Want to create a local user account on your Windows PC without a Microsoft account? It’s easy to create a local user in your Settings, and you can even make the account an administrator if needed. Unlike Microsoft accounts, local user accounts do not require a Microsoft email address. Read on to learn how to add a local user account on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
Before you start: You need admin access to create a local user account.
How to create a local user account on Windows 10 or 11
Follow these steps to add a local user account on your Windows PC.
Add a new local user on Windows 10
- Open your Windows Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows key + i at the same time.
- Click Accounts.
- Select Family & other people from the left pane.
- Click + Add someone else to this PC. It’s under the “Other people” category, which may require scrolling down.
- Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information at the bottom of the window.
- Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter the user details, then click Next. Provide a username and password for the new user, and optionally add a password hint. Once you click Next, the new local account will be ready to use.
Add a new local user on Windows 11
- Open your Windows Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon. You can also press Windows key + i simultaneously.
- Click Accounts in the left panel. If you don’t see the left panel, expand the window until it appears.
- Click Other users in the right panel under “Account settings.”
- Click Add account. This will trigger a Microsoft login window that can be bypassed.
- Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Click Add a user without a Microsoft account to access the creation window.
- Enter the new user’s account information, including a username and password. You must also enter some security questions for password recovery.
- Click Next to finalize the creation of the local account.
Make a local user an administrator
- Open your Windows Settings. If you want your new local user to have administrator access, make a change to their account type by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon. You can also press Windows key + i at the same time.
- Click Accounts in the left panel.
- Click Family & other users (Windows 10) or Other users (Windows 11).
- Click on the local user you want to promote to administrator. All users will be listed under “Other users,” with local accounts marked as “Local account.”
- Click Change account type next to the user’s name.
- Select Administrator from the menu and click OK. This grants administrator rights to the selected local user account.
Pro tip: It’s best to use a secure password for the new local user account, although you can leave the password field blank if preferred.
Creating local user accounts on your Windows PC can help you manage user access efficiently, especially in shared environments. These accounts provide a way to keep individual user settings private without requiring a Microsoft email.
Moreover, understanding how to set up local accounts increases your control over your computer and enhances security. With simple steps, you can offer accounts tailored to different users, making it easier to manage access and permissions accordingly.
