Reference number: CH000767

How do I change my username and/or password?

Question:

How do I change my username and/or password?

Answer:

Below are the steps on how to change your username and/or password in major operating systems, online services, and other locations. Keep in mind that unless you're the administrator or root of the system you, will need to know the password of the account before changing it into something else. Click on one of the below links to scroll down automatically to steps on how to change the username or password

Windows 95, 98, and ME
Windows NT and 2000
Windows XP
Linux / Unix and most variants
BIOS passwords
Internet username and passwords
Online forums and accounts

Windows 95, 98, and ME

Change password

To change your password or password settings in Windows 95, 98, or ME, follow the below steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Passwords icon.
3. In the Password Properties window, click the Change Windows Password button.

Note: The Windows password can also be changed through the Users icon in Control Panel.

Change username

You can change the user settings in Windows 95/98 through the Users icon in Control Panel. However, this does not allow you to change the actual username. If you need to change the username, we suggest you create a copy of your existing username and use the new user name. Below are the steps to do this.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users icon.
3. Highlight the user you wish to make a copy of and click the Make a copy button.
4. Follow the wizard in creating a new user account.

Windows 2000

Change password

Microsoft Windows 2000 users can simply change their username by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL while in Windows to open the Windows Security window. From this window click the "Change Password" button.

Enter your old password and the new password you wish to use. 

Change username

In order to change the username of an account on Windows XP you will need to have an account with Administrator rights. If you're logged in as Administrator or have an account with Administrator rights, follow the below steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users and Password icon.
3. Make sure "Users must enter a user and password to use this computer" is checked.
4. Highlight the account you wish to change the username for and click the Properties button.
5. Within the Properties you'll be able to change the User name.

Windows XP

Windows XP Home

Microsoft Windows XP Home users can change their username and passwords by following the below steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users Accounts icon.
3. Select the account you wish to change.
4. Select the option "Change my name" to change your username or "Create a password" or "Change my password" to change your password. 

Linux / Unix and most variants

Change password

Almost all Linux / Unix and variants have access to the passwd command. Enter this command at the prompt to change your password. You'll need to know the current password before being able to change the password to a new password.

See our passwd command page for additional information about this command.

Change username

In order to change the username you will need to have root or super-user access.

To change the username of an account, use the vipw command. See our vipw command page for additional information about this command.

To change the user settings, use the chfn command. See our chfn command page for additional information about this command.

BIOS passwords

Change password

The system password (password you see when first turning on the computer) as well as the BIOS password (password you see when entering the BIOS) are both changed through the BIOS.

Additional information about how to enter the BIOS can be found on document CH000192.

Change username

A computer BIOS does not have a username.

Internet username and passwords

Changing your Internet username or password is really dependent on how your Internet Service Provider is setup and what their policy is for changing the username and password. Often, most ISPs will allow you to change your password whenever you need to; however, they will not allow you to change your account name.

Because every Internet Service Provider (ISP) and webhost is different, we suggest you contact the company for additional help with changing your username or password.

Online forums and accounts

Note: If you have questions about changing your user settings or password on the Computer Hope forum, please see document CH000636.

Like the Computer Hope forums, most forums allow a user to change their password only through the profile or account settings. However, most companies will not allow you to change your username; usually, you must create new account to do this. If you need additional service with changing your username or password on another website, we suggest you contact the company or webmaster in control of that website.

Additional information:

• See our dictionary username definition and/or password definition for additional information about these terms and related terms.