How to Rename the User Folder in Windows 11

Windows 11 is already present on millions of people worldwide. It has a nice visual overhaul and plenty of features.

rename user folder on windows 11

If you’ve just installed a fresh copy of Windows 11 on your PC, you’ve probably set it up by signing in to your Microsoft account. While this is the correct way to do it, there is a catch – the Users folder is named based on the first five characters of your email address.

This can be annoying if you want to give the folder a custom name, as the first five characters sound very random. Fortunately, there are several ways to change it.

What is a user folder on Windows 11

Each copy of Windows 11 installed will have a folder named after the user account. This folder is where your downloads, documents, photos, and other personal data are stored.

change the name of the user folder

By default, Windows 11 assigns a five-letter name to this folder, which turns out to be the first five characters of your email ID registered with Windows. This can be annoying, especially if your name has six letters, but good old Windows drops the last letter when naming the Users folder.

How to rename user folder

Unfortunately, you can’t right-click on the Users folder and rename it. There are two ways to rename the Users folder on Windows 11.

Rename the user folder by creating a new user account

This is the simpler method of the two and involves changing some basic settings. Instead of renaming the Users folder, it’s easier to create a new user account and name the folder whatever you want. Here’s how you can do it.

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Step 1: Click the Search icon on your Windows 11 taskbar.

windows 11 search icon

Step 2: Enter Setting in the search bar and click the app to open it.

search to rename user folder

Step 3: Navigate to the Accounts section in the left panel.

user account folder

Step 4: Select Family & other users.

other user option to rename folder on windows

Step 5: Click the Add Account option next to Other Users.

add new user account

Step 6: You will now see an account setup wizard. Note that you must select ‘I don’t have this person’s credentials’ to continue. Do not use your Microsoft account at this stage.

add new account

Step 7: Enter a name for the new user account. This will also be the name of your Users folder. You can also choose to enter a password to secure your account. Once done, click Next.

rename user folder on windows 11

Step 8: Your new account is ready. Now click on the little arrow next to the new user account and select Change account type.

Account Type

Step 9: Select Administrator as the account type and click OK.

administrator account

Step 10: Turn off your PC and the next time you turn on your PC, sign in with the new user account. It’s a way to get the Users folder with the desired, easy name.

This is an alternative because renaming the Users folder is a bit complicated. However, if you’re willing to go that route, here’s how you can do it.

Rename user folders with Registry Editor

As mentioned earlier, this is a somewhat advanced method and involves a small risk factor. You should back up your entire PC before trying this method.

Step 1: Create a new user account using the steps mentioned in the first method above. Restart your PC and sign in to that account.

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Step 2: Click the Search icon in the Windows 11 taskbar.

windows 11 search icon

Step 3: Enter Command prompt and click on the app to open it.

command prompt

Step 4: Type the command wmic user account get name, SID and press Enter key.

command to rename user directory

Step 5: Now you will see all the user accounts with their respective SIDs displayed on your screen. Note down the SID of the username you want to rename the Users folder.

all usernames

Step 6: Launch Run by pressing Windows + R keys on your keyboard.

Run window

Step 7: Enter re-edit in the Run window and press the Enter key. Click Yes if you are asked if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device.

Regedit is running

Step 8: You have now opened the Registry Editor on Windows 11.

registry editor to rename user folders

Step 9: In the Registry Editor window, click the small arrow next to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder on the left. Then click the arrow next to the SOFTWARE. Keep doing this until you reach \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\SID where SID is the one you recorded earlier.

Navigate through regedit

Step 10: Click on the correct SID to expand the content on the right half of your screen.

expand SID

Step 11: In the list of items displayed in the right window, select the ProfileImagePath file and right-click on it. Click ‘Modify.’

rename profile path

Step 12: Enter the desired name for the Users folder after the path ‘C:\Users\’. Click OK once done.

rename user folder on Windows 11

Step 13: Open Windows Explorer and go to the Users folder. You will find the Users folder with the old name. Right click on it and select Rename option.

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Rename option for user folder

Step 14: Enter the same name as what you entered in Registry Editor. Once done, press the Enter key.

New user directory

Restart your PC and sign in to the account you renamed the Users folder. You will see that the folder has been renamed. You can delete the sub-account you’ve created on your PC and continue using the main account if you want.

Change the name of the user folder

While the first method is an alternative, the second method will help you rename the user folder on your main account in Windows 11. Next time you set up Windows, make sure you don’t. Sign in with your Microsoft account in the first place. That’s a way to avoid Windows automatically naming the User folder.

Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/

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