Windows Installation & Setup
- New PC - Windows 11
- Change UserName
- Only for a Brand-new PC with no data on it yet
- Delete the Microsoft account for that user (iff you have already set up a MS user account) & Restart PC
- Create a local account (Admin) with the UserName you really want & Restart PC
- Log in with original main Admin account (not the new UserName)
- Win11
> Settings > Accounts > "One account for everything Microsoft"
"Sign in" button > use the email for that person's MS account >
...
- File Explorer
- "The menu bar is no longer available in File Explorer for Windows 11, but you can access menu options using keyboard shortcuts like Alt+F for the File menu. You can also enable a menu bar through specific settings or registry edits if needed." (Note that this doesn't work.) (What registry edits? URLs?)
- File Explorer > View > Show > File name extensions
- Tried and failed: Windows updates, dism & sfc, ... This did not work.
- How to Get the Old Context Menus Back in Windows 11
- Replace File Explorer (MSFE) ...
- Win11 > Start Menu ... > Settings (Win-I) >
- > Accessibility > Mouse pointer > Size > ...
- > Accounts
- > Sign-in options > ...
- > Other users > select the account name > (Account options) Change account type >
Standard user > Restart PC
- > Personalization >
- > Lock screen >
(Related settings) Screen saver > ... > Apply > OK
- Win11 screensaver issues: bouncing text; text too m
- > Background > ...
- > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and changing the alignment from Center to Left.
- > System
- > Power > ...
- > Storage
>
Storage > Off (Toggle Storage Sense off if you use a standalone third-party drive cleaner.)
- Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > (if necessary) Change settings that are currently unavailable > (uncheck) Turn on fast startup
- God mode ...
- RAMdisk = RAM drive ...
- MSFE > right-click the Downloads > Properties > Location (tab) > Move > select your new destination (C:\Temp, C:\Tmp, ...) > Select Folder > Apply > Yes > OK
- Remove
the "Desktop1" / "New Desktop" Icon from the Taskbar
- Right-click on the taskbar > Taskbar settings > (Taskbar
items section) > Task View > Off
- See also: Shortcuts ... > Shortcuts - Windows |
+ Ctrl + right/left arrows
- LAN connection - Network
- Applications
- CapsLock ...
- NumLock ...
- ScrollBar ...
- Win11 issues: (Browsers & Windows) no scrollbar, or scrollbar too small
- Solution? ...
- Backup ...
- Hardware
- Make sure you have a good UPS (or at least a surge protector) to protect you from power outages and power spikes.
- Windows - Installation & Setup
- ISO
- Download Windows 10
- ISO
- Recommended: download an ISO of Windows 10 22H2 from the Software download site
to “squirrel away,” in case you need to perform a repair install over
the top. For both Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can do a reinstall
over the top to repair any issues. In addition, if you know where all
your software is located (along with the installation keys), you can
always consider doing a totally clean install and then reinstalling the
apps from scratch. Especially if you plan to upgrade memory or increase
the size of your SSD, doing a clean install will bring “pep” into many
an old system. Note: I don’t recommend doing this if you have no other
system around. It’s more like a recommendation to breathe a second life
into an older computer system. Rather than repurposing it with a Linux
distro, consider reinstalling Windows 10 fresh. -|- AskWoody subscription
- Format & Partition the disk ...
- Windows - Recovery or Clean Install ...
- Product Key
- When will you get the next version of Windows 10? Here's how to take control | ZDNet
Windows 10 May 2019 Update: Everything you need to know - TechRepublic
- Multiple windows / Multiple instances of a program or app / Multiple versions simultaneously / Same app twice
- Containers
- Virtual Machine = VM
- VM = V.M.
- What Are Virtual Machines, and How Do They Work?
- Is virtualization right for you? @ AskWoody -|- AskWoody subscription
- Virtual Desktops - (called Workspaces in Linux)
- -------------------
- Hyper-V - by MS
- Hyper-V - Wikipedia
- Disk2vhd - Sysinternals | Microsoft Learn - The program creates a VHD
(virtual hard drive) by copying a system from another computer. VHDs
work with both Virtual PC or Hyper-V. Once launched in a VM, the image
will run, work, and reactivate. It’s just not legal.
