Can I change my user name?


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       #1

    Can I change my user name?


    My Win7 laptop developed a problem when trying to access the Internet. The local support firm determined it was a virus and said they could track it down, but it could take some time. Because I have all of my personal data backed up and time is money, I said forget that - wipe the HD and install Win10. I needed to get 'up-to-date' anyway.

    When I got my machine back the username had been set up as [Davis F]. This is what appeared at startup login. I wanted to (and have) changed this to [Fred]. I can't remember if I just edited [Davis F] or set up a new user. I think I must have edited it as I can only see one user - [Fred]. However, I can't find a way to edit [Fred] now, so I am confused.

    All seemed fine until I installed EaseUS backup and wanted to set up an automated routine. The only way I could get this to work was to say the user wanting to do this was [Davis F]. Looking through the registry I can find numerous references to [Davis F] and a fewer number for [Fred].

    I am also finding that I [Fred] don't seem to have administration rights despite my account saying that I have. e.g. I have installed iTunes, but now want to uninstall it. When I try to, I am told that I do not have the rights to 'msiexec'.

    Have I broken some serious rule here regarding the name of the user that installed Win10?

    Any comments/observations would be greatly appreciated as at the moment I am considering reformatting and starting again. Something I don't really want to do!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,679
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Fred, :)

    The tutorial below can help show you how to change your account name in Windows 10.

    Change User Name of Account in Windows 10 Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials

    The option you use in the above tutorial will depend on if your account is a local account or Microsoft account.

    How to Tell if Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10 Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Brink,

    Thanks for the tutorial, I now remember this is what I used to change the account originally.

    I have changed the name back to [Davis F]. It has made no difference to the issues I have (I didn't really expect it to). The account is 'local', 'administrator' and 'password protected'.

    This might be off topic, but can you explain why, if I had enough rights to install iTunes I don't have enough rights to uninstall it. As the only user of this PC, why does Win10 keep harassing me for more rights if I am the administrator?

    Regards.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,679
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    It sounds like you may need to right click on iTune's uninstaller, and click/tap on "Run as administrator" to have it run with elevated rights.

    If that doesn't help, then you could temporarily enable the built-in "Administrator" account, sign in to it, and see if you are able to uninstall iTunes.

    Enable or Disable Elevated Administrator account in Windows 10 Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials
      My Computers


 

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