How to Add Local User Account in Windows 11

Why Use Local Accounts?

Local accounts are useful for keeping your computer private when others use it, or for managing separate settings on one PC. Unlike a Microsoft account that links to online services, a local account only exists on that specific computer. This means your settings and files stay put without syncing to the cloud.

A Microsoft account acts as your online key to Microsoft services like OneDrive and the Microsoft Store. Using the Microsoft account lets you sync settings across your devices and access cloud storage.

• Download apps from the Microsoft Store easily.
• Sync your settings, like your browser history and desktop theme, across different Windows devices.
• Access your online content in Microsoft apps, such as OneDrive.

A local account, on the other hand, is only for the specific computer where you create it. It’s a digital identity that lives just on that one PC.

• Offline Use: It’s not directly connected to your online Microsoft services.
• Privacy: You create a username and password just for that computer.
• App Store Access: To download apps from the Microsoft Store, you’ll still need to sign in to the Store itself with a Microsoft account, even if your main PC login is a local account.
• No Syncing: Your settings won’t automatically transfer to other computers.

Local user accounts keep different people's digital files separate on a computer. You can set up these local user accounts with or without a password. This separation helps organize information for each person using the computer.

Method 1Adding a Local Account Through Settings

This is the most common and recommended way to add a new user to your Windows 11 PC. It’s built into Windows and is quite user-friendly.

Step 1Open ⚙️ Windows Settings

Open the main settings for your PC like this:

• Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
• Or, click the ⊞ Start button and then click the Settings gear icon.

Step 2Go to Accounts

In ⚙️ the Settings window, click on Accounts in the left-hand menu. On the right side, find and click on Other users. This is usually under the “Account settings” section.

Step 3Click “Add account”

The Add account button starts the process of creating a new user profile. Clicking this button allows you to set up a unique login for a different person on your Windows 11 computer.

Step 4Choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”

Windows will prompt you to sign in with a Microsoft account first. Look for the link that says I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and click it.

Step 5Select “Add a user without a Microsoft account”

You’ll see another screen. This time, click the option that says Add a user without a Microsoft account. This is the key step to creating a local account.

Step 6Enter the Username

You will name the new local account by typing your chosen username into the provided box. This username will then appear on the Windows 11 login screen.

Step 7Set a Password (or Skip It)

This screen allows you to set a password for your new local user account. Type the password you want in the Password field, and then type the same password again in the Confirm password field.

Step 8Answer Security Questions

Security questions are important for resetting forgotten passwords. If you set a password for your local user account, Windows will prompt you to set up security questions. You will use these security question answers to reset your password if you forget it. Choose questions with answers you can easily remember, and type your answers carefully.

Step 9Finish Up

After you enter the username, password (if you chose one), and security questions, click the Next button. The local account is now created!

Step 10Account Created!

Once you finish creating the new account, you’ll see it listed under “Other users” on ⚙️ the Settings screen. You can now close the Settings window, knowing the local account has been successfully added. Remember, new accounts are typically “Standard” users, meaning they can use most apps but can’t install new software.

New accounts you create in Windows 11 are Standard accounts by default. Standard accounts can use most programs and change their own settings. However, Standard accounts cannot install new software or make changes affecting the whole computer. You can change this account type later if needed.

Method 2Adding a Local Account Using Netplwiz

This method uses a built-in Windows tool called netplwiz. It’s a bit more advanced but gives you direct control over user accounts.

Step 1Open Netplwiz

Press your Windows key + R to open the Run box. Type netplwiz and press Enter or click OK. This will open the “User Accounts” window.

Step 2Check the “Users must enter a user name and password” Box

To require users to log in each time they use the computer, open the "User Accounts" window and select the "Users" tab. Check the box labeled "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." This action adds a security layer by forcing a login for every user.

Important Note: If a specific security setting called “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device” is enabled, you might notice this checkbox is missing or grayed out. If so, you’ll need to turn off that feature in your sign-in options before you can use netplwiz to add local accounts.

Step 3Click the “Add” Button

With the “Users” tab open, click the Add button. This will open another window to start creating the new account.

Step 4Choose “Sign in without a Microsoft account”

Similar to ⚙️ the Settings method, Windows will try to get you to use a Microsoft account. Look for the link that says Sign in without a Microsoft account and click it.

Step 5Select “Local account”

You’ll then see an option to create an account with a Microsoft account or a local account. Click on Local account.

Step 6Enter Account Details

When you add a local user in Windows 11, you’ll need to enter a few details for the new account. This includes a username, a password, and confirming the password. You can also add a password hint to help you remember it later if needed. If you prefer not to use a password, just leave the password fields blank.

• User name: The name for the account.
• Password: Set a password.
• Confirm password: Type the password again.
• Password hint: Add a hint to help you remember the password if you forget it.

Tip: If you don’t want a password, leave the “Password” and “Password hint” fields blank. Click Next when you are finished.

Step 7Finish

You will see a confirmation screen. Click Finish to complete the process.

Step 8Close Netplwiz

The “User Accounts” window will show up again. You can now click OK to close it. The new local account has been added!

This new local account is a Standard user by default, meaning you can change its type later if needed to grant administrator access for more control.

Summary

Adding a local user account in Windows 11 helps keep your PC organized and secure, especially when shared. You can create these accounts using ⚙️ the Settings app or the Netplwiz tool. By default, new accounts are Standard users, offering a good balance of usability and security. You can change an account’s type to Administrator later if needed for more control.