How to Manage User Accounts on Windows 11

Managing user accounts in Windows 11 is a vital part of ensuring that your device remains organized, secure, and tailored to the needs of each individual who uses it. Whether you’re the primary user of your computer, a parent setting up accounts for family members, or a business administrator overseeing multiple profiles, knowing how to effectively handle user accounts can greatly improve the way you interact with your Windows system.

Microsoft has simplified much of the account management process in Windows 11, but there are still various tools and settings that can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them. This guide will walk you through all the essential steps for creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts, as well as exploring more advanced options for users who want greater control.

Understanding User Account Types in Windows 11

Before diving into account management, it’s important to understand the two primary types of user accounts in Windows 11: Administrator and Standard User. Administrator accounts hold the highest level of access on the system. This type of account can install or remove applications, change system-wide settings, and manage other user accounts. As such, it’s typically reserved for the owner of the computer or IT professionals in charge of system maintenance. In contrast, Standard User accounts are more restricted. They allow users to run applications and change settings that affect only their account, but they cannot make changes that affect the entire system. This account type is ideal for daily use or for children and other secondary users.

Windows 11 also allows you to choose between Microsoft accounts and local accounts. A Microsoft account is tied to an email address and provides access to cloud services like OneDrive, synchronization of settings across devices, and additional security features like two-step verification. A local account, on the other hand, is not connected to the cloud and stores all user data locally on the device. Each has its own advantages depending on your needs and preferences.

Types of User Accounts in Windows 11

Before you start managing accounts, it’s essential to understand the two main types of accounts:

1. Administrator

• Full system access.
• Can install software, change settings, and manage other users.
• Recommended for primary users or IT administrators.

2. Standard User

• Can use software and change basic settings.
• Cannot install programs or make system-wide changes.
• Ideal for children or general users.

You can create both local accounts (offline) or Microsoft accounts (linked to email).

How to Add a New User Account

Windows 11 allows you to add user accounts via the Settings app or through the Control Panel. Here’s how:

Using Settings App

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Accounts > Other users.
3. Click Add account.
4. Choose:
   • Microsoft account: Enter the email address.
   • Local account: Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter username and password if applicable.
6. Click Next to finish setup.

Benefits of Microsoft Accounts

• Syncs files and settings.
• Access to OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and more.
• Password recovery via email/phone.

Switching Between User Accounts

To switch users in Windows 11:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Switch user, or
2. Click Start > User Icon > Sign out, then sign in with another account, or
3. Press Alt + F4 on the desktop and select Switch user from the dropdown.

This allows fast switching without logging off other users entirely.

How to Change User Account Type

Need to promote a user from Standard to Admin? Follow these steps:

Via Settings

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users.
2. Click the user you want to modify.
3. Select Change account type.
4. Choose Administrator or Standard User.
5. Click OK.

Via Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account.
2. Select the user.
3. Click Change the account type.
4. Choose Administrator or Standard.

How to Remove a User Account

Removing inactive accounts helps free space and improve performance.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users.
2. Click on the account.
3. Select Remove.
4. Click Delete account and data.

Note: This deletes files, desktop data, and settings for that user.

Using Control Panel to Manage Accounts

Although somewhat hidden, the Control Panel is still useful for account management.

Accessing:

1. Press Win + R, type control, hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   User Accounts > User Accounts > Manage another account

From here, you can:

• Change passwords.
• Modify account types.
• Set up parental controls.
• Create guest accounts (in Pro editions).

Advanced Management with Local Users and Groups

For IT administrators or power users (Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise), use Local Users and Groups.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type lusrmgr.msc, press Enter.
2. Go to Users:
   • Right-click to create a new user.
   • Set password policies.
   • Add or remove from groups (like Administrators or Guests).

This utility is not available in Windows 11 Home, but similar features can be accessed via PowerShell.

Managing Accounts with Command Prompt or PowerShell

Tech-savvy users can use command-line tools for quicker management.

Add a New Local User

net user NewUsername NewPassword /add

Add to Administrator Group

net localgroup administrators NewUsername /add

Delete a User

net user NewUsername /delete

Or use PowerShell:

New-LocalUser -Name "NewUser" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "password" -AsPlainText -Force)
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "NewUser"

This is useful for scripting and automating account setup in enterprise environments.

Setting Up a Child or Family Account

Windows 11 offers excellent family safety features via Microsoft Family.

Steps to Add a Child Account:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add a family member.
3. Choose Add a child.
4. Enter their Microsoft email or create a new one.
5. Use family.microsoft.com to:
   • Set screen time.
   • Filter web content.
   • Monitor app usage.

This is highly recommended for parents.

Final Thoughts

Managing user accounts in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re creating accounts for multiple family members, giving someone temporary access, or setting up a secure and productive work environment, the tools provided by Microsoft are both user-friendly and powerful.

From the straightforward options in the Settings app to more advanced features available through Control Panel, Local Users and Groups, and command-line tools, you have a wide range of options at your disposal. As a best practice, always use standard accounts for regular use and reserve administrative privileges for trusted users or essential tasks. This will help keep your system safe and running smoothly for everyone.