How to add another user account on Windows 11

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, click Accounts, then Other users, and click Add account. Enter the person's Microsoft account email. For an account without a Microsoft account, click I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Each person who uses a PC should have their own account. Their files, browser and settings stay separate from yours, and a guest cannot change or delete your things. A new account is a standard account, which cannot install software for everyone or change system settings.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

  1. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetAppsAccountsTime & languagePrivacy & securityWindows UpdateAccountsYour infoSign-in optionsFamilyOther users

    Open Settings and click Accounts

    Press Windows + I and click Accounts in the sidebar. You need to be signed in as an administrator.

  2. Click Other users, then Add account

    The button is next to Add other user.

  3. With a Microsoft account

    Type the email address of the person's Microsoft account and follow the steps. Their settings and OneDrive files then follow them to this PC.

  4. Without a Microsoft account

    Click I don't have this person's sign-in information. On the next page, click Add a user without a Microsoft account. Type a user name and a password, and choose the security questions.

  5. Let the person sign in

    Click Start, click your account picture and choose the new account, or pick it on the sign-in screen. The first sign-in takes a few minutes while Windows prepares the account.

  6. Make the account an administrator, if needed

    In Settings, Accounts, Other users, click the account, click Change account type, choose Administrator and click OK. Only do this for someone you trust with the whole PC.

Good to know

For a child, use Accounts, Family instead. A family account lets you set screen time and content limits through Microsoft Family Safety.

To remove an account, open Settings, Accounts, Other users, click the account and click Remove. This deletes that person's files on the PC, so copy anything important first.

Each account needs its own way to sign in. See how to change your PIN on Windows 11.

In short: Settings, Accounts, Other users, Add account. For a local account: I don't have this person's sign-in information, Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Manage User Accounts in Windows

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