Do you often share your PC with friends, family, or coworkers but don’t want them poking around your personal files? That’s where a Guest Account comes in handy.
In older versions of Windows, there was a built-in Guest Account. But starting with Windows 10 — and continuing in Windows 11 — Microsoft removed it.
However, you can still manually create a guest-like account with limited privileges. In this guide, we’ll show you how to add a guest account in Windows 11 step by step, ensuring privacy, safety, and convenience.
🧩 What Is a Guest Account?
A Guest Account is a temporary user profile that lets someone use your PC without changing settings or accessing sensitive data.
It’s ideal for:
Friends or visitors who occasionally use your PC
Shared family computers
School or office environments with multiple users
🔒 Key Characteristics:
| Feature | Guest Account |
|---|---|
| Access to files | No access to other users’ data |
| Can install apps | ❌ No |
| Can change settings | ❌ No |
| Can browse the internet | ✅ Yes |
| Can use installed apps | ✅ Yes |
| Password required | Optional |
⚙️ Method 1: Create a Guest Account Using Windows Settings
Although Windows 11 doesn’t have a dedicated “Guest” button, you can easily create a local user account that functions like one.
🪜 Steps:
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Accounts → Other users.
Click Add account.
When prompted, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Then choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter a username — for example, GuestUser.
Leave the password fields blank (or set a simple one).
Click Next.
You’ve now created a local standard user. This acts as your guest account.
🧰 Customize Permissions:
Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users.
Select the newly created GuestUser account.
Make sure it’s listed as a Standard user (not Administrator).
✅ Now, your guest can log in without affecting your main account.
⚙️ Method 2: Create a Guest Account Using Command Prompt
Prefer using the Command Prompt? Here’s how to do it manually.
🪜 Steps:
Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
(When prompted for a password, press Enter to leave it blank.)
Close Command Prompt when done.
🔍 What These Commands Do:
Creates a new user account named GuestUser.
Ensures it belongs to the Users group (standard permissions).
Removes it from Administrators to prevent system changes.
✅ You’ve now created a secure guest account via Command Prompt.
⚙️ Method 3: Create a Guest Account Using PowerShell
You can also create and configure a guest account through PowerShell.
🪜 Steps:
Press Windows + X → Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Type the following commands:
Close PowerShell once done.
🧩 Optional: Set a Password (if desired)
💡 Tip: Leaving the password blank makes it more convenient for temporary users.
⚙️ Method 4: Rename and Reactivate the Hidden “Guest” Account (Advanced)
Windows 11 still has the old Guest account built into the system — it’s just disabled by default.
You can re-enable it, but it requires administrative privileges.
⚠️ Note:
This method isn’t officially recommended by Microsoft (since it’s deprecated), but it still works for many users.
🪜 Steps:
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type:
Press Enter.
(Optional) Rename it for clarity:
Verify activation:
✅ Once active, it behaves like the traditional Windows Guest account — no password and limited privileges.
⚙️ Method 5: Restrict Guest Account Access for Better Security
To make the guest account safer and more controlled, you can restrict access to your files and settings.
🔒 Recommended Restrictions:
Disable Control Panel Access:
Use Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) →
Navigate toUser Configuration → Administrative Templates → Control Panel→ Enable Prohibit access to Control Panel.Block Access to Drives:
UnderUser Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer→ Enable Prevent access to drives from My Computer.Disable Command Prompt:
Go toUser Configuration → System→ Enable Prevent access to command prompt.
💡 Pro Tip: You can also create a dedicated Guest folder for temporary file storage.
🧠 How to Switch to the Guest Account in Windows 11
Once created, switching to the guest account is easy:
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Click Switch user.
Select the GuestUser account from the login screen.
Log in (no password needed if you left it blank).
You’re now using a restricted guest environment.
🔧 How to Remove or Disable the Guest Account
When you no longer need the guest account, you can remove it safely.
🪜 Using Settings:
Open Settings → Accounts → Other users.
Select the GuestUser account.
Click Remove → Delete account and data.
🪜 Using Command Prompt:
✅ The guest account and all its temporary files will be removed.
🧩 Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Adding a Guest Account
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t create account | Insufficient permissions | Run as Administrator |
| Guest account has admin rights | Wrong group assigned | Remove from Administrators group |
| Guest can access private files | File permissions not restricted | Set “Deny” access on sensitive folders |
| Account doesn’t appear on login screen | Disabled or hidden | Enable using net user GuestUser /active:yes |
💡 Expert Tips for Managing Guest Accounts
Keep it Standard: Never grant admin rights to a guest account.
Regularly Delete Temporary Accounts: Removes clutter and potential risks.
Enable Windows Defender: Automatically protects against malware.
Assign Storage Limits: Prevent guests from filling up your disk space.
Create a Restore Point: In case changes affect your main account.
🧾 Summary: Secure and Easy Guest Access in Windows 11
Creating a guest account in Windows 11 may take a few extra steps, but it’s worth it for privacy and convenience.
Here’s what we covered:
The classic Guest Account is gone, but you can replicate it manually.
Use Settings, Command Prompt, or PowerShell to create one.
Restrict permissions for maximum security.
Easily remove it when no longer needed.
Now, you can let others use your computer without compromising your personal data or settings.
❓ FAQs About Guest Accounts on Windows 11
1. Does Windows 11 have a built-in Guest Account?
No, Microsoft removed the classic Guest account, but you can create a local standard user that serves the same purpose.
2. Can I set a password for the Guest Account?
Yes, but it’s optional. Many people prefer leaving it blank for convenience.
3. How do I limit what the guest can do?
Use Group Policy Editor or Local Security Policy to restrict access to settings and drives.
4. Can I create multiple guest accounts?
Yes, but it’s best to create one and reuse it — multiple accounts can clutter your system.
5. Is it safe to create a guest account?
Absolutely. As long as it’s not an administrator, it’s a safe and practical way to share your PC temporarily.
🏁 Conclusion: Share Your PC Without Worry
Windows 11 might not have the old “Guest” button anymore, but setting up a guest-like account is still simple and effective.
By following the steps above, you can:
Protect your privacy
Prevent unwanted changes
Give others controlled access
So the next time someone asks to use your PC, you can confidently say,
“Sure! Just log in as Guest.” 👌