After changing user name via netplwiz method, it reverts on reboot.

ozstar · 21 Jul 2018

Hi,

Win 10 1803

I have used the netplwiz method and it did change the name, however a couple of reboots and it came back to the previous name which happens to be my Microsoft name. The pin is used not a password.

After I make the change, when I go thru settings, I see that it is still my name although it does show the changed name in the left lower corner options as I sign in.

Trouble is this box is not for me, it is for another person although I set it up.

I don't want to use the Microsoft account method unless I know for sure it just changes this computer user name NOT my own Windows account which is connected to my own boxes.

How should I do this?

BTW I used this method from within the account I want to change and yes it is an Admin account and also from the first account that was set up on Win install.

Bree · 21 Jul 2018

ozstar said:

Trouble is this box is not for me, it is for another person although I set it up.

It appears you have linked this account to your Microsoft account. You need to switch it to a local account.

Switch to Local Account in Windows 10

ozstar · 21 Jul 2018

Thanks .. I will give that a go.

Later..

Yes !! It looked like it has worked. I'll check later today when they close down and reboot.

Many thanks.

Bree · 21 Jul 2018

Ideally, if this machine is for another person you should have set up a local account in their name and configured that to their needs. That way both the account name and the name of their User folder would be in their name. Setting up the first account on a new machine with a MS account takes the first five characters of you email address as the name for the User folder. Once created it is almost impossible to change the User folder name, it stays the same even if you change the account name.

They could then switch that account to their own Microsoft account after delivery, if they wish.

Switch to Microsoft Account in Windows 10

You could start again by setting up a new local account for them, very important: make it an administrator. Then you could delete the first account when you are done.