How to Add a New User in Windows 11
Adding a new user profile on Windows 11 is quite straightforward and can be a real help when several people share a device. Each person gets their own space without getting in each other’s way, keeping files and settings private. Whether it’s for family, housemates, or colleagues, having separate accounts makes everything more personal and easy to manage. Here’s how to do it.
Open Up Settings
First up, press the Windows key + I. It’s the quickest way to open the Settings window. Can’t be bottered with keyboard shortcuts? Just click on the Start menu and select Settings.
Find the Accounts Area
In Settings, look for the ‘Accounts’ section. This is where you can manage your Microsoft account, change login options, and handle user profiles. You’ll need to visit this section to add or edit users.
Head to ‘Family & Other Users’
Next, click on ‘Family & other users’. This part lets you see who is already set up on your device and allows you to add new users — be they family members or colleagues. If you’re a bit more tech-savvy, you can also add users via Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Add the New Account
Within ‘Family & other users’, click on the ‘Add account’ button. Windows will launch a small wizard to walk you through the process. Just follow the steps to set up the new user’s details.
For those who prefer using the command line, you can also create users with these commands:
- CMD:
net user [username] /add - PowerShell:
New-LocalUser -Name "[username]"
Remember to replace [username] with your preferred account name. Want to add a password straight away? Use these commands:
- CMD:
net user [username] [password] - PowerShell:
New-LocalUser -Name "[username]" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "[password]" -AsPlainText -Force)
Finish Setting Up the New User
Just follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. You might be asked for an email address to link to a Microsoft account — this helps with syncing settings and files. No worries if you don’t have or want one; look for the option like Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended) to go with a local account instead. Once done, the new user gets their own desktop, preferences, and privacy settings — just as if it were a personal device.
Extra Tips on User Management in Windows 11
Managing user accounts isn’t just about setting them up. Think about whether the new user needs to be an Administrator or just a Standard user. Head back to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, pick the account, and click Change account type. This is handy if they need extra permissions.
If their account is linked to a Microsoft account, they can sync favourites, files, and settings across devices. To adjust this, visit Settings > Accounts > Your info.
For families with kids, setting up parental controls is a good idea. Find this in Settings > Privacy & Security > Family & other users or through the Microsoft Family Safety app, which allows you to set restrictions and screen time limits.
Don’t forget to back up often! Saving your important data now can save a lot of hassle later. Use Backup & Restore (Windows 7) or set up OneDrive for cloud backups via Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
Finally, check your privacy settings for each account to keep sensitive info secure. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security to tweak permissions as needed.
Common Questions About User Management
Create a User Without an Email?
Absolutely! Windows 11 allows you to set up a local user account that doesn’t need an email. Just select Sign in without a Microsoft account during setup. Simple as that.
How to Remove a User?
To delete a user, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the account, and click Remove. Make sure they’ve backed up all important files first — you won’t want to lose any data. If you prefer the command line, run:
- PowerShell:
Remove-LocalUser -Name "[username]"
Switching Between Users Quickly?
Yes! Windows 11’s Fast User Switching feature lets you switch profiles instantly from the Start menu or by pressing Windows key + L. It locks your current session so others can log in without closing your apps.
Can Each User Have a Password?
Of course. You can set or change passwords for each account in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Want to use a PIN or Windows Hello? Those are available options if your hardware supports them.
What if Someone has Forgotten Their Password?
If someone forgets their password, and you have admin rights, you can reset it. Head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password and click Change. Alternatively, run:
net user [username] *This will prompt you to enter a new password for that user.
Quick Recap on Adding Users
- Open Windows Settings.
- Navigate to Accounts.
- Select Family & other users.
- Click Add account.
- Follow the prompts to set up the new user.
Final Thoughts on Managing User Profiles in Windows 11
Linking to a Microsoft account offers syncing benefits but sticking with local accounts is perfectly fine for simplicity and privacy. Mastering these options now can save you future headaches. It’s a handy skill all users should have.
Hopefully, this guide saves you some time and hassle — good luck!