Windows 10 Linux Subsystem How to Change User Name and PC Name for Bash Console

Question

When I first installed and ran Windows Linux Subsystem, console askded me to enter a new user name for bash. I input User. Now when I start bash in my console my username and PC name appeared at the beginning of the prompt, like

User@DESKTOP-TPQIRNP:/mnt/...

What should I do if I want to change my username for bash console? And PC name

Answer 1

According to therobyouknow's comment, LxRun.exe is deprecated now.

Please refer to Mitchell Van Manen's answer if you're using the new version of subsystem.

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You should use LxRun.exe command locating in C:\WINDOWS\system32.

Here are two solutions, which are all run in cmd.exe instead of bash.

• Use the command below to create a new user and set it as the default user:

  LxRun.exe /setdefaultuser NEW_USER
  

• OR Uninstall Linux subsystem fully and reinstall it

  LxRun.exe /uninstall /full
  LxRun.exe /install
  

  The next time you reenter bash, it will prompt you to input username.

Answer 2

In the new version of the subsystem, the command is (from elevated cmd.exe):

C:\> ubuntu run sudo usermod -l newUsername oldUsername

this way you will circumvent logging in with the old username first.

Answer 3

Article thread.

You have to create a ssh_config and put your username into it. The location within the Windows Linux Subsystem is /mnt/%windir%/windows

Create ~/.ssh/config file and name write your username inside the file like:

user New_User_Name

You do not have to worry about permissions.