- See also: VMWare
- Is
this valid?: Simply enable your free Hyper-V on most editions of
Windows 10 and 11, only takes a couple of minute to spin up a Windows
guest O/S and play in Microsoft's safest sandbox.
One-liner in PowerShell:
<span
class=”hljs-pscommand”>Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature</span><span
class=”hljs-parameter”> -Online</span><span
class=”hljs-parameter”> -FeatureName</span> <span
class=”hljs-pscommand”>Microsoft-Hyper</span>-V<span
class=”hljs-parameter”> -All</span>
- Hyper-V Technology Overview | Microsoft Learn
- Leftover
virtual hard disks, snapshots, and configuration files could consume
10 to 50 GB, or more if you created multiple VMs or snapshots.
Removing a VM from Hyper-V Manager doesn’t always delete every related
file. Make sure you properly delete any unused VMs from Hyper-V
Manager, then manually check the default VM storage folders for
leftover .vhdx files. Once everything is cleaned up, disable Hyper-V
and other virtualization features from Windows Features to prevent
unnecessary storage use.
- Oracle VM VirtualBox
- Sandbox
- UTM
- VirtualBox by Oracle - definitely has room for improvement
- VMware - Delivering a Digital Foundation For Businesses
- Desktop Hypervisor Solutions | VMware
-
Making it possible to run, in parallel, pretty much any x86-based
operating system in a virtual machine on top of the host operating
system. Tons of RAM is as great an idea as is having as fast a
processor as you can get your sweaty hands on.
- How to Install Windows 10 in a Virtual Machine - ExtremeTech
- How to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine - TechRepublic
- Windows Virtual PC - RIP
- Startup
- Personalizations
- Start Menu
- Search / Control Panel / Settings / Win-X / Search by clicking on Start button / ...
- Folders
- How to put shell folders where you want them - Windows -|- AskWoody subscription
- Shell folders = Documents, Music, Photos, Pictures, Videos, Downloads, Desktop, etc.
- These
special, personal folders are always created by default on every
Windows PC. There are currently over 130 shell folders, A lot of them
are used by Windows.
- Safely moving shell folders: Windows > File Explorer > shell:UsersFilesFolder or %UserProfile%
> Right-click on the folder you want to move > Properties >
Location > Move > browse to the new location to select the folder
you made before > Apply > Yes > OK
- Windows
- Slow
- Freezing
- Tired of Windows freezing? Try these fixes to stop it for good
- HowToGeek
- Bloat = Crapware
- Hibernation (hiberfil.sys) - If you don't use Hibernation, you can turn it off.
- Windows features secretly eating up your storage: How to reclaim GBs now
- Windows File Explorer > View (tab) > Options > "Change folder and search options" > View (tab) > Check "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and then Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" > Say "Yes" to the warning pop-up window > OK >
- Right-click on the file c:\hiberfil.sys > Properties > [you can now see the disk storage space occupied by the file] >
- Right-click on the Start menu > Windows PowerShell (Admin) > .\powercfg /hibernate off > Restart the computer (and the hiberfil.sys file will be removed, freeing up valuable storage space - roughly equal to your installed RAM)
- Windows File Explorer > View (tab) > Options > "Change folder and search options" > View (tab) > Uncheck "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and then Check "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" > OK
- When
you use Windows's hibernation feature to start up faster, the OS puts
everything in RAM in a single hidden file named 'hiberfil.sys' on your
hard disk. The file is roughly the same size as your RAM.
Choose Start, Run, type powercfg.cpl, and press <Enter>. Click
the Hibernate tab, and uncheck Enable hibernation. Click OK.
