The fastest way to add a user to Windows 11
Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Other users. Click Add account, then choose whether the person has a Microsoft account or needs a local account instead. If they have a Microsoft email address, type it in and Windows will set up their account automatically. If not, select I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account to create a local account with just a username and password.
The whole process takes about two minutes. The new user can then sign in from the Windows login screen using their credentials, and Windows will create their profile folder and desktop settings automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft accounts (tied to an email address) sync settings and files across devices, while local accounts stay only on that computer.
- You need administrator rights on the computer to add a new user account.
- A new user's first sign-in takes longer than usual because Windows is building their profile for the first time.
- You can change a user's account type (standard or administrator) anytime from the same Other users screen.
Microsoft account versus local account
A Microsoft account is tied to an email address — usually Outlook, Hotmail, Gmail, or another email provider. When someone signs in with a Microsoft account, Windows syncs their settings, wallpaper, browser bookmarks, and OneDrive files to that computer. If they sign in on a different Windows device with the same Microsoft account, they see the same setup. This is useful if the person uses multiple computers.
A local account exists only on that one computer. It has a username and password you create, but no email attached. Local accounts do not sync anything to the cloud. Choose a local account if the person will only use this computer, or if you want to keep their data completely separate from any online service.
You can convert a local account to a Microsoft account later, or vice versa, so this choice is not permanent.
Step-by-step: Adding a Microsoft account user
Press the Windows key and type Settings, then open the Settings app. Click Accounts in the left sidebar. Select Other users. Click the blue Add account button.
Type the person's Microsoft email address in the box that appears. Windows will look it up. If the account exists, click Next. Windows will ask you to verify your own administrator password to confirm you have permission to add users. Type it and click Next. The new account is now created and ready to use.
The new user can sign in from the login screen by clicking their name or email, then entering their Microsoft password. Their profile will build automatically on first sign-in, which may take a few minutes.
Step-by-step: Adding a local account user
Open Settings and go to Accounts > Other users. Click Add account. In the dialog that opens, select I don't have this person's sign-in information. Then click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Type a username for the account — this is what will appear on the login screen. You can use a first name, a nickname, or anything else. Create a password and type it again to confirm. You can leave the password blank if you want, though this is less secure. Click Next, then Finish.
Windows will ask for your administrator password to confirm. Type it and the account is created. The new user can now sign in using the username and password you set up.
Changing what a user can do on the computer
Every user account has a type: Administrator or Standard. An administrator can install programs, change system settings, and add or remove other users. A standard user can run programs and change their own settings, but cannot install software or modify system-wide options.
To change a user's type, open Settings > Accounts > Other users. Click the account you want to change. Select Change account type. Choose Administrator or Standard User from the dropdown, then click OK. The change takes effect immediately.
For security, most household users should be standard users. Only create administrator accounts for people who need to install software or manage the computer itself.
What happens when a new user signs in for the first time
The first sign-in is slower than normal because Windows is creating the user's profile — their Documents folder, Desktop, OneDrive folder (if using a Microsoft account), and all their personal settings. This can take five to ten minutes depending on the computer's speed and internet connection.
If the user is signing in with a Microsoft account, Windows will also download their cloud settings and files during this time. Do not turn off the computer during first sign-in, as this can leave the profile incomplete.
After the first sign-in completes, future logins will be much faster. The user's desktop and files will be ready within seconds.
Removing or resetting a user account
To remove a user account entirely, open Settings > Accounts > Other users. Click the account you want to remove, then select Delete account and data. Windows will ask whether to keep or delete the user's files. Choose what you want, then confirm. The account and its profile folder will be removed from the computer.
If you want to keep the account but reset its password, click the account in Other users, then select Reset password. Windows will send a password reset link to the email address associated with the account (for Microsoft accounts) or let you create a new password (for local accounts).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a user without being an administrator?
No. Only an administrator can add new user accounts to Windows 11. If you do not have administrator rights, ask whoever set up the computer to add the account for you.
What if I forget the password for a local account?
If you are an administrator on the computer, open Settings > Accounts > Other users, click the account, and select Reset password. You can create a new password without knowing the old one. If you are not an administrator, you will need to contact someone who is.
Can I add a user from the login screen?
No. You must be signed in as an administrator to add a new account. The login screen does not have an option to create accounts — only to sign in to existing ones.
Will adding a new user slow down my computer?
No. Each user account is separate, so one person's files and programs do not affect another person's experience. The computer itself will not run slower just because more accounts exist.
Can I switch between users without signing out?
Yes. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then click Sign out or select a different user from the login screen. Your programs and files stay open in the background, and you can switch back to your account later without losing your work.