How to Set Up a New User Account
Beginner
How-To · Windows
Giving someone else their own separate space on a shared computer, with their own files and settings.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Under "Other users," click "Add account," and choose whether to set them up with a Microsoft account or a local account with no Microsoft sign-in required.
- For a local account, choose "I don't have this person's sign-in information," then "Add a user without a Microsoft account" on the following screen.
- Set the account type under Family & other users > click the new account > Change account type — choose Standard for most people, and Administrator only if they genuinely need to install software and change system settings.
- Each account gets its own separate Documents, Desktop, and Downloads folders by default, invisible to other accounts on the same PC — set up a shared folder specifically if you want something accessible from every account.
- Have the new user sign in once to fully create their profile before assuming the account is ready to use.
Running into an error instead of just needing the how-to? Check our Windows troubleshooting guides or the error lookup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does creating a new account require a Microsoft account?
No — you can create a local account that doesn't need a Microsoft sign-in, though a Microsoft account does unlock extra features like OneDrive sync and cross-device settings.
Will files be shared between different user accounts on the same PC?
No, by default each account has its own separate desktop, documents, and settings. Files can be deliberately shared via a Public folder if you want that, but it's not automatic.
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