- Storage tool | How to use Windows 10's Storage tool to find out the size of the hibernation file--and much more - TechRepublic
- Restart
- Disable Forced Restarts After A Windows Update = NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers
- Windows 10
- Win-R > gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update >
- > Configure Automatic Updates > Enabled > Right-click to Edit > 7 - Auto Download, Notify to install, Notify to Restart > Apply > OK
- > No auto-restart with logged on users > Enabled > Apply > OK
- Win-R > regedit > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU > Create or set the value for NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers to 1
- Windows 11
- Win-R > gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update >
- > Manage end user experience > Configure Automatic Updates > Enabled > Right-click to Edit > 7 - Auto Download, Notify to install, Notify to Restart > Apply > OK
- > Legacy Policies > No auto-restart with logged on users > Enabled > Apply > OK
- Win-R > regedit > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU > Create or set the value for NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers to 1
- Hardware
- BitLocker
- Recommend that BitLocker be turned off on most consumer PCs.
- Right-click in an empty space on your taskbar > Search > uncheck Show Search Highlights
- Why you should never use the personalized device usage settings in Windows 11 | TechRepublic
- Windows Update ...
- Windows Update (repeat & reboot many times) + Service Packs
- Note: Windows has the annoying habit of resetting many system setting whenever there is a major Windows Update.
- Windows Restore Points ...
- Caps Lock OFF
- NumLock ON ...
- ScrollBar ...
- Windows Features - Press the WinKey (or click on the start menu button), then type "windows features".
- Recall ...
- How to disable or turn off Recall in Windows 11
- Drivers (graphics, mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer drivers, etc.)
- It is
usually preferable to get the drivers from the manufacturer's site, rather than from MS (via Windows Update).
- LAN ... & Routers ...
- Display adapter (GPU)
- Monitor
- Mouse / Trackball
- Audio - Set up the speakers/headset again (after every major Windows update).
- Printers ...
- etc.
- Drivers ...
- Show Desktop icon on tray (= Quick Launch)
- How to Set the Default Folder in File Explorer
- R-click
on Taskbar > Toolbars > New Toolbar > Paste this string into
the text box: %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
-or- %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick
Launch
- How to permanently display the Windows version on the desktop - TechRepublic
- How to display version information on the Windows 11 desktop - TechRepublic
- Warning! -Back up the Windows Registry file and create a valid restore point before you proceed.
- System configuration will show the version of Windows running on the machine
- cmd
> regedit.exe > Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
> modify or create a new 32-Bit DWORD value PaintDesktopVersion -
change the Default value from "zero" to "1" > reboot
- Warning! - It may be necessary to reset this value to 1 after every major Windows Update.
- How to Display Build Info, Edition and WinDir Path on the Desktop» Winhelponline
- cmd
> regedit.exe >
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Windows > Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named
DisplayVersion > 1 (or whatever the current version is) >
exit regedit > F5 to refresh Desktop
- or
- PS
> REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Windows" /v DisplayVersion /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
> exit > F5 to refresh Desktop
- BgInfo - Windows Sysinternals | Microsoft Docs
- ScreenSaver & LockScreen & Background
- Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch - Screenshots
- Power Settings - Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options
- Power settings (sleep, shut-down, PC & monitor)
- Windows 10: How to restore the ultimate power plan and improve performance - TechRepublic
- Start > Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional power settings
- CLI (Admin command prompt or PowerShell) >
powercfg -duplicatescheme
e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
(Ultimate power plan)
- CLI (Admin command prompt or PowerShell) >
powercfg -duplicatescheme
8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c
(High performance power plan)
- Start >
Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional power
settings > check that "Ultimate power plan" and "High
performance power plan" are now available to the Power Options
Control Panel.
- Fix Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High CPU Usage (CompatTelRunner.exe) | Geek's Advice - One of the following procedures should work:
- Windows10 > Run > taskschd.msc
> Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows >
Application Experience > Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser>
Disable
- Windows10 > Run > gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds >
Double-click Allow Telemetry > Disabled > Apply > OK
- Windows10 > Run > regedit
> User Account Control > Yes > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE >
SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > DataCollection
> right-click on DataCollection > New > DWORD (32-bit value)
> Give this new value name Allow Telemetry > double-click it >
Change Value data to 0 (zero) > OK.
