Changing the owner name on Windows 10 is one of those tasks that seems straightforward but often gets tangled in registry mess or confusing menus. Sometimes, it’s needed to make your system feel more personal or to reflect a new ownership, especially if you’re handing over the device or just want to tidy things up. It’s not as simple as editing “your name” in account settings — instead, it involves diving into the registry where Windows keeps a lot of its system info. A quick tweak there can update the owner name that appears in system info, but it’s kind of sneaky because Windows doesn’t always make it obvious how to do this smoothly. So, here’s what’s worked for some folks, including the weird glitches, extra steps, and all the tips you don’t want to miss.
How to Change the Owner Name on Windows 10
Access the Registry Editor — the right way, no surprises
First off, press Windows key + R, the run command box pops up. Type regedit then hit Enter. This opens up the Registry Editor, which is basically Windows’ secret database. Because messing around here can wreck stuff if you’re not careful, make sure you really want to change the owner. It helps to back up this part first, but more on that later. The Registry can be temperamental—on some machines, you make the change, and it takes right away. On others, you gotta do a reboot or even log out and back in to see the new owner name reflected.
Navigate to the registry path — find the right info
Once in the editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion. If you’re copy-pasting, be careful there’s a backslash after HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. This branch of the registry contains your device info, including registered owner and organization. It’s subtle but crucial — that’s where Windows stores the name you want to change.
Change the RegisteredOwner string — make it stick
Look for RegisteredOwner in the right pane. Double-click on it — a small box pops up. Here, you can type in the new owner name. Keep it simple if you want, but don’t go crazy with special characters. After editing, click OK. That’s really all—no need to save, closing the editor commits the change. At least, that’s the usual. Some systems might ask for a restart or log out, but often, it’s immediate.
Yeah, not sure why it works this way, but on some setups, the name update is instant, while others need a logout or reboot. Weird Windows quirks.
Optional: Update the organization info if needed
If you work in a company or want the organization name updated, look for RegisteredOrganization. Repeat the process: double-click, change the name, hit OK. Like before, no biggie, but maybe useful if your PC info is used in network or domain settings.
Close and verify — check if it took
Once you close the registry editor, your updates should be saved. No additional steps needed unless things aren’t showing up — then logging out, restarting, or even doing a cold reboot might be necessary. To verify, you can open System info by right-clicking This PC > Properties. The owner name or registered owner should now show your custom input.
Tips for Changing Owner Name on Windows 10
- Always create a registry backup before making changes — just in case. Right-click CurrentVersion, choose Export, save it somewhere safe.
- Keep the name simple and recognizable — especially if multiple people use the device.
- If this is a company PC, updating the organization might make reporting cleaner.
- Don’t tweak anything else unless you know what you’re doing, Windows registry is like a house of cards.
- Remember, changing the owner doesn’t mess with your user accounts or access rights — it’s literally just a label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother changing the owner name?
Because, honestly, it’s a quick way to personalize your PC info. If it’s your machine, having your real name or a company name show up can be kinda satisfying. Plus, it’s useful if you’re passing the device around or want your info to match your business stuff.
Is editing the registry safe?
It’s safe if you stick to the steps, but caution is good. Mistakes could cause some weird issues, so backing up before diving in is smart.But most of the time, if you’re careful, it’s just a simple change that sticks.
Do I need a restart?
Not always. Sometimes, logging out or rebooting helps Windows show the updated owner info. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Can I undo it?
Yep, just re-enter the Registry Editor, find the same key, and change the name back. Easy enough.
Will this affect my account login or permissions?
Nope. This is just a label in system info, not tied to your user accounts or admin rights. So no worries about losing access or stuff like that.
Summary
- Opened the Registry Editor with
regedit - Went to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
- Modified RegisteredOwner to your preferred name
- (Optional) Changed RegisteredOrganization
- Closed the registry and checked system info
Wrap-up
Changing the owner name on Windows 10 is a pretty simple tweak but one that sneaks past a lot of folks because Windows doesn’t really make it obvious. It’s kind of low-key, but it works. Just remember to be cautious — no random clicking around — and back up the registry if you’re worried about messing up something major. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a straightforward way to make your system feel more personal or professional, depending on what’s needed. Fingers crossed this helps someone avoid endless confusion or a headache down the line. Good luck editing!