Microsoft Account Errors

How to Change the Microsoft Account Name Used in OneDrive

Khadija Khan Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to change the Microsoft account connected to their OneDrive application because it is currently displaying the wrong account name, such as a child's name.

How to Change the Microsoft Account Name Used in OneDrive

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user needs to switch the active Microsoft account in the OneDrive desktop application to ensure files sync to their own cloud storage instead of a family member's account.
Observed behavior: OneDrive is signed into a child's or different user's Microsoft account, displaying the incorrect name and syncing files to the wrong cloud destination.

Before you start

Make sure you have the correct email address and password for the Microsoft account you want to use before unlinking the current one.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink the Current Account and Add Your Own Microsoft Account

Disconnect the incorrect account from the OneDrive app and sign in with your personal Microsoft account to update the display name and sync location.

To fix the issue where OneDrive displays another person's name, you need to remove their account from the application and replace it with yours. This will not delete any files but will redirect the sync to the correct cloud storage.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your computer's notification area (system tray). Click the Help & Settings gear icon, and then choose Settings.

Go to the Account Tab

In the OneDrive Settings window, navigate to the Account tab.

Add Your Correct Account

Click on 'Add an account' and sign in using your own Microsoft account credentials.

Unlink the Incorrect Account

Once your account is successfully added, return to the Account tab and select 'Unlink this PC' under the previous account (your child's account) to remove it from the app.

Unlink the Current Account and Add Your Own Microsoft Account

File Syncing Safety: Unlinking an account does not delete any files from your computer or the cloud. It simply stops the synchronization process for that specific account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I unlink my OneDrive account?

No, unlinking your account only stops the synchronization process. Your files will remain safely stored locally on your device and in the cloud storage of the unlinked account.

Why is OneDrive showing my child's name instead of mine?

This usually happens when a family member signs into a Microsoft service on your device, and OneDrive automatically adopts those credentials to sign in. Unlinking their account and signing in with yours resolves the issue.

Can I be signed into multiple personal OneDrive accounts at the same time?

OneDrive allows you to link one personal Microsoft account and multiple work or school accounts simultaneously. However, you cannot link two personal accounts to the same OneDrive desktop app.

Login & Account Issues