- How to Stop Windows from Adding "- Shortcut" to Shortcut File Names
- Date & Time & Location
- See also: Date & Time format ...
- Microsoft Store > install "MSN Weather" - $0
- Weather requires your location.
- Settings
> Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional
troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps > Run the troubleshooter
- Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Weather (MSN) > Uninstall
Restart
Microsoft Store > Search for Weather (MSN) > Install
- Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Choose Weather app by clicking on the plus symbol
Settings > Personalization > Lock screen "Get fun facts" > on
Settings > Privacy > Location > Weather (on)
Settings > Privacy > Notifications > Allow apps to access your notifications (on)
Restart
- Weather works on some Win10Pro PCs, but not on others. Why?
- How to Fix MSN Weather Not Working in Windows 10 Error
- Got a New PC? 11 Things to Do Right Away | PCMag
- Windows' size & position
- Taskbar
- Here's Everything I Disable When Buying a New Windows Device - HowToGeek.com
- 5 Essential Skills Every PC User Should Have
Applications
- Browsers ...
- RAM Drive ...
- GitHub & Git
- --------------------
- WinGet = Windows Package Manager - Wikipedia
- since 2021-05-27
- WinGet does not require you to use a Microsoft account.
- PowerShell WinGet
- Windows Package Manager (WinGet), a powerful command-line tool that enables users to discover, install, upgrade, and configure applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices.
- App Installer - Microsoft Apps
- WinGet Alternatives
- GitHub - microsoft/winget-cli: WinGet is the Windows Package Manager. This project includes a CLI (Command Line Interface), PowerShell modules, and a COM (Component Object Model) API (Application Programming Interface). - GitHub
- Windows Package Manager - Wikipedia
- The winget client source code and the community manifest repository are licensed under MIT License and hosted on GitHub.
- cmd > winget list
- Display installed applications = all programs installed on your computer
- winget search [the app name]
- gives you a list of matching apps with their id next to them.
- winget install [the id you want to install]
- PowerShell - WinGet - PowerShell is Fun.com
- Use WinGet to install and manage applications | Microsoft Learn
- Getting started with winget @ AskWoody -|- AskWoody subscription
- How Windows is quietly shifting away from EXE software installers -|- AskWoody subscription
- Software installation has traditionally used *.exe, *.msi, etc.
- WinGet is simiilar to the Linux package-manager experience - centralized, trusted software downloads and updates.
- WinGet
is the closest thing to a Linux package manager (like apt-get) for
Windows. It’s built right into the operating system, created by
Microsoft
- The easiest way to install and update apps on Windows is already built in - HowToGeek
- Alternatives to winget: Scoop, Chocolatey
- If winget returns an error, you might need to reconfigure an environment variable. - HowToGeek
- Start
> type "environment" > "Edit the system environment variables"
> Environment Variables (button) > Path > Path (under "System
Variables")>Edit > Edit >
C:\Users\YourUsernameGoesHere\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps
- PowerShell > winget search -q ""
- PowerShell >
winget install Mozilla.Firefox
- PowerShell >
winget install Mozilla.Firefox -- silent
- PowerShell > winget update Mozilla.Firefox
- PowerShell > winget update -- all
- PowerShell > winget uninstall Mozilla.Firefox
- PowerShell > winget uninstall Mozilla.Firefox -- force
- Stop downloading software from websites: Windows has a built-in package manager - HowToGeek
- How to unlock Windows hidden app store - HowToGeek
- Examples:
- PowerShell > winget
- PowerShell > winget list
- PowerShell > winget list --upgrade-available
- PowerShell > winget upgrade
- PowerShell > winget upgrade --all --include-unknown
- Tthe Windows Package Manager looks for all applications that have updates available and attempts to install the updates.
- If package(s) have version numbers that cannot be determined, use --include-unknown to see all results.
