Windows 11 generates user profile folders in C:\Users\ based on your Microsoft account name, often producing truncated names. Two methods exist to change it: the OOBE method (25H2 fresh install) and the registry method (existing installs).
Before you start
What you will learn
- How to set a custom profile folder name during OOBE (25H2) and rename an existing folder via registry.
- Changing the display name in Settings only affects the login screen, not the actual folder. The registry method is needed for the physical folder.
Requirements
- Local administrator on the Windows 11 device
- Windows 11 (any edition). OOBE method requires 25H2 fresh install.
- Local Administrator
Good to know
- 5 minutes (OOBE) / 20-30 minutes (registry)
Quick answer
OOBE method for fresh 25H2 installs. Registry method for existing installations.
OOBE: Shift+F10 > set userfoldername | Registry: ProfileList > ProfileImagePathStep-by-step tutorial
3 stepsSet name during OOBE (25H2 fresh install)
Set folder name during fresh 25H2 install.
During OOBE, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt. Run:
set userfoldername=YourDesiredNameClose the prompt and continue setup with a local account. The folder will be created at C:\Users\YourDesiredName.
Only works during fresh install of Windows 11 25H2+.
Rename via registry (existing install)
Rename existing profile folder.
Create a temp admin account. Log into it. Rename C:\Users\OldName to C:\Users\NewName.
Open regedit, go to:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileListFind your SID, update ProfileImagePath to the new path. Restart.
Unsupported by Microsoft. Create a restore point first.
Fix applications after renaming
Fix broken app paths.
Relink OneDrive, update scheduled tasks, check TEMP/TMP environment variables.
[Environment]::GetFolderPath('UserProfile')If Windows won't boot, use a USB to revert ProfileImagePath.
Confirm the result
Troubleshooting
Windows shows temporary profile or fails to boot
Cause: Registry ProfileImagePath doesn't match actual folder name.
Boot from USB, correct ProfileImagePath in the registry to match the folder name.
Cannot rename folder: in use
Cause: Folder is in use by the logged-in account.
Log out and rename from a different admin account.
Frequently asked questions
Does changing account name change the folder?
No. Display name changes don't affect the C:\Users\ folder. Use OOBE or registry method.
Does 25H2 support custom folder names?
Yes, via 'set userfoldername' during OOBE. Safest method.
Will my apps break?
Most apps use %USERPROFILE% and work fine. Apps with hardcoded paths need reconfiguration.
How to recover if Windows won't boot?
Boot from USB, revert ProfileImagePath and folder name.
