How to Create Another User in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 12, 2025

Need to add a new person to your PC — a family member, a guest, or a work account — and don’t know where to start? No problem. This guide walks you through every practical way to create another user in Windows 11: Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the advanced Local Users tool. I’ll give clear steps, tips, and troubleshooting so you finish with the right account type and permissions. Ready? Let’s go.

Why Add Another User in Windows 11?

Want separate apps, privacy, or parental controls? Creating separate accounts keeps each user’s files, apps, and settings isolated. It’s great for:

  • Protecting your files and settings

  • Letting kids use the computer with parental controls

  • Giving a guest or co-worker limited access

  • Testing apps under a different user profile

Think of each account like its own tiny apartment inside the same house — it has its own furniture (apps), drawers (files), and rules.

Before You Start — What You Should Know

System and permission basics

  • You need an administrator account to create other users.

  • Windows has two main user types: Administrator (full control) and Standard (limited).

  • Home edition does not include the Local Users and Groups snap-in (lusrmgr.msc).

Backups & privacy

  • Back up important data before making big permission changes.

  • If you switch account types or delete a user later, files under C:\Users\<username> may be deleted (unless you keep them).

Method 1 — Create Another User via Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most common method.

Create a Microsoft account user

Steps

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).

  2. Go to Accounts → Family & other users.

  3. Under Other users, click Add account.

  4. Enter the person’s Microsoft email (Outlook, Hotmail, Live) and click Next.

  5. Choose account role later (Standard or Administrator).

  6. The new user can sign in on the lock screen using their Microsoft credentials.

Why use a Microsoft account? Syncs settings across devices, enables OneDrive, and supports Microsoft Family parental controls.

Create a Local account (no Microsoft account)

Want a local-only account (offline)? You can create one too.

Steps

  1. Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add account.

  2. Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.

  3. Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.

  4. Enter a username, optional password, and security questions.

  5. Click Next — account is created.

When to use local accounts: For guests, temporary users, or privacy-focused setups.

Add a family member (child account with parental controls)

Steps

  1. Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add a family member.

  2. Choose Add a child and enter the child’s Microsoft email.

  3. Follow the Microsoft family setup (you’ll manage screen time, content, purchases).

Tip: If the child doesn’t have an email, you can create one during this flow.

Method 2 — Create Another User with Control Panel (Legacy)

The Control Panel still works, and some people prefer it.

Steps

  1. Open Control Panel (search from the Start menu).

  2. Go to User Accounts → Manage another account → Add a new user in PC settings.

  3. That will redirect you to the Settings method above. (Control Panel keeps some legacy views, but Settings is modern.)

Method 3 — Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc) — Pro / Enterprise Only

This tool is powerful but only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc, press Enter.

  2. In the left pane choose Users.

  3. Right-click → New User….

  4. Fill in User name, Full name, Password, and options (Password never expires, etc.).

  5. Click Create then Close.

  6. To add to Administrators, double-click the user → Member Of → Add → type Administrators.

Use this for: Server-like control, adding custom local groups, and advanced permissions.

Method 4 — Create a User Using Command Prompt (net user)

Fast and scriptable — good for admins.

Steps

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Create a user:

    net user NewUserName P@ssw0rd /add

  3. Make them an administrator (optional):

    net localgroup Administrators NewUserName /add

  4. To remove admin rights:

    net localgroup Administrators NewUserName /delete

Tip: Use a strong password or omit the password to prompt the user to set one later.

Method 5 — Create a User Using PowerShell (New-LocalUser)

PowerShell gives more options and scripting flexibility.

Steps

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. Create a user:

    $Password = Read-Host -AsSecureString "Enter password"
    New-LocalUser -Name "NewUserName" -FullName "Full Name" -Password $Password -Description "Optional description"

  3. Add to Administrators group (optional):

    Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "NewUserName"

Powerful for: Automation, bulk user creation, and advanced scripting.

Assigning Admin or Standard Privileges

Using Settings (graphical)

  1. Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.

  2. Click the user → Change account type.

  3. Select Administrator or Standard User → OK.

Using Command Line

  • Make admin:

    net localgroup Administrators NewUserName /add

  • Remove admin:

    net localgroup Administrators NewUserName /delete

Managing User Accounts — Rename, Reset Password, Delete, Move Files

Rename account

  • Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Click account → Change account name (for local accounts via Control Panel or lusrmgr).

Reset a forgotten local account password

  • From an admin account:

    net user UserName NewPassword

    or PowerShell:

    Set-LocalUser -Name "UserName" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "NewPassword" -AsPlainText -Force)

Delete an account

  1. Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.

  2. Click the user → Remove → Choose whether to Delete account and data.

  3. If you want to keep files, copy the folder C:\Users\<username> first.

Move or recover files

  • User files are stored under C:\Users\<username>.

  • Copy important data before deleting the account.

Best Practices & Tips

  • Use a Microsoft account for cloud sync and easy recovery, unless privacy concerns exist.

  • Keep one administrator and use standard accounts for daily tasks — reduces security risks.

  • Use strong, unique passwords or Windows Hello PIN/biometrics.

  • Enable Family Safety for kids: screen time, content limits, location.

  • Create a guest/local account for visitors instead of sharing your password.

  • Document user names & roles if managing a shared workstation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. “Add account” button grayed out

  • Make sure you’re signed in as an administrator.

  • Check Group Policy settings if in a domain environment.

2. New user can’t sign in

  • Confirm account was created successfully.

  • If local account, ensure password was set.

  • Check C:\Users to see if profile folder exists (profile creation happens on first sign-in).

3. Can’t use lusrmgr.msc

  • You’re likely on Windows 11 Home. Use Settings or Command Prompt instead.

4. Permission errors when copying files

  • Use an administrator account to copy files from C:\Users\<olduser>. You may need to take ownership: Right-click folder → Properties → Security → Advanced → Change owner.

Security Considerations

  • Don’t give out admin rights unless necessary. Admin accounts can install software and change system settings.

  • Enable two-factor authentication on Microsoft accounts for extra security.

  • Monitor new accounts for unusual activity if the PC is shared publicly.

Conclusion

Creating another user in Windows 11 is straightforward — whether you prefer the friendly Settings app, the classic Control Panel, or power tools like PowerShell and Disk Management. Choose a Microsoft account for sync and family controls, or a local account for privacy and temporary use. Always use least-privilege principles (standard account for daily work), back up important data, and keep one admin account for management. Now you can add users confidently, manage permissions like a pro, and keep your PC tidy and secure.

FAQs

1. Should I create a Microsoft account or a local account for a guest?
For guests, a local account or a temporary user is better — no cloud data synced and you can delete it later without touching personal Microsoft info.

2. How do I switch between users quickly?
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Switch user, or click your profile on the lock screen. Fast User Switching keeps apps running for each user.

3. Can I create multiple administrator accounts?
Yes, but limit the number of admins for security. Use standard accounts for daily activities and grant admin rights only when needed.

4. Where are user files stored on the drive?
User profiles live in C:\Users\<username>. Back up files from that folder before deleting an account.

5. My PC is Windows 11 Home — can I still add users via command line?
Yes. Use Settings, net user in an elevated Command Prompt, or PowerShell — all work on Home edition. lusrmgr.msc is the only tool limited to Pro/Education/Enterprise.

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