Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Incorrect Name and Initials in Office for the Web

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to update their author name and initials in Office for the web because the applications continue to display outdated information after a recent account name change.

Product: Microsoft Office for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Updating personal profile information and author details in cloud-based Microsoft Office applications.
Observed behavior: Office for the web continues to show the old name and initials as the author or owner, failing to immediately reflect the updated Microsoft account name.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy and verify that your new name is correctly entered on the 'Your Info' settings page.

Solution 1Recommended

Allow Time for Account Synchronization

Use this solution to ensure your Microsoft account details have fully propagated across all cloud servers.

Microsoft cloud services often require time to synchronize profile changes across all interconnected applications. An updated name may not appear instantly in Word or Excel for the web.

Verify Your Account Info

Log into your Microsoft account and navigate to the 'Your Info' page to confirm that your display name has been successfully changed.

Wait for Propagation

Allow one to two days (24 to 48 hours) for the name change to propagate across the Office for the web servers.

Check the Update

Open Word or Excel for the web after the waiting period to see if the new name and initials are now correctly displayed.

Solution 2

Test in an InPrivate Window and Clear Cache

Use this method if you suspect your web browser is loading outdated cached profile data instead of fetching your new name from the server.

Solution 3

Migrate Files to a New Account

Follow these steps only if you have chosen to create an entirely new Microsoft account instead of waiting for the name change to sync.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If cloud synchronization delays and account profile issues are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, fast, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, letting you manage and edit your documents locally without relying on slow account syncs.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open and Edit Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents to continue your work without missing a beat.

Completely free and lightweight office suite with no forced cloud account delays.Seamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Familiar and intuitive user interface for a zero-learning-curve transition.Work offline anytime, managing author details directly within the desktop app.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word for the web still show my old name after I changed it?

Microsoft cloud services can take between 24 and 48 hours to fully synchronize account changes. During this time, Word for the web may continue to display your old name and initials until the server propagation is complete.

Do I need to create a new Microsoft account to fix my initials?

No, creating a new account is not necessary. Simply updating your display name on the 'Your Info' page of your existing Microsoft account will eventually update your initials across all Office web apps.

Will clearing my browser cache help update my display name in Office Online?

Yes. If the Microsoft servers have successfully updated your name but your web browser is still loading outdated cached data, clearing your browser's cache and cookies will force it to fetch your new profile information.

Can I automatically transfer files if I switch to a new Microsoft account?

No, files do not automatically transfer between Microsoft accounts. If you switch to a new account, you must manually download your files from the old OneDrive and upload them to the new one.

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