Windows 11 now includes a way to define the account’s profile folder name during the out‑of‑box experience (OOBE). Instead of accepting an auto‑generated name derived from your Microsoft account email, you can set a custom name for the folder created under C:\Users while you’re still in setup.

What changed in Windows 11 OOBE

During OOBE on recent Insider builds, there’s a built‑in command that writes your preferred profile folder name before the account is created. This runs at the moment Windows would normally derive the folder from your email address, so the name you set becomes the default for the new profile that completes setup.

This is only available during OOBE. It does not retroactively rename existing profiles, and it does not bypass the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account where that is enforced.

Set the user folder name during OOBE (step‑by‑step)

  • When you reach the Microsoft account sign‑in page in setup, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
  • Close Command Prompt, continue with Microsoft account sign‑in, and finish setup.

Run the command with your desired folder name (replace YOUR-FOLDER-NAME):

SetDefaultUserFolder.cmd YOUR-FOLDER-NAME

Enter the OOBE directory:

cd oobe

If the name is valid, Windows applies it to the new profile’s folder. If you don’t set a name, Windows will generate one from your Microsoft account email address.

Naming rules and limitations

Rule or behavior Details
Maximum length Up to 16 characters
Character handling Unicode characters are accepted; special characters are stripped
When it applies Only during OOBE, before the account is created
Scope Affects the new profile being created; does not rename older profiles
Account requirement Does not remove the need to complete Microsoft account sign‑in where required

Tip: Keep the name short and simple. Avoid punctuation or symbols, which will be removed.

What this does and what it does not do

  • It sets the profile folder name in C:\Users for the new account created during setup.
  • It does not rename an existing folder or change the account’s display name after setup.
  • It does not unlock local account creation where that path is restricted.
  • It avoids the risky and unsupported process of renaming a user folder post‑install.

Verify the folder name after setup

Once the desktop loads, open File Explorer and go to C:\Users. You should see the new profile folder using the exact name you set (subject to any special characters being removed).

Availability in Windows 11 builds

This capability is present in recent Windows 11 Insider Preview builds and may evolve before broad release. The method and constraints described here reflect the current implementation in those builds.

FAQs

Can I change the folder name later with the same command?
No. The command only works during OOBE before the profile exists. Post‑setup renames are not straightforward and can break apps and permissions.

Does this let me skip Microsoft account sign‑in?
No. You still need to complete sign‑in and any required connectivity to finish setup where that is enforced.

What happens if I include spaces or symbols?
Special characters are stripped. Stick to a short, simple name to get the exact result you want.

Will this change my existing accounts?
No. It only applies to the new account being created during that OOBE session.

The key takeaway: if you care about the exact name of your profile folder, set it during OOBE with SetDefaultUserFolder.cmd. It’s the clean, supported moment to lock in the name you want for C:\Users.