Renaming the default Windows user profile folder (e.g., C:\Users\John → C:\Users\JohnDoe) requires care. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and a PowerShell script that automates the registry update and folder rename safely.

🧭 Overview

Windows ties each user account to a unique SID and folder path under C:\Users. Simply renaming that folder breaks logins and causes OneDrive and app failures.
This guide explains how to:

  1. Detect whether you’re logged into the profile being changed
  2. Create a temporary local admin helper account if needed
  3. Rename the profile folder safely
  4. Update the registry and fix permissions automatically

⚙️ Download the Script

You can get the PowerShell script directly here:

➡️ Download Rename-UserProfile.ps1

(Right-click → “Save link as…” if your browser shows the code instead of downloading it.)

🪟 How to Use

1. Run as Administrator

Open Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin), then run:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$HOME\Downloads\Rename-UserProfile.ps1"

2. Enter Names

When prompted:

  • Current name: the existing folder under C:\Users
  • New name: your desired folder name

3. If You’re in the Profile to Be Renamed

If the script detects you’re logged into that profile, it will offer to:

  • Create a helper admin (e.g., Admin-Rename-Helper)
  • Copy the script to C:\Users\Public
  • Instruct you to log out and run it from that new admin account

4. Complete the Rename

Once run from another admin:

  1. The script updates the registry (ProfileImagePath)
  2. Renames the folder
  3. Repairs file ownership and ACL permissions

You’ll see messages confirming each step.

🔁 After the Rename

  1. Reboot the PC.
  2. Sign into your renamed account and verify the folder path: 
    echo $env:USERPROFILE

    Should show: C:\Users\NewName

  3. Re-link OneDrive (if used):
    Open OneDrive → Settings → Account → Unlink this PC → Sign in again.

🧯 Rollback (If Needed)

If anything seems off:

  1. Log in to another admin account.
  2. Rename the folder back to its original name.
  3. In Registry Editor, restore the original path under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\<UserSID>
  ProfileImagePath = C:\Users\OldName

✅ Tips

  • Always create a restore point before renaming.
  • Ensure the target account is signed out.
  • Do not rename profiles for system or service accounts.
  • This method works for both local and Microsoft accounts.

Author: Preston Powell
Script Source: Rename-UserProfile.ps1 on GitHub