Managing user accounts in Windows 11 is an essential part of keeping your computer organized and secure. Whether you’re the administrator of your PC, a parent setting up accounts for kids, or just someone who wants to see who has access to the system, knowing how to check users is a handy skill.
In this guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to view all the users on your Windows 11 device. From the easy-to-use Settings app to more advanced tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell, you’ll learn step-by-step how to see who’s on your machine.
Why Check User Accounts in Windows 11?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly talk about why you might need to check user accounts:
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Security: Make sure no unauthorized accounts exist.
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Organization: Different users can have their own settings, apps, and files.
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Parental Control: Keep track of accounts used by kids.
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Troubleshooting: Some problems are account-specific, so knowing the users can help.
Check Users Through Settings
The simplest way to check users is by using the Settings app.
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Accounts.
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Click Family & other users on the left panel.
Here, you’ll see a list of all accounts currently set up on your device, including local users and Microsoft accounts.
Check Users with Control Panel
If you’re more comfortable with the classic Control Panel, you can use it too.
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Press Windows + S and search for Control Panel.
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Go to User Accounts.
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Click Manage another account.
This shows you all the accounts available on your PC.
Check Users with Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a powerful tool that can quickly list all user accounts.
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Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
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In the Command Prompt window, type:
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Press Enter.
You’ll see a list of all users on your system.
Check Users with PowerShell
PowerShell offers more detailed account information.
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Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
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In the PowerShell window, type:
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Hit Enter.
This will display all local accounts, including their status (enabled or disabled).
Check Active User (Who’s Logged In Now)
If you only want to know who’s currently logged in, here’s how:
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Open Command Prompt and type:
This shows the currently active user.
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Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and go to the Users tab. You’ll see who is logged in right now.
Check Users with Computer Management
Computer Management gives you an overview of all accounts on the system.
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Right-click the Start menu and choose Computer Management.
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Expand Local Users and Groups.
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Click on Users.
Here you’ll see every account, including built-in ones like Administrator and Guest.
Check Microsoft vs. Local Accounts
Windows 11 allows two types of accounts:
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Microsoft Account: Synced with email, OneDrive, and settings across devices.
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Local Account: Works only on your PC, not connected to Microsoft services.
To check which type of account someone is using:
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Go to Settings > Accounts.
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If you see an email under the username, it’s a Microsoft account.
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If not, it’s a local account.
Check Admin vs. Standard Users
Not all users have the same permissions. Some are admins, while others are standard users.
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Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
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Look under each account’s name.
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If it says Administrator, the user has full control.
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If it says Standard User, their permissions are limited.
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Check Hidden or Built-In Accounts
Windows 11 has some hidden accounts, like the built-in Administrator. To check for these:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
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Press Enter.
This shows details about the hidden Administrator account, including whether it’s active.
Check Users with Run Command
You can also quickly open the user accounts panel via Run.
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Press Windows + R.
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Type:
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Press Enter.
This opens a list of all user accounts on your PC.
Check Domain Users (Work or School Accounts)
If your computer is connected to a domain (common in offices or schools), you may need to check domain users.
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
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This will show your domain and username.
For a full list of domain users, you’ll need admin rights on the domain controller.
Check User Profiles in File Explorer
Each user gets their own folder in Windows.
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Open File Explorer.
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Go to:
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Each folder represents a user account profile on your system.
Check Logged-In Users with Task Manager
If multiple people are logged in at the same time, you can see them in Task Manager.
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
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Go to the Users tab.
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You’ll see all active accounts, along with their resource usage.
Check Users with Local Security Policy (Advanced)
For more control, use the Local Security Policy tool.
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Press Windows + S, search for Local Security Policy, and open it.
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Navigate to Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
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This shows detailed permissions for different accounts.
Conclusion
Windows 11 makes it easy to check users, whether you prefer the modern Settings app or powerful tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell. From seeing who’s currently logged in to reviewing hidden administrator accounts, you now have a complete toolbox for managing users on your PC.
Remember, keeping track of accounts is crucial for both security and organization. The next time you wonder, “Who has access to my computer?”, you’ll know exactly how to find out.
FAQs
Q1: Can I see all users without admin rights?
You can see some user info without admin rights, but for full details, you’ll need administrator access.
Q2: What’s the difference between “Users” in Settings and “Users” in Computer Management?
Settings shows family and other users for everyday management, while Computer Management gives you a deeper look at all local accounts, including hidden ones.
Q3: Can I check users remotely in Windows 11?
Yes, with remote administration tools or PowerShell remoting, but you need the right permissions.
Q4: How do I remove users after checking them?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the user, and click Remove.
Q5: Is it safe to enable the hidden Administrator account?
It’s not recommended unless necessary for troubleshooting, as it can pose security risks if left enabled.