How to Create a Guest Account on Windows 11
A guest account on Windows 11 is a separate local user profile that gives friends and family safe access to your PC without letting them see your private files or change important system settings. Windows 11 does not have a simple one-click guest mode button anymore, but you can set up a standard local account to get the exact same protected experience.
Standard user profiles block most app installations and system tweaks so visitors cannot mess up your computer. You can create this backup login in just a few minutes through the Windows Settings app whenever someone needs to borrow your PC.
Create a standard local user account in Settings. Go to Accounts, then Family & other users, and click Add account. Name the account (e.g., “GuestUser”) and leave the password blank for easy guest access.
Why create a guest account?
Setting up a restricted profile lets someone use your PC without risking your personal files or settings.
What happens when you are done?
The new user profile allows your guest to log in to the computer. This guest’s computer activities remain separate from your activities. After your guest finishes using the computer, you can delete the guest account to wipe their computer history.
Method 1Using System Settings
System Settings provides the fastest route for building a temporary profile without touching the command line. This method helps visitors browse securely while keeping personal documents locked away.
- Open Settings by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.
- Click on Accounts in the left menu.
- Select Family & other users.
- Look for the Other users section and click the Add account button. (Requires admin privileges)
- When the Microsoft sign-in window pops up, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Type a name for the account (like “GuestUser”). Windows will not let you name it “Guest.”
- Leave the password fields blank to make it easy for guests to sign in.
- Click Next.
Method 2Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt offers another way to build a guest profile using a single terminal command.
- Search for cmd in the Start menu.
- Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
net user GuestAccount /add /active:yesWarning for 🪟 Windows 11 Home Users
Windows 11 Home editions lack the Local Users and Groups tool (lusrmgr.msc), a management snap-in for handling user profiles. Running this utility on Home editions triggers an error message. Sticking to the Settings app method avoids compatibility hurdles.
How to Delete the Guest Account
Purging old guest profiles keeps storage drives clean and protects privacy. The Settings app deletes the user account alongside all generated files in one sweep.
Summary
While Windows 11 lacks a native guest account, creating a local standard user account serves as a reliable alternative. Private files remain secure, and system settings stay locked down against accidental changes. Sharing hardware safely requires nothing more than following the outlined steps.
Why was the guest account feature removed in 🪟 Windows 11?
Microsoft removed the dedicated guest account feature to encourage users to set up individual Microsoft accounts. This change helps with security and cloud syncing. However, you can still replicate the guest experience by creating a local standard user account that has limited permissions and no access to your personal files.
Can I use a Microsoft account for a guest user?
It's best not to use a Microsoft account for a guest user on Windows 11, as it can link their data to your PC and compromise your privacy.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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