Remove your name from the Start menu in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Aug 16, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Greg Shultz, Microsoft Windows XP, Start Menu, Microsoft Windows, Group Policy Console, group policy, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: You know who you are—and so does your Windows XP system. But if you're the only person using the computer, it's easy to remove your name from the Start menu. In this Windows XP tip, Greg Shultz tells how to use Group Policy to remove your name when you're a group of one.

Windows XP places the name for the person currently logged on to the system at the top of the Start menu. The reason for this is to make it easier to tell which user is logged on to a Windows XP system set up with multiple users. However, if you're the only person using the computer, you don't really need to have your name at the top of the Start menu. You can remove it using the Group Policy console (the Microsoft Management Console snap-in used to edit Group Policy objects).

1. Launch the Group Policy console (Gpedit.msc).
2. Go to User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Start Menu And Taskbar.
3. Locate and double-click the Remove User Name From Start Menu setting.
4. Select the Enabled option button and click OK.
5. Exit the Group Policy console. The change will take place immediately.

Note: This tip applies only to Windows XP Professional.

Miss a tip?

Check out the Windows XP archive, and catch up on our most recent Windows XP tips.

Stay on top of the latest XP tips and tricks with our free Windows XP newsletter, delivered each Thursday. Automatically sign up today!

Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

good for security; now this.... ict@... | 08/17/06

Why? red_wolf@... | 08/17/06

ERD Commander MasterLock Nacromancer | 08/17/06

When I get boared... sykandtyed | 08/17/06

Price, price, price WindsorFox | 08/18/06

Very good comment! tonyfriendly@... | 11/01/07

hmmm.... your bootable linux cd can only change the local admin password... UncleRob | 08/17/06

Physical access is only step 1 red_wolf@... | 08/17/06

Or just change to Classic Start Menu martin.reading@... | 08/17/06

I agree Paul W. | 08/17/06

to use the classic start menu, right click the start button... UncleRob | 08/17/06

Nice if you have only one user MagicTom | 08/17/06

Yes - caveat eddmo | 08/17/06

I don't know if this is an easy way but I'll mention it... UncleRob | 08/17/06

again... why? cfithian@... | 08/24/06

love the joke but I'm missing your point... UncleRob | 08/24/06

Why? sykandtyed | 08/24/06

Because You Can! Amnezia | 12/14/06

RE: Remove your name from the Start menu in Windows XP eagle2459@... | 05/08/08

does not releases space, not useful... kmilind@... | 05/09/08

not for me MWRMWR | 05/11/08