a new local account with your desired name and transfer your current files to this new profile.
Utilize the Registry Editor to modify the folder name directly (this method is less recommended due to potential complications).

In this comprehensive guide, we will outline both methods step by step. Please ensure you create a complete backup of your system before proceeding with any changes.

Method 1: Create a New Account to Change the User Folder Name

To successfully change your user profile folder name by creating a new account, follow the instructions below:

Launch the Settings app on your Windows 11 device.
Navigate to Accounts.
Select the Other users option.
Click on Add account.
Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Opt for Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Confirm the username for the new account, which will also serve as your new folder name.
(Optional) Skip setting a password for the new account.
Click Next.
Find the newly created account and select Change account type.
Set the account type to Administrator.
Click OK to finalize the changes.
Log out of your current account.
Sign into the new account.

After completing these steps, you will have a new account with the desired folder name.

Transfer Your Files

Now, you’ll want to transfer your files from the old user folder to the new one. You can easily do this using File Explorer by navigating to the Users folder. Remember that you may need to reconfigure some settings in the new account, depending on your previous configurations.

Removing the Old Account

Once the files are successfully transferred, you can delete the old account. Here’s how:

Open Settings.
Go back to Accounts.
Click on Other users.
Select your old account and click Remove.
Confirm by selecting Delete account and data.

After following these steps, the old user account will be permanently removed, allowing you to link your Microsoft account to the new one.

Link Your Microsoft Account

To convert your new local account into a Microsoft account, follow these steps:

Access Settings.
Click on Accounts.
Select Your info.
Click Sign in with a Microsoft account.
Enter your Microsoft account credentials.

Note: If prompted for a password and the new account has none, leave the field blank.

Upon completing these steps, your account will be fully functional with the correct folder title.

Method 2: Rename User Folder via Registry (Advanced)

If you prefer to modify the existing user folder directly via the Registry and avoid creating a new user account, follow these advanced steps. Please be aware that this method carries risks of unexpected behavior in your applications and might affect account functionality.

Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.
Enable the built-in Administrator account by executing the following command:

net user "Administrator"/active:yes

Log out of your current account.
Login using the built-in Administrator account (no password is needed).
Open the Start menu again.
Search for Command Prompt and open it.
Execute the following command to find your account’s Security Identifier (SID):

wmic useraccount get name, SID

Open Start again.
Search for regedit to launch the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

Locate the key corresponding to the SID you just found.
Right-click on ProfileImagePath and select Modify.
Change the user profile folder name, ensuring the path remains unchanged.
Click OK.
Open File Explorer.
Navigate to C:\Users and find your profile folder.
Right-click the folder, choose Rename, and ensure the name matches what you set in the Registry.
Select Continue if prompted.
Log out of the built-in Administrator account.
Sign into your modified account.
Open Command Prompt again, right-click and select Run as administrator.
Disable the built-in Administrator account with this command:

net user "Administrator"/active:no

Upon following these instructions, your user account will reflect the new folder name. Should any applications reference the old profile folder, remember to update their settings accordingly.

Note as of August 18, 2025: This guide has been revised to ensure precision and to align with recent updates in the process.

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