How to Change a User Account Picture in Windows 10

Last Updated: May 10, 2021 Tested

You know that image that you see when your computer is signing in? That's your user account picture (aka avatar). Changing the picture from the generic white wireframe icon to your own can add a personal touch to your PC. Read how to do that in this wikiHow article.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Accessing the Account Settings

1
Launch the Start menu. Click the Start
button.
2
Click your user profile icon. It's on the left side of start, towards the bottom above the File Explorer
icon.
- Older Windows 10 versions will have it at the top of the Start menu along with the account name.
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3
Choose Change account settings from the dropdown that appears. It's located at the top of the dropdown.
- You can also go to "Settings > Accounts > Your info".
- Now, skip to Method 2 if you want to use an existing picture. Skip to Method 3 if you want to take a new photo for use.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using an Existing Picture

1
Click "Browse for one". This option is located under the "Create your picture" header towards the bottom. It has a folder icon next to it.
2
Browse for a saved picture. The File Open dialog will open. Use the left pane to navigate around your computer.
3
Select a picture.
4
Submit it for use as an account picture. Click the Choose picture at the bottom-right of the dialog.
5
Finished.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking a New Photo

1
Click "Camera". This option is located under the "Create your picture" header towards the bottom. It has a webcam icon next to it.
2
Wait for the Camera app to open. The built-in Camera app will take a couple of seconds to launch.
3
Ensure you're switched to camera mode. Ensure that a big white camera button is located to the right. If not, click it from right below the existing button.
- Using a video as your avatar is pointless as it will extract and use the last frame from the video. Thus, taking a photo is simpler and more efficient.
4
Snap a photo. Click the big white camera button on the right side of the window.
5
Review the photo. Is it to your liking? If not, you can retake it by clicking the ✕ Cancel button to the right.
6
Crop the photo (optional). Drag the edges of the white box around. Content placed inside of the box will be used as your avatar. While dragging, a white grid will show inside the box.
- Keep in mind that Windows automatically rounds the corners of user avatars. The outcome is that the very edges to be cut off. Customarily, previous Windows versions had a square user account pictures.
7
Save the photo. Click the ✓ Done button to the right. It's right above the ✕ Cancel button.
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove the photo and restore the default icon?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't offer an easy way to do this. However, downloading the default icon from the internet and then setting it has the exact same effect.
Question

How do I set an already saved picture for account picture?

MACARTHUR GAISIN

Community Answer

Go to settings. And in settings, you should see a personalization option. Click it and in the personalization option, you should see a background option. You can change it in there.
Question

Where is the camera capture stored? I'd like to use it elsewhere.

Joseph Purcell

Community Answer

You just need to click on the folder icon on your taskbar to launch File Explorer and then scroll to Pictures. Camera Roll folder is listed under this Pictures directory and you can open it to view all your images.