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As a Windows 10 user, there may come a time when you need to change or rename your administrator account for security or personal reasons. The main reason to rename an administrator account is to make it harder for hackers or malicious software to steal your login credentials. Renaming your administrator account is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. In this guide, we will go over the best methods to rename the administrator account on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Rename The Administrator Account on Windows 10
Windows 10 comes with a default administrator account, which can be used to perform various system-level tasks. The administrator account holds the keys to the kingdom, and as such, it should be protected at all costs. Renaming your administrator account is one of the simplest ways to increase your system security, especially if you use your computer in public places.
Here are some reasons why you need to rename the administrator account on Windows 10:
- Better Security: Renaming your administrator account can make it harder for hackers or malware to gain access to your system.
- Personalization: Renaming your administrator account to something personal can make the login process more enjoyable for you.
- Privacy Protection: Renaming your administrator account can protect your privacy from people who might try to access your computer.
Method 1: Renaming the Administrator Account via Control Panel
Before renaming your administrator account, you need to create another administrator account that you can use to complete the renaming process. Here are the steps to do so:
Step 1: Click on the "Windows" button on your keyboard and type "Control Panel". Then click on the “Control Panel” app that appears on the search results.
Step 2: On the Control Panel page, click on the "User Accounts" option.
Step 3: Select "Manage another account".
Step 4: Click “Add a new user in PC settings”. On the new page, click “Add someone else to this PC”.
Step 5: Choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”. On the next page, click “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.
Step 6: On "Next" page, fill in the required field and click "Next" again.
Step 7: Select the "User" option, then click "Finish".
Step 8: Once you have created a new administrator account, log out of your current administrator account and log in to the new one.
Step 9: Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and type "control userpasswords2".
Step 10: Select the account you want to rename.
Step 11: Click on "Properties".
Step 12: Type in the new name for the account and press "Enter". you can also change the full name of the account if you want to.
Step 13: Click on "Apply".
Step 14: Your administrator account on Windows 10 is now renamed, you can log out and sign with your new account name.
Pros:
- This method allows you to rename your administrator account quickly and easily.
- This method does not require any third-party software.
- This method allows you to change the full name of your administrator account as well as the account name.
Cons:
- This method requires you to create another administrator account before renaming the current one.
- You will need to sign in with the new administrator account to complete the renaming process.
Method 2: Renaming the Administrator Account via Command Prompt
If you’re comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can use it to rename your administrator account. Here are the steps to rename your administrator account via Command Prompt:
Step 1: Click on the "Windows" button on your keyboard and type "Command Prompt". Then, right-click on the Command Prompt application and select "Run as administrator".
Step 2: Type the following command "wmic useraccount where Name=’Administrator’ rename newusername". Replace "newusername" with the new username that you want to use.
Step 3: Press "Enter".
Step 4: Your administrator account is now renamed.
Pros:
- This method is simple and easy to use, especially if you’re comfortable using Command Prompt.
- This method allows you to rename your administrator account without the need for any third-party software.
Cons:
- If you don’t use Command Prompt frequently, it may be challenging to use this method.
- This method requires you to know your administrator account name.
Method 3: Renaming the Administrator Account via Local Users and Groups
This method is similar to Method 1, but instead of using the Control Panel, you’ll use the Local Users and Groups tool. Here are the steps to rename your administrator account via Local Users and Groups:
Step 1: Click on the "Windows" button on your keyboard and type "Computer Management". Click on the "Computer Management" app that appears on the search results.
Step 2: Go to the "Local Users and Groups" option on the left pane.
Step 3: Click on the "Users" folder.
Step 4: Select the "Administrator" account and right-click it.
Step 5: Select "Rename".
Step 6: Type the new name of the account and press "Enter".
Step 7: Your administrator account is now renamed.
Pros:
- This method is straightforward and easy to use.
- This method does not require any third-party software.
Cons:
- You will need to sign in with another administrator account before starting this method.
- This method can be challenging for some Windows users to find the Local Users and Groups option in Computer Management.
Method 4: Renaming the Administrator Account via Registry Editor
If you’re used to using Registry Editor to make changes to your system, you can also use it to rename your administrator account. Here are the steps to use Registry Editor to rename your administrator account:
Step 1: Click on the "Windows" button on your keyboard and type "Registry Editor". Then, right-click on the Registry Editor application and select "Run as administrator".
Step 2: Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList".
Step 3: Right-click on the "Administrator" account and select "Rename".
Step 4: Type the new account name and press "Enter".
Step 5: Your administrator account is now renamed.
Pros:
- This method is useful if you’re experienced in using Registry Editor.
- This method does not require any third-party software.
Cons:
- If you’re not experienced with using Registry Editor, this method can be challenging.
- This method requires you to know where to find the correct registry key.
What to Do If You Can’t Rename The Administrator Account on Windows 10
If you can’t rename your administrator account using the methods above, here are a few things you can try to fix the issue:
- Use Safe Mode: You can try renaming your administrator account while logged in to Safe Mode.
- Use a Third-Party Tool: Some third-party tools allow you to rename your administrator account with ease. However, be careful not to use tools from untrusted sources.
- Reset Your Computer: If all else fails, you may need to reset your computer to its default settings.
Bonus Tip
Here are a few bonus tips to help you keep your administrator account secure:
- Use a Strong Password: Using a strong password can help prevent unauthorized access to your administrator account.
- Disable Guest Accounts: Disabling guest accounts can help prevent users from accessing your system without authorization.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process.
5 FAQs
Q1: How Do I Find My Administrator Account Name?
A: To find your administrator account name, go to the Control Panel and select "User Accounts". Your administrator account name will be listed there.
Q2: Is It Safe to Renaming My Administrator Account?
A: Renaming your administrator account is safe and can help increase the security of your system.
Q3: How Do I Create Another Administrator Account?
A: To create another administrator account, go to the Control Panel and select "User Accounts". Click "Manage another account" and then "Add a new user in PC settings".
Q4: Can I Change the Full Name of My Administrator Account?
A: Yes, you can change both the account name and the full name of your administrator account.
Q5: What If I Forgot My Administrator Password?
A: If you forgot your administrator password, you can reset it using a password reset disk or by using another administrator account.
Final Thoughts
Renaming your administrator account on Windows 10 is a simple and effective way to increase your system security. You can use the above methods to rename your administrator account quickly and easily, and the bonus tips can help you keep your system secure. With the right precautions, you can protect your administrator account from unauthorized access and keep your system safe.