Creating a new Windows user account in Settings

The fastest way to create a new user account is through Windows Settings. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left sidebar, then select Other people (or Family & other people on some versions).

Click the button that says Add account or Add another person to this PC. Windows will ask whether the new person has a Microsoft account. If they do, type their email address and Windows will link their existing account. If they don't have one, select I don't have this person's sign-in information and then Add a user without a Microsoft account.

For a local account (one that exists only on this computer), type a username and password. The password is optional but recommended if other people use the computer. Windows will create the account when ready and you can start using it by signing out and selecting the new user name on the sign-in screen.

Key Takeaways

  • A new user account is created in Settings under Accounts > Other people, and takes less than a minute to set up.
  • You can link a Microsoft account (which syncs settings across devices) or create a local account (which exists only on this computer).
  • A password is optional for local accounts but protects your files if someone else uses the computer.
  • Each user account has its own desktop, files, and settings, so changes one person makes do not affect another person's account.
  • You can delete an account later from the same Settings page, though Windows will warn you that files on that account's desktop and Documents folder will be removed.

The difference between a Microsoft account and a local account

A Microsoft account is an email address you use to sign into Windows, OneDrive, Outlook, and other Microsoft services. If you create a new user with a Microsoft account, Windows automatically syncs that person's settings, wallpaper, and browser bookmarks across any other computers they sign into with the same email. This is useful if someone uses multiple devices.

A local account exists only on this one computer. It does not sync anything and does not require an email address. Local accounts are simpler to set up and useful for shared computers where people do not need their settings to follow them elsewhere. You can always convert a local account to a Microsoft account later by going back to Settings > Accounts and selecting the account name.

Setting up a password for the new account

When you create a local account, Windows offers a password field but does not require one. If the computer is shared or in a home where privacy matters, a password prevents other users from accessing someone else's files, email, or browsing history. If the computer is used by only one person or in a find location, a password is less critical.

If you skip the password during setup, you can add one later. Open Settings, go to Accounts, select the account name, and choose Password > Add. Windows will ask for a password hint — a phrase that reminds the user of their password without revealing it. Write something only that person would understand.

What happens after you create the account

Once the account is created, the new user can sign in from the Windows sign-in screen. Their first sign-in takes longer than usual because Windows is setting up their profile folder, desktop, and default files. After that, sign-in is fast.

Each account has its own separate desktop, Documents folder, Downloads folder, and settings. If one user changes the wallpaper or installs a program, it affects only their account. Other users see their own desktop and their own installed programs. Files stored in shared locations like the Documents folder of one account are not visible to other accounts unless that user explicitly shares them.

Switching between user accounts

To switch to a different account without signing out, press the Windows key and select the account icon in the top-right corner of the Start menu, then choose the account you want to use. The current account stays open in the background — when you switch back, your programs and files are still there.

To fully sign out of an account, press the Windows key, select the account icon, and choose Sign out. This closes all programs and returns to the sign-in screen. The next person can then sign in with their own account.

Changing account type and permissions

When you create a new account, Windows makes it a Standard user by default. A Standard user can use programs and change their own settings but cannot install software for the whole computer or change system settings. An Administrator account can do all of those things.

If the new user needs to install programs or change system settings, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, select their account, and click Change account type. Select Administrator and confirm. You can change it back to Standard user at any time from the same screen.

Removing an account you no longer need

To delete a user account, open Settings, go to Accounts > Other people, select the account, and click Delete. Windows will warn you that files on that account's desktop and Documents folder will be removed. Files stored in other locations (like OneDrive or external drives) are not affected.

If you want to keep the files before deleting the account, copy them to a shared folder or external drive first. After deletion, the account is gone and cannot be recovered, though the person can create a new account with the same username if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a user account without a password?

Yes. When you create a local account, the password field is optional. Leave it blank and Windows will create the account without one. The user will sign in by clicking their name on the sign-in screen. You can add a password later if you change your mind.

What is the difference between signing out and switching accounts?

Switching accounts keeps the current account open in the background with all programs still running. Signing out closes all programs and returns to the sign-in screen. Use switching if you are briefly handing the computer to someone else. Use sign-out if you are done for the day.

Can I change a local account to a Microsoft account later?

Yes. Open Settings, go to Accounts, select the local account, and choose Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. Windows will ask for a Microsoft email address and password. Your files and settings stay on the computer — only the sign-in method changes.

What happens to files if I delete a user account?

Files on that account's desktop and Documents folder are deleted. Files stored elsewhere (like OneDrive, external drives, or shared network folders) are not affected. Copy important files to a shared location before you delete the account.

Do I need administrator permission to create a new account?

Yes. Only an administrator account can create new user accounts. If you are using a Standard user account, you will need to ask the administrator to create the account for you.