How do I change my Microsoft account name?
As a Microsoft account user, you may want to change your account name to reflect changes in your personal or professional life. Fortunately, Microsoft provides an easy and straightforward process to update your account name. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change your Microsoft account name.
Why Change Your Microsoft Account Name?
Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand why you might want to change your Microsoft account name. Some common reasons include:
- Marriage or Name Change: After getting married, you may want to update your account name to reflect your new last name.
- Profession or Career Change: If you’ve changed your profession or want to rebrand yourself, changing your account name can be an excellent way to signal the change.
- Personal Branding: You may want to create a new identity for personal or business purposes.
- Clarity and Uniqueness: If your original account name is too generic or already taken, changing it can make it more unique and easier to remember.
How to Change Your Microsoft Account Name
Changing your Microsoft account name is a straightforward process that can be done from the Microsoft account settings page. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Sign in to Your Microsoft Account
First, sign in to your Microsoft account using your current email address and password.
Changing the Account Name
Step 2: Go to Account Settings
Click on your account profile picture or icon in the top right corner of the window, and then select Account.
Step 3: Click on "Edit Profile & settings"
In the "Account" dropdown menu, click on Edit profile & settings.
Step 4: Update Your Account Name
In the "Edit profile & settings" page, click on the Change name button next to "Your name".
Step 5: Enter Your New Account Name
Enter your new account name in the text field provided. Make sure to use the following guidelines:
- Your account name should be between 3 and 16 characters long.
- It can contain letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), and the following special characters: !, @, #, $, _, -, ^, *, (, ), +, =, :, ~, and ~.
- Spaces are not allowed, but you can use connecting words with a hyphen (-) or an underscore (_).
Step 6: Confirm Your New Account Name
Review your new account name and confirm it by clicking on Save.
What to Do After Changing Your Account Name
After changing your account name, you will need to update the following:
- Profile Page: Your new account name will be reflected on your profile page.
- Hotmail or Outlook.com: If you have a Hotmail or Outlook.com email address associated with your Microsoft account, it will also be updated.
- Apps and Services: You may need to re-sync some Microsoft apps and services, such as Microsoft Office or Microsoft Edge, to reflect the new account name.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my new account name is already taken?: If someone else has taken your desired account name, you can try adding a unique identifier, such as your initials or a specific role, to make it more unique.
- Can I change my account name multiple times?: Yes, you can change your account name as many times as you want.
- Will changing my account name affect my Microsoft services?: Changing your account name will not affect most Microsoft services, but you may need to re-link some apps and services.
Conclusion
Changing your Microsoft account name is a straightforward process that can be done from the Microsoft account settings page. By following these simple steps, you can update your account name to reflect changes in your personal or professional life. Remember to review the guidelines for creating a new account name and confirm any updates to ensure a smooth transition.