- PowerShell > winget upgrade Id.AppName
- PowerShell > winget update --alll
- PowerShell > winget upgrade --all
- PowerShell > winget uninstall Id.AppName
- PowerShell > winget search AppName - to install AppName
- PowerShell > winget export -o drive_letter:\winget.json
- winget export -o e:\winget.json
- Install all apps on another drive. - e.g. using a USB/pen drive
- PowerShell
> winget import -i file_location:\winget.json - All the
applications will then now be batch installed on your new system.
- install or uninstall applications on Windows
- discover new applications and find details about the ones that are already installed on your device.
- shows the current version of all installed apps, along with details about any available updates.
- If an update is available for any of the installed apps, you can download it using the next WinGet tool command.
- the non-GUI version of the Microsoft Store
- Winget alternatives
- --------------------
- Backup software ...
- Cloud - data storage
- Productivity software
- Utility software ...
- Browsers ... (Firefox, MS-Edge, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, etc...)
- LAN
- See also: Networks ...
- LAN connection - Network
- Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings
- 10 Tips to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network: Banish Hackers and Freeloaders Now - CNET
- Strong wi-fi password
- Change the wi-fi username, if possible
- Turn on firewall
- Turn on wi-fi encryption
- Create a guest network
- Use a VPN
- Disable remote router access
- Upgrade to a WPA3 router
- How to Share File or Folder in Windows 10
- Open File Explorer and go to the folder you want to share.
- Right-click on it and open Properties from the context menu.
- On the Sharing tab, click on the Advanced Sharing button.
- In the next dialog, enable the option Share this folder.
- Specify the share name that other users will see.
- Also, you can limit the number of simultaneous users and add a comment.
- Click on the Permissions button and set the required permissions.
- If you don't see the required user account, click on the Add button.
- In the Select Users or Groups dialog click on the Advanced... button.
- Click on the Find now button.
- Select the user account or group and click on the OK button.
- Now configure the required permissions.
- Use the Remove button to stop folder sharing with the select user account.
- Enable or Disable Network Discovery in Windows 10
- DHCP or 1.1.1.1
- Windows
> Start > Network status > Status > Properties > IP
Settings > Edit > Manual (drop-down menu) > IPv4 > On >
Preferred IP address > 1.1.1.1 > Alternate DNS > 1.0.0.1 >
Save
- Windows > Start > Network status
> Status > Properties > IP Settings > Edit > Manual
(drop-down menu) > IPv6 > On > Preferred IP address >
2606:4700:4700::1111
- 1.1.1.1 - The free app that makes your Internet faster.
- What is 1.1.1.1? | Cloudflare
- Core isolation
- We recommend that you leave this setting on, if your system supports it. However, incompatible drivers may prevent this setting.
Username
Should you use a local account? (or your Microsoft account?) -
By Ed Bott (TechRepublic Microsoft Weekly 2019-10-11)
When you set up a new PC for your personal use, one of the most
important choices you have to make is what kind of account to set up.
Many longtime Windows users instinctively prefer a traditional local
account over a Microsoft account, on the theory that anything stored in
the cloud must be less secure.
I understand that instinct, but I also strongly recommend that you use
a Microsoft account, which is, paradoxically, more secure.
For starters, you can easily recover from a forgotten password using a Microsoft account. You can also retrieve a BitLocker recovery key (just sign in at microsoft.com/recoverykey),
which can prevent your encrypted data from being irretrievably lost to
hardware or software glitches. A Microsoft account (or an Azure AD
account) is also a requirement to use Windows Hello biometric
authentication.
If you're concerned about privacy, one easy
solution is to create a new email address for a Microsoft account when
you set up a new PC, and then use that address only for signing on.
Don't link it to your real email address, and don't use it for online
services. In that configuration, you get all the advantages of online
backup without having to worry about your personal data.
Rename user - C:\Users\UserName
- Recommendation: Don't rename it unless it is on a new clean Windows installation. Too many problems.
- Searching
with Google will find many ways to rename the user's folder name.
Not easy. Not necessarily safe. It could screw up that
user's account.
- If you are using a MS account, it may
automatically create a username folder which is not what you
want. Windows will automatically take the first five characters of
the user's email address. WTF was MS thinking?
- Don't just simply rename the folder.
