How to Create a Local Account in Windows 11: A Fair Dinkum Guide

Creating a local account in Windows 11 isn’t exactly hidden away, but it can be a bit of a sore trying to find if you’re used to just logging in with a Microsoft account. Maybe you want to keep things simple and private, or perhaps you’re setting up a device for someone else and don’t want their details linked to Microsoft. Whatever the reason, setting up a local account gives you a fresh, standalone profile that lives entirely on the device. Fair warning: the process isn’t always a walk in the park, especially if Windows keeps nudging you to use a Microsoft account or if you’re on a work computer with restrictions. But once you have a go at it, it’s pretty straightforward. There might be a few funny moments — sometimes the option to create a local account doesn’t show up on the first try — but it’s worth knowing how because it puts the reins back in your hands.

How to Create a Local Account in Windows 11

Here’s the lowdown: you go through the Settings, find the account management section, and choose “no Microsoft account” when prompted to log in with one. It’s not always obvious where that is, since Windows loves trying to push you towards signing in with a Microsoft ID. Don’t get bogged down if it feels a bit complicated at first. Once you crack it, you’ll end up with a new user profile that’s totally local — no need for internet after setup (though some features like syncing might not work). On some setups, this might not work straight away, or it might look like it’s not going through — a quick restart or trying again usually sorts it out. It’s a bit roundabout, but it’s all doable.

Method 1: Accessing Local Account Creation Through Settings

This is the most reliable way if you’re just doing it the usual way. Starts from the desktop, and during the process, Windows might try redirecting you to sign in with your Microsoft email. To dodge that, you need to choose carefully at certain points. Here’s the run-down:

• Click on Start Menu and select Settings.
• In the Settings window, go to Accounts.
• On the left sidebar, click on Family & other users. That’s where all the user options live.
• Scroll down to Other users and click Add account.
• When the sign-in prompt for Microsoft shows up, look for the link that says “I don’t have this person’s sign-in info”. It’s often a tiny link that’s easy to miss.
• Next, on the following screen, click on “Add a user without a Microsoft account”. If you don’t see that, sometimes you just need to click “Skip” or look for the option to set up a local account.
• Finally, pop in your preferred username, set a password (or leave it blank if you’re keen on no password), and answer security questions if you want. Confirm everything, and you’ll see the new account listed.

This method is especially handy if Windows is steering you towards signing in with a Microsoft account but you’re after a pure local one. Sometimes, the option to go without a Microsoft account isn’t front and centre, so keep an eye out for that tiny link or phrase. A mate of mine had it fail the first time, but after a quick reboot, it let me make the account without any dramas. Windows can be a bit quirky like that.

Method 2: Using the Command Line (PowerShell or CMD)

If clicking around feels slow or if the GUI is throwing a tantrum, the command line can do the job quicker. It’s a bit more direct, and on some setups, it’s faster. Open PowerShell as an admin — right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). Or look for cmd in the start menu, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

Once you’re in, you can add a new local user by typing:

net user username password /add

Swap out username with whatever you want, and password with a proper one (or leave it blank if you’re feeling brave). For example:

net user GuestUser "" /add

And if you want this user to be an admin, run:

net localgroup administrators username /add

This method’s a bit rough around the edges but works a treat if you’re comfortable with the command line and Windows GUI is giving you grief. Just be careful — running commands outside the usual flow can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Tips for Making It Run Smoothly

• Double-check the spelling of the username — won’t do you any favours if you stuff it up.
• If you want a squeaky clean account, create it first, then go into Settings > Accounts > Family & other users to set permissions or switch to admin if needed.
• On work or school computers, group policies or restrictions might block creating or editing accounts. In those cases, you might need admin rights or a chat with IT. Bit of a pain, but that’s Windows for you.

If all else fails, remember that in Windows 11, some options stay hidden unless you tinker with the registry or enterprise tools. Not ideal for day-to-day users, but handy to keep in mind if you’re stuck.

Summary

• Head to Settings.
• Go to Accounts.
• Select Family & other users.
• Try clicking Add account and choosing I don’t have this person’s sign-in info.
• Pick Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Set up your username and password — and you’re good to go.

Wrap-up

Getting a local account in Windows 11 can be a bit frustrating, especially with Microsoft constantly nudging you into their ecosystem. But once you know where to look, it’s dead easy. Whether you go down the Settings path or use a bit of command line magic, the endgame is a fresh profile that’s just yours. Just remember, sometimes you’ll need a couple of tries or a reboot to get it all working nicely. Best of luck — hope this helps you dodge the hassle!