Solved: How Do I Fix “Windows is already using that name. Please enter a different username” Error?

Problem: Error show when trying to change the username of a Windows 10 local user account to Administrator. The detailed error message is below.

Windows is already using that name. Please enter a different username.

The username for XXX\XXX could not be changed.

Follow the below solution steps to resolve the “Windows is already using that name” error.

Potential Causes

Windows 10 already has a built-in Windows 10 Administrator account which is hidden and disabled for security reasons.

Solution 1: Enable Built-in Windows 10 Administrator account using command prompt

Step 1: Type cmd in the search field.

Step 2: Right-click the entry for Command Prompt, and select the Run as administrator option.

Step 3: Type net user administrator. The value for Account active display No.

Step 4: Type net user administrator /active:yes. The command completed successful message will show.

Step 5: Type net user administrator. The value for Account active should now display Yes.

Solution 2: Enable Built-in Windows 10 Administrator account using user management tool

Step 1: Open Administrative Tools via the Start menu or Control Panel.

Step 2: Select the Computer Management, and expand the Local Users And Groups. Alternatively, you can type lusrmgr.msc in the search field to open the Local Users and Groups management console.

Step 3: Expand the Users and double-click the Administrator account.

Step 4: Uncheck the option for Account Is disabled, and click OK or Apply.

Step 5: Close the User Management window.

Step 6: Log out and sign in using the Administrator account.