change display name in windows | Linus Tech Tips | Page 1

dense thorn Sep 17, 2025, 6:15 AM

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Hi,

I'm someone who uses a different preferred name for gender reasons. I need to keep my microsoft account name (my user is not a local account) as my previous name so family don't get suspicious, but I would like for my pc to not say HI DEADNAME every time I turn it on. It would also be nice for my laptop so people who only know me as rowyn aren't confused if they see that, and I can keep it stealth. I don't need to change the user directory if that's going to cause issues, just want to change what shows up on login.

Thanks!!!

formal stirrup Sep 17, 2025, 11:45 AM

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Settings > System > About > Rename this PC

dense thorn Sep 20, 2025, 5:03 AM

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formal stirrup Settings > System > About > Rename this PC

that's not what i'm looking for, that's renaming the device itself

deft stirrup Sep 20, 2025, 11:18 AM

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dense thorn Hi, I'm someone who uses a different preferred name for gender reasons. I need ...

You will need to switch to a local account or make a new ms account. The name is tied to the Microsoft account

violet sail Sep 20, 2025, 12:53 PM

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Why not just rename it in Users and Groups. You can get to it through the mmc or Computer Management, etc ,etc. If I'm understanding you correctly.

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I use an M$ account to login as well. It's still linked to a local profile though.

#change display name in windows