Windows 11 defaults to signing in with a Microsoft account, but you can create a local account that exists only on that PC, without any Microsoft cloud connection. Local accounts are useful for shared PCs, guest users, IT setups where Microsoft accounts are not appropriate, and situations where you want a standard user account with limited permissions. Here is how to create one.
Why Use a Local Account?
- Shared PCs — a local account for each person without linking their email
- Guest or limited accounts — create a Standard User account with restricted permissions
- Offline setups — machines without internet access or where Microsoft account sign-in is not appropriate
- IT deployment — adding a service or admin account to a machine without a personal Microsoft account
Method 1: Create a Local Account via Settings
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users
- Click Add account
- On the Microsoft account sign-in screen, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information
- On the next screen, click Add a user without a Microsoft account
- Enter a username for the new account
- Enter a password and confirm it
- Choose three security questions and enter answers — these are used to reset the password if forgotten
- Click Next
The account is created as a Standard User by default. It appears in the Other users list and can log in immediately.
Method 2: Create a Local Account via Computer Management
This method gives you more control over account properties and is faster for IT administrators creating multiple accounts.
- Press Win + X and select Computer Management
- Expand Local Users and Groups → Users
- Right-click in the right panel and select New User
- Fill in the Username, Full name (optional), and Password
- Configure the password options:
- User must change password at next logon — recommended for new accounts
- User cannot change password — for shared accounts
- Password never expires — for service accounts
- Account is disabled — creates the account in a disabled state
- Click Create, then Close
Note: Computer Management is only available on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise. Home edition users must use Settings or Command Prompt.
Method 3: Create a Local Account via Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
net user "NewUsername" "Password123" /addReplace NewUsername with the account name and Password123 with the desired password. To create an account without a password:
net user "NewUsername" /addHow to Make a Local Account an Administrator
New local accounts are Standard Users by default. To give one administrator rights:
Via Settings
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users
- Click the account name
- Click Change account type
- Change from Standard User to Administrator
- Click OK
Via Command Prompt
net localgroup administrators "NewUsername" /addStandard User vs Administrator
Understanding the difference is important when setting up accounts:
- Administrator: Can install software, change system settings, access all files, and make changes that affect other users. Use for IT staff or power users who need full control.
- Standard User: Can use most software, change their own settings, and access their own files. Cannot install software for all users or change system-level settings. The right choice for most employees and shared PC users.
For security, run day-to-day work on a Standard User account even if you have an Administrator account available. Elevation prompts (UAC) will appear when admin access is genuinely needed.
How to Delete a Local User Account
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users
- Click the account name
- Click Remove
- Choose whether to Delete account and data or keep the files
Deleting the account removes the user profile from the PC. If you want to keep their files (Desktop, Documents, Downloads), choose to keep the data before confirming.
How to Set a Password for an Existing Local Account
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Change a password (to change your own password)
- Or go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Password → Change
For another user’s account (requires Administrator rights): open Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users, right-click the account and select Set Password.
