The fastest way to add a user account

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts on the left side, then click Other people. Click the blue button that says Add someone else to this PC. Windows will ask whether the person has a Microsoft account — if they do, type their email address; if not, click I don't have this person's sign-in information and then Add a user without a Microsoft account. Type a username and password (or leave the password blank if you want them to set one later), then click Next and Finish.

That person can now log in using the username and password you created. They will see their own desktop, files, and settings separate from yours. If you made a mistake or want to change what kind of account it is, you can do that from the same Other people screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The quickest path is Settings > Accounts > Other people > Add someone else to this PC, which takes about two minutes.
  • You can add an account tied to a Microsoft email address, or create a local account with just a username and password.
  • Each user account has its own desktop, files, and settings that other users cannot see unless you share them.
  • New accounts start as Standard User accounts, which is the right choice for most people; only change this if the person needs to install software or change system settings.

Microsoft account versus local account

A Microsoft account is tied to an email address and syncs settings across devices — if that person uses other Windows computers or tablets, their preferences follow them. A local account exists only on this PC and does not sync anything. For most household users, a local account is simpler and faster to set up. Use a Microsoft account if the person already has one, or if they will use multiple Windows devices and want the same setup on all of them.

If you are not sure which one to pick, start with a local account. You can convert it to a Microsoft account later by going back to Settings > Accounts > Your info and clicking Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

Standard User versus Administrator accounts

When you add a new account, Windows makes it a Standard User by default. Standard Users can run programs, change their own password, and use most features, but they cannot install software, change system settings, or delete other people's files. This is the right choice for children, guests, and most household members.

An Administrator account can do everything on the PC, including installing programs and changing settings that affect everyone. You should have at least one Administrator account (usually yours), but most other people do not need one. If someone needs to install a program later, they can ask you to do it, or you can temporarily give them Administrator rights and then take them away.

To change an account from Standard User to Administrator, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, click the account name, then click Change account type and select Administrator.

Setting a password or leaving it blank

When you create the account, Windows asks if you want to add a password. If you type one, that person will need to enter it every time they log in. If you leave it blank and click Next without typing anything, they can log in by just clicking their name — no password required.

Leaving the password blank is faster for household members who trust each other and do not share the PC with outsiders. If the PC is in a shared space or the person wants privacy, set a password. You can add or change a password later by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and clicking Password.

What happens to files and settings after you add a user

Each new account starts with a blank desktop, empty Documents folder, and default Windows settings. The person will not see your files, downloads, or browser history unless you put them in a shared folder like Public Documents. Their programs and settings are completely separate — if they install something, it only appears in their account.

If you want to share a file or folder with another user, right-click it, select Properties, go to the Sharing tab, and click Share. You can then type the other person's username and choose whether they can view it or edit it.

Removing or changing an account later

If you need to delete an account, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, click the account you want to remove, and click Delete. Windows will ask what to do with that person's files — you can keep them, move them to your account, or delete them. You cannot delete the account you are currently logged into; you have to switch to a different account first.

To change a username, password, or account type, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, click the account, and look for the option you want to change. Most changes take effect when ready the next time that person logs in.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the Add someone else to this PC button is grayed out, you are not logged into an Administrator account. Log out and log back in as the Administrator. If you forgot which account is the Administrator, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people and look for the word "Administrator" under each name.

If someone cannot log in after you create their account, the most common reason is a typo in the username or password. Try logging in yourself using the exact username and password you set, character by character. If that works, the account is fine and the person may have mistyped it. If you cannot remember the password you set, delete the account and create it again with a password you write down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a user account without being an Administrator?

No. Only an Administrator can add new accounts to the PC. If you are not the Administrator, ask whoever set up the computer to add the account for you.

What if the person I am adding does not have a Microsoft account?

Click I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account. You will create a local account with just a username and password instead. They can add a Microsoft account to it later if they want.

Can I change someone's password if I forgot what I set it to?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, click their name, then click Change under Password. You will need to enter your own Administrator password to do this. Then you can set a new password for them.

Will adding a new user slow down my computer?

No. Each account takes up a small amount of disk space for its files and settings, but having multiple accounts does not make Windows run slower. The only time you might notice a difference is if two people are logged in at the same time using Fast User Switching, which uses more memory.

Can I see what another user is doing on their account?

No. Each account is private — you cannot see their files, programs, or browser history unless they share a folder with you. If you need to monitor a child's activity, Windows has parental controls in Settings > Accounts > Family & other people.