5 Easy Ways to Create Local User Accounts in Windows 11

Creating a local user account in Windows 11 is a breeze, thanks to various user-friendly methods at your disposal. Whether you're looking to organize your family’s digital life or need separate profiles for a work environment, Windows 11 offers multiple pathways to achieve this. Below, we’ll explore five different techniques to create a local user account, each tailor-made to suit your comfort level—whether you prefer the simplicity of the Settings app or the versatility of command-line tools.

1. Using the Settings App​

The Settings app is the most intuitive method for most users. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Open the Settings App: Press Windows + I to bring up the Settings.
2. Navigate to Accounts: In the left sidebar, click on "Accounts."
3. Add a User: Scroll down and select "Other Users." Click on "Add Account" next to "Add other user."
4. Choose Local Account: When prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, select "I don’t have this person’s sign-in information." Then choose "Add a user without a Microsoft account."
5. Create Your Account: Fill in the new user’s name, password, and security questions in case you need to reset the password later. Click "Next," and you’re done!

And voila, your new local account is created as a standard user. If you need to elevate this account to an administrator level, just select the account, click "Change account type," and choose "Administrator."

2. Through Command Prompt​

For those who prefer the command line, Command Prompt offers a powerful way to add a local user:

1. Launch Command Prompt: Type "Command Prompt" in Windows Search, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Run the Command: Enter the following command, replacing NewUser and NewPassword with your chosen credentials:
   

    net user NewUser NewPassword /add

3. Grant Admin Rights: If you want to promote this user to an admin, type:
   

    net localgroup Administrators NewUser /add

And just like that, you now have a local user account created directly from the command line.

3. Using PowerShell​

Another command-line option is PowerShell, which provides a more robust scripting environment:

1. Open PowerShell: Search for "PowerShell" in the Start menu, right-click it, and select "Run as Administrator."
2. Execute Cmdlets: Enter the following command, replacing the placeholder text:
   

   powershell New-LocalUser -Name "NewUser" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "NewPassword" -AsPlainText -Force) -AccountNeverExpires

3. Add to User Group: To add this user to the standard “Users” group, use:
   

   powershell Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Users" -Member "NewUser"

4. Promote to Admin: If admin rights are needed, run:
   

   powershell Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "NewUser"

PowerShell gives you a bit more flexibility and power, making it a great choice for tech-savvy users.

4. Through Computer Management​

Windows 11's Computer Management console is perfect for those who prefer a graphical interface with advanced controls:

1. Open Computer Management: Right-click the Start button and select "Computer Management."
2. Navigate to User Management: Expand "System Tools," then "Local Users and Groups," and click on "Users."
3. Create a New User: Right-click in the Users pane and select "New User." Fill in the username and password fields.
4. Adjust Settings: After creating the account, you can adjust its properties by right-clicking the account and selecting “Properties” to assign it to the "Administrators" group if needed.

This method is particularly useful for admins managing multiple accounts.

5. Using Netplwiz​

Finally, the Netplwiz utility can streamline the process, especially for users managing multiple accounts.

1. Open Netplwiz: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog and type netplwiz, then hit Enter.
2. Add User: In the User Accounts window, click "Add." Select "Sign in without a Microsoft account," and fill in the details for your new user.
3. Finalize Creation: Set a password and create a password hint before clicking "Finish." To elevate it to an admin, select the new account, choose "Properties," and adjust the group membership.

Summary​

With these five methods at your fingertips, creating local user accounts in Windows 11 has never been easier. Each technique caters to different user preferences, from casual to advanced, allowing you to tailor your computing environment to your needs. Whether it’s to provide family members a personalized workspace or to keep work and leisure accounts separate, Windows 11 makes it simple to control user access.
Feel free to explore these options and enjoy a more organized and efficient way to share your PC. What accounts are you planning to create? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: How-To Geek 5 Ways to Create a Local User Account on Windows 11