Creating a local account in Windows 11 isn’t exactly hidden, but it can be kinda tricky to find if you’re used to just logging in with a Microsoft account. Sometimes, you might want to keep things private, or maybe you’re setting up a device for someone else and don’t want all their info connected to Microsoft. Whatever the reason, setting up a local account gives you a fresh, standalone profile that lives entirely on the device. Just a heads-up: the process isn’t always super straightforward, especially if Windows keeps nudging you to use a Microsoft account, or if you’re doing this on a work PC with restrictions. But once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple. Expect a bit of weirdness, like sometimes the option to create a local account just doesn’t appear on the first try. Still, it’s worth knowing how because it gives control back to you.
How to Create a Local Account in Windows 11
Here’s the lowdown on how to do it. Basically, you dig through the Settings, find the account management stuff, and pick “no Microsoft account” when they try to push you into signing in with one. It’s not always obvious where that is, especially since Windows loves trying to force you into using your Microsoft ID, so don’t get discouraged if it seems overly complicated at first. You’ll end up with a new user profile that’s totally local, no internet needed after setup (though of course, some features like syncing won’t be available). On some setups, this might fail or look like it’s not working — just restarting or trying again sometimes makes it appear. It’s a little roundabout, but doable.
Method 1: Accessing Local Account Creation Through Settings
This way is the most reliable if you’re just trying to do it normally. Starts from the desktop, and when you navigate through, Windows might try to redirect you to sign in with your Microsoft email. To avoid that, you need to choose carefully at some points. Here’s the rundown:
- Click on Start Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings window, go to Accounts.
- On the left sidebar, click on Family & other users. This is where all the user options live.
- Scroll to the Other users section and click Add account.
- When the Microsoft sign-in prompt pops up, look for the link that says “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”. Usually, it’s pretty small and easy to overlook.
- Next, on the next screen, click on “Add a user without a Microsoft account”. If that’s not visible, sometimes you have to hit “Skip” or look for the option to create a local account.
- Finally, enter your preferred username, pick a password (or leave it blank for no password, if that’s your thing), and set security questions if needed. Confirm everything, and voilà — you should see the new account listed.
Now, this method applies especially to when Windows tries to steer you towards a Microsoft login, but you just want a pure local account. Of course, on some setups, the option to pick “without Microsoft” isn’t front and center, so keep an eye out for that tiny link or phrase. On one machine, it failed the first time, then after a reboot, it just let me create the account without fuss. Windows can be weird like that.
Method 2: Using the Command Line (PowerShell or CMD)
If clicking around feels too slow, or the GUI just isn’t cooperating, the command line can do the trick. It’s kind of more direct, and on some setups, it’s faster. Open PowerShell as administrator — just right-click the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin). Or, in CMD, run as admin by searching for cmd and right-clicking, then selecting Run as administrator.
Once in, you can create a new local user by typing:
net user username password /addReplace username with whatever you want, and password with a strong password or leave it blank. Like:
net user GuestUser "" /addAfter that, if you want this account to be an administrator, run:
net localgroup administrators username /addThis method is kinda rough, but it works if you’re comfortable with command lines, especially if Windows GUI refuses to cooperate. Just remember: you’re operating outside of the standard flow, so it’s a little riskier if you’re unsure what commands do.
Some tips for making it work smoothly
- Double-check username spelling — don’t want typos locking you out later.
- If you want a really clean account, first create it, then go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users and set permissions or switch to administrator if needed.
- Sometimes, on work or school machines, group policies or restrictions might block creating or editing accounts. In those cases, you might need admin rights or help from IT. Of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
And if everything fails, just remember that in Windows 11, some options are hidden unless you poke around in the registry or use enterprise tools. Not ideal for everyday users, but it’s good to know when 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 username and password, then you’re golden.
Wrap-up
Getting a local account in Windows 11 can be a bit frustrating since Microsoft keeps pushing their ecosystem, but it’s totally doable once you figure out where to look. Whether by that Settings route or with some command line magic, the goal’s the same — a free-standing profile that’s your own. Just remember, sometimes it takes a few tries or a reboot to get everything aligned. Good luck, and hopefully this saves someone a headache!