How to Safely Create a Guest Account in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Sharing your Windows 11 PC can be a simple yet daunting task, especially when you want to protect your personal information while allowing someone else to use it. Windows 11 does not have a built-in "Guest" mode like some earlier versions, but the current system offers a workaround: creating a separate user account specifically for guests. This article will guide you through the process of creating a guest account, managing permissions, and discussing the implications of these features for Windows users.

Understanding Guest Accounts in Windows 11​

In the realm of operating systems, guest accounts offer a temporary solution for giving limited access to others. These accounts are especially useful for families sharing a single computer or for lending your laptop to a friend without exposing your personal files and data. With Windows 11, Microsoft has taken some steps back from traditional guest accounts seen in earlier versions, but you can achieve a similar outcome by creating a separate user account.

Why Use a Guest Account?​

Creating a guest account allows you to:

• Protect Your Privacy: Guests cannot access your personal files or applications.
• Prevent Changes: You can limit guest accounts so they cannot alter system settings or install new software.
• Easy Reversion: You can delete or modify the guest account without affecting your primary user profile.

How to Create a Guest Account through the Settings App​

• Open the Settings App:
• Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon.
• Alternatively, you can press Windows + I on your keyboard. [Navigate to Accounts: Choose Accounts from the sidebar menu. [Select 'Other Users': Within the Accounts section, click on Other users. [*Add a New User Account:
• Click on Add Account.
• Choose the option stating “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.”
• Next, select Add a user without a Microsoft account. [*Fill in User Details:
• Enter a username for the guest account, such as "Guest User".
• You can choose to add a password, though it's optional. Once these steps are complete, the new account will be available on the login screen. However, it's important to note that Windows 11 will not allow you to name the account directly as "Guest."

Adjusting Permissions on Windows 11 Home​

In Windows 11 Home, restricting access for a guest account isn’t built-in as it is in higher editions. Here's how you can manage user permissions using third-party tools: [*Download a Third-Party Tool:

• Go to GitHub and download the Local User and Group Management Tool. [*Set User Permissions:
• Launch the tool and choose Users in the sidebar.
• Double-click on the newly created user account.
• Go to the Group Membership tab.
• Click Add membership, select Guests, then click Select.
• Finally, select Users and remove their membership. This process effectively limits the permissions of the guest account without relying on the missing native options in Windows 11 Home.

Adjusting Permissions on Windows 11 Pro and Higher​

For those using Windows 11 Pro, the process is somewhat more straightforward. You can use the built-in Computer Management tool: [*Access Computer Management:

• Search for Computer Management in the Start menu.
• Navigate to User Accounts: Click on System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users.
• Modify the User Account:
• Right-click the guest account and select Properties.
• Switch to the Member of tab.
• Click Add, then choose Advanced and click Find Now.
• Select Guests, and click OK.
• Remove the standard Users group membership.
• Click Apply and then OK. Once these permissions are adjusted, the guest account will have restricted access similar to traditional guest accounts from previous versions.

Creating a Guest Account via Command Prompt or Windows Terminal​

For experienced users familiar with command-line interfaces, guest accounts can also be created using Windows Terminal or Command Prompt. This is especially handy if you prefer a more technical approach. Steps to Use Command Prompt: [*Open Windows Terminal:

• Right-click the Start menu and select Terminal (Admin). [*Run Command to Create Account*: Replace {username} with your desired name:

   net user {username} /add /active:yes

  [Optional Password Setup**: If you wish to set a password:

   net user {username} *

• Adjust Group Membership: To remove the account from the standard user group and add it to guests:

   net localgroup users {username} /delete net localgroup guests {username} /add

Benefits and Implications of Using Guest Accounts​

By following these steps, your PC will have a functioning substitute for a traditional guest account. This setup provides similar benefits:

• It secures your sensitive files.
• It satisfies the needs of families sharing a computer.
• It grants temporary access without risking system integrity.

Conclusion​

Creating a guest account on Windows 11 provides users with control over their data while sharing their PCs with others. While Windows 11 has shifted away from traditional guest accounts, workarounds exist that allow users to establish and manage these accounts effectively. Whether using the graphical user interface or command-line methods, the setup enhances privacy and security. For users looking to limit guest access on Windows 11 Home, third-party tools can fill the gaps left by the lack of built-in options. Meanwhile, Pro users can manage permissions using the robust features available through Computer Management. In summary, accommodating additional users on your computer does not have to come at the cost of your personal information. With a guest account, you can confidently share your system, knowing that your data remains secure. For further details, you can refer to the original article from XDA Developers: How to create a guest account on Windows 11.