How to Add a User Account on Windows 11

Creating a new user account on Windows 11, whether it's a local account or a Microsoft account, can enhance your computing experience by offering a more personalized, secure, and organized usage. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to add a new user account to your Windows 11 system, covering both Microsoft and local account options.

Why Create a Windows 11 User Account?

• For Shared Devices or Workspaces: If your PC is accessed by multiple users, such as in a family setting or a shared office space, having separate user accounts can greatly enhance privacy and organization. Each user can have their own settings, files, and applications, ensuring that your workspace remains personalized and undisturbed.

• Privacy and Security: A local account on Windows 11 is particularly beneficial for users looking for a more private and secure experience. With a local account, your settings and files are stored locally on the device and not synced across devices via the cloud, as is the case with a Microsoft account.

• Flexibility in Account Types: Windows 11 offers the flexibility to choose between a Microsoft account, which syncs your data across devices, and a local account, which is more suitable for users who prefer not to link their settings and files with Microsoft's cloud services.

Differences of using a Local User Account or a Microsoft account in Windows 11

• Synchronization Across Devices: A Microsoft account allows you to sync your settings, preferences, and files across multiple devices. This is particularly useful if you use more than one device, like a laptop and a tablet.

• Access to Microsoft Services: With a Microsoft account, you get seamless access to various Microsoft services and applications, such as Office 365, OneDrive, Outlook, and more.

• Enhanced Security: Microsoft accounts offer additional security features, like two-factor authentication, which can help protect your account from unauthorized access.

• Convenient Sign-In: You can use the same credentials to sign in to various Microsoft services and Windows devices, simplifying your login process.

• Automatic Backup: Important data like your browser history, favorites, and certain app settings are backed up and can be restored if you switch devices.

• Access to Windows Store: A Microsoft account is required to download apps from the Microsoft Store, which offers a wide range of applications and games.

How To Create a Windows 11 Local Account in Settings

This method is the most straightforward approach for users who prefer not to use a Microsoft account. It allows you to create a local account directly within the Windows Settings, providing an easy-to-navigate interface for those who want their data and settings to remain on the device itself.

1. Open Windows 11 Settings
    
   
   
2. Switch to “Accounts” and there to “Family & other users”
    
   
   
3. Click “Add account” at “Other users” 
    
   
   
4. Click “I don´t have this person´s sign-in information”
    
   
   
5. Click “Add a user without a Microsoft account”
    
   
6. Enter the user name for the local account
    
   
   
7. Enter a secure password
    
   
   
8. Enter hints for “In case you forget your password”
    
   
   
9. The new local account is now ready and will finish setting up the first time you sign in
    
   

How To Add a Microsoft Account to Windows 11 in Settings

Ideal for users seeking to take advantage of cloud-based features, this method guides you through adding a Microsoft account via Windows Settings. It's perfect for syncing data across devices and accessing Microsoft's services.

1. Open Windows 11 Settings
    
   
   
2. Switch to “Accounts” and there to “Family & other users”
    
   
   
3. Click “Add account” at “Other users”
    
   
   
4. Enter the address of the Microsoft account and click “Next”
    
   
   
5. Click “Finish”
    
   
   
6. The new user account is now ready and will finish setting up the first time you sign in
    
   

How To Add a Windows 11 Local Account with netplwiz

This technique uses the ‘netplwiz' tool, offering an alternative way to create a local account. It's useful for users who prefer a more hands-on approach or need to manage accounts without going through the standard Settings route.

1. Enter the hotkey “Windows + R” and run the command “netplwiz”
    
   
   
2. Click “Add” in the “Users” tab
    
   
   
3. Click “Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended)”
    
   
   
4. Click “Local account”
    
   
   
5. Enter user name, password and a password hint and click “Next”
    
   
   
6. Click “Finish”
    
   
   
7. Click “OK” to finish
    
   The new local account is now ready and will finish setting up the first time you sign in.
    
   

How To Add a Microsoft Account in Windows 11 with netplwiz

Similar to its local account counterpart, this method employs the ‘netplwiz' tool to add a Microsoft account. It's a more technical approach suited for users comfortable with Windows' administrative tools.

