Windows 7: Guest Account - Change Name

   Information

This will show you how to rename the default "Guest" account name to a name you like instead to be displayed in the log on screen and Start menu in Windows 7. You can have better security by not using the same default name as everyone else to log in with.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

   Tip

When you change a name of a user account, the original name is still tied to that account even though the new name is displayed in the Start menu and at log on. So you will not be able to use both names to rename another account with without deleting the other account that already has the name.

• If you have ever turned on the Guest account before changing the name, then the C:\Users\Guest folder will be the default folder name and cannot be changed again without a clean reinstall.
• If you change the default Guest account name before ever turning on the Guest account (OPTION ONE below), then the C:\Users\(renamed Guest) folder will be the default folder name and cannot be changed again without a clean reinstall.

OPTION ONE

To Rename "Guest" Account using Local Security Policy

1. Open the Local Security Policy editor.

2. In the left pane, expand Local Policies, and click on Security Options. (See screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Accounts: Rename guest account and click on Properties. (See screenshot above)

4. Type in a name you want instead that has not ever been used by any other user account on the computer, and click on OK. (See screenshot below)

5. Close the Local Security Policy window. (See screenshot below step 2)

6. If you have turned on the Guest account, then you can log off or switch users to see it's log on icon with the new name in the log on screen. (See screeenshot below)

OPTION TWO

To Rename "Guest" Account in Control Panel User Accounts

1. If you have not already, you will need to turn on the Guest account.

2. While logged on to the guest account, open the Control Panel (All Items View).

3. Click on the User Accounts icon.

4. Click on the Change your account name link. (See screenshot below)

5. When prompted by UAC, type in the administrator account's password and click on Yes. (See screenshot below)

6. Type in a name you want instead that has not ever been used by any other user account on the computer, and click on the Change Name button. (See screenshot below)

7. The Guest account's name has now been changed. You can now close the User Accounts window. (See screenshot below)

8. If you like, you can log off or switch users to see it's log on icon with the new name in the log on screen. (See screeenshot below)

OPTION THREE

To Rename "Guest" Account using Local Users and Groups

1. Open the Local Users and Groups manager.

2. In the left pane click on Users. (See screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Guest and click on Properties. (See screenshot above)

4. In the General tab and to the right of Full name, type in a name you want instead that has not been used by any other user on the computer and click on OK. (See screenshot below)

5. Close Local Users and Groups window. (See screenshot below step 2)

6. If you like, you can log off or switch users to see it's log on icon with the new name in the log on screen. (See screeenshot below)