- If you are setting up a new system, without any important info in the folder:
- Settings
> Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else
to this PC > Use a MS account login (instead of a local account)
- Search for Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Users > Right-click on the account's Name
- Reboot
- Log into the new user account
- Confirm (using MS File Explorer) that the username's folder is correct (C:\Users\UserName),
- Summary - Rename a User Profile
- Remind yourself that this is a risky operation.
- Backup everything (cloud)
- Create a system image (Macrium Reflect)
- Create a system restore point
- Win > cmd (Run as administrator) > net user Administrator /active:yes
- log out of the user profile you want to change
- log into an Administrator account
- Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Other users > Add someone else to this PC
- Create account
- Change account type > Administrator
- Reboot
- Log into the new user account
- Win > cmd > lusrmgr.msc > Local Users and Groups > Users > Rename the folder
- Windows File Explorer > C:\Users > select the username folder > Rename the folder
- Win > cmd > regedit > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
- select the SID in the ProfileList and double-click on the ProfileImagePath value > enter the new profile folder name
- Reboot
- Win > cmd (Run as administrator) > net user Administrator /active:no
-
- How to Rename User Profile Folder in Windows 10
- Rename a User Profile
- Create a system restore point
- log out of the user profile you want to change
- log into an administrator account
- Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Other users > Add someone else to this PC
- Create account
- Change account type > Administrator
- Reboot
- Log into the new user account
- Win > cmd > lusrmgr.msc > Local Users and Groups > Users > Rename the folder
- Windows File Explorer > C:\Users > select the username folder > Rename the folder
- Win > cmd > regedit > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
- select the SID in the ProfileList and double-click on the ProfileImagePath value > enter the new profile folder name
- Reboot
- How to Rename a Windows 10 User Folder | How to Change User Folder Name in Windows 10 - YouTube
- Rename a User Profile
- Warning! Danger. Read the comments. However, it did work for some people.
- Win > cmd (Run as administrator) > net user Administrator /active:yes
- Sign out
- Log into the Administrator account
- Win
> compmgmt.msc > Computer Management > Local Users and Groups
> Users > R-click on the username > Rename it
- Windows File Explorer > C:\Users > select the username folder > Rename the folder
- Win > regedit > Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
- select the SID in the ProfileList and double-click on the ProfileImagePath value > enter the new profile folder name
- Sign out
- Log into the new user account
- Win > cmd (Run as administrator) > net user Administrator /active:no
- How to rename the User folder in Windows 10? - Super User
- Rename a User Profile
- Win > cmd > WMIC useraccount get name,SID > make a note of the user SID
The WMIC command has been deprecated from Windows 11 with the release of 25H2.
- Win > cmd > regedit > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
- select the SID in the ProfileList and double-click on the ProfileImagePath value > enter the new profile folder name
- Windows File Explorer > C:\Users > select the username folder > Rename the folder
- Change Name of User Profile Folder in Windows 10 | Tutorials
- Rename a User Profile
- It
is highly recommended to create a system image before doing the steps
in this tutorial to be able to quickly restore the image to undo the
steps if needed since renaming a user profile folder name may have
unknown side effects. For example, some programs not referencing the
new profile folder name. (Macrium Reflect or Windows 10)
- Sign out
- Sign in with an administrator account
- Win > cmd > WMIC useraccount get name,SID > make a note of the user SID
The WMIC command has been deprecated from Windows 11 with the release of 25H2.
- Win > regedit > Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
- select the SID in the ProfileList and double-click on the ProfileImagePath value > enter the new profile folder name
- Windows File Explorer > C:\Users > select the username folder > Rename the folder
- Create a symbolic link using the command below in an elevated command prompt.
This is so anything that still references the old user profile folder
name will be automatically redirected to the new user profile folder
name.
- mklink /d "Full path of old profile folder name" "full path of new profile folder name"
- See also: mlink ...
- Verify the OneDrive folder
location for your account is correctly using the new profile folder
name. If it's not, then change the OneDrive folder location to correct
it.
- Rename user folder windows 10 - Search