1. Enter the hotkey “Windows + R” and run the command “netplwiz”
    
   
   
2. Click “Add” in the “Users” tab
    
   
   
3. Enter the email-address of the Microsoft account you want to add to Windows 11
    
   
   
4. Click “Finish”
    
   
   
5. Click “OK” to finish
    
   The new user account is now ready and will finish setting up the first time you sign into Windows 11.
    
   
   

How To Add a Windows 11 Local Account or Microsoft Account in Local Users and Groups

This method is for advanced users who want to manage accounts through the Local Users and Groups management console. It offers detailed control over user accounts and is ideal for system administrators or power users.

1. Enter the hotkey “Windows + R” and run the command “lusrmgr.msc”
    
   This will open the “Users and Groups” editor.
    
   
   
2. Select “Users”, “More Actions” and click “New User…”
    
   
   
3. Enter “User name” and password and click “Create”
    
   

   • User must change password at next logon: This option requires the user to change their password the next time they log in, ensuring that only the user knows their password.

   • User cannot change password: Selecting this prevents the user from changing their password. This is often used in environments where the administrator manages passwords.

   • Password never expires: When selected, the user's password will not be subject to the system's password expiration policy, meaning it won't require changing after a set period.
      
     
     

4. The new account will now be available for login
    
   
   

How To Convert a Local User Account to a Microsoft Account in Windows 11

Converting a local user account to a Microsoft account in Windows 11 involves a few simple steps and is the preferred method if you want to keep existing documents and settings.

1. Open Windows 11 Settings
    
   
   
2. Switch to “Accounts” and click “Your info”
    
   
   
3. In “Account settings” click “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead”
    
   
   
4. Enter the Microsoft email address and click “Next”
    
   
   
5. Enter the password and click “Sign-in”
    
   
   
6. Confirm the password and click “Next”
    
   
   
7. Click Next when asked to “Create a PIN”
    
   Setting up a login-PIN for Windows 11 allows you to sign-into your PC without using a complicated password and has the following benefits:
    

   • Increased Security: PINs are tied to a specific device. Even if someone discovers your PIN, they can't use it to access your account on another device, unlike a password.

   • Simplicity and Speed: PINs are typically shorter and easier to remember than complex passwords, making them faster to enter, especially on touch-enabled devices.

   • Biometric Integration: A PIN can be used as a backup for biometric authentication methods like fingerprint or facial recognition, providing an additional layer of security.

   • Local Authentication: PIN authentication is done locally on the device, which enhances security as the verification doesn't go through the web.

   • Better for Touch Devices: For touch-enabled devices, using a PIN can be more convenient than typing a password.
      
     
     

8. Choose your Windows Hello PIN, confirm it and finish with “OK”
    
   
   
9. Your local account has now been converted into a user that is linked to your Microsoft account
    
   

How To Add a Local Account in Windows 11 via Command Prompt

Targeted at users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces, this method involves using Command Prompt commands to add either type of account. It's a fast and efficient approach for those familiar with Windows' command-line environment.

1. Open the “Command Prompt” as administrator
    
   
   
2. Use the “net user” command to create a new account with or without a password
    
   Replace “User” in the command below with the actual user name you want for the new local Windows 11 account:
    
   

   net user "User" /add

   Replace “User” and “Password” in the command below with the actual user name and password you want for the new local Windows 11 account:

   net user "User" "Password" /add

    
   

How To Change a Normal User Account into Administrator

Since you're already managing your Microsoft accounts, this guide on how to change a normal user to an administrator may be of use. We show many ways to achieve the goal that will work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
 

How To Delete a User Account in Windows 11

There are various reasons you might need to delete a user account: maybe the account is no longer needed, you're preparing to give the computer to someone else, or you simply want to clean up old accounts that are no longer in use. Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 offers several ways to remove user accounts, which we explain in detail in our other guide.
 

Extra: How to Change a Username / Account Name in Windows

There are different reasons why you might want to change a username in Windows. Maybe your real name has changed and you need to reflect this change in Windows as well. Or you have been using a nickname and want to do a username change to your real name. You may also want to change the name of the built-in administrator account for security reasons. Our other guide will explain you in detail how to change the username of an  exisiting Windows account.