When setting up a new computer, it’s common to create an administrator account, maybe a few other user accounts for family or coworkers. But sometimes, you want to let someone else use your PC without giving them access to everything — like just browsing the web or trying out some apps. That’s where a guest account or, honestly, a simplified local user account comes in. Windows 11 doesn’t exactly have a “Guest” option anymore, at least not in the traditional sense, but you can still create a limited user profile that acts pretty much the same. Setting that up isn’t rocket science, but it’s not always obvious either. So, if you’re tired of strangers or even family poking into your stuff, here’s how to create a basic account that’s kinda like a guest profile—without all the fuss.
How to Add a Guest-Like Account on Windows 11
Method 1: Using Settings to Create a Local Account
This approach is straightforward and applies if you want a quick, limited user account. It helps if your guest or someone else doesn’t need their own Microsoft account. Basically, it’s about adding a new local user that won’t sync or have access to your Microsoft services.
Why it helps? Well, creating a local account means your guest can log in, use apps, and browse, but can’t access your personal files or settings. It’s a handy way to keep your stuff safe — especially if you’re letting out your PC for a day or two.
When to use it? If someone needs temporary access or you don’t want them messing with your main account, this is the way to go. Expect a guest account that’s limited but functional, with no admin privileges.
And here’s the catch—because Windows 11 has shifted things around, there’s no “guest mode” toggle anymore. Instead, you just create a new local account and keep their permissions restricted by default.
On some setups, this process might require a restart or signing out and in again, but usually, it works pretty smoothly.
Steps for creating a local user account
- Open Settings by clicking the Start menu and then the gear icon, or hit Windows + I.
- Navigate to Accounts, then select Family & other users on the sidebar.
- Click Add account under Other users. This opens the account creation window.
- Instead of signing in with a Microsoft account, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. Then, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter a simple username like “Guest” and skip adding an email.
- If you want, set a password or leave it blank. Just keep in mind, leaving it blank makes logging super quick but less secure.
- Click Next and voilà, you get a new local account.
Once created, make sure to check that the account has limited permissions. On some Windows versions, it defaults to a standard user, which is what you want. If not, you can change the account type in the Change account type section, selecting Standard User.
Additional Tips & Tricks
- Label the account clearly — maybe “Guest, ” “Temporary, ” or anything that signals it’s not for long-term use.
- Skip passwords unless you’re worried about someone logging in unattended.
- After each guest usage, consider removing or disabling the account if it’s no longer needed. Just go back into Accounts > Family & other users and remove or disable it.
- Want to make it look a bit more welcoming? Change the account’s picture or desktop background in user settings.
Honestly, this isn’t perfect—Microsoft over the years has tried to streamline things, and “guest” mode isn’t what it used to be. Often, it’s just about creating a second local account and managing permissions manually. On some machines, the account setup might not be entirely smooth, but usually, a quick sign-out and in should do the trick. Windows likes to make this process a bit more convoluted than it needs to be, but with a little patience, it’s manageable.
Summary
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Click Accounts, then Family & other users.
- Select Add account > “I don’t have this person’s sign-in info” > “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
- Set up a username (like “Guest”) and password if desired.
- Make sure it’s a standard user account for limited access.
- Remove or disable it when done to keep things tidy.
Wrap-up
This approach isn’t perfect, but in most cases, creating a local user with limited permissions does the trick. It keeps your personal files secure while giving others the ability to try out your PC without causing chaos. Not sure why Microsoft made the process so roundabout, but hey, that’s Windows for you. Just remember to keep an eye on guest accounts and clean them up when everyone’s done.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours of setup time for someone. Sometimes, a quick local user is the easiest fix for shared PCs or temporary guests.