How to Add a New User on Windows 10

By Marta Silva2 min read 176 views

How to Add a New User on Windows 10

You can add a new user on Windows 10 through the Settings app, the Control Panel, or the command line. The method you choose depends on whether you want a local account or a Microsoft account, and whether the new user needs administrator privileges.

Table of Contents

How to Add a New User on Windows 10
Method 1: Using Settings (Recommended)
Method 2: Using Control Panel
Method 3: Using Command Prompt (Advanced)
Setting Account Type
Switching to the New Account

Method 1: Using Settings (Recommended)

This is the fastest way to create a new account in Windows 10.

Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Accounts.

Select Family & other users from the left menu.

Click Add someone else to this PC under "Other users."

Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account for a local account.

Enter a username and password (or leave blank for no password), then click Next.

Method 2: Using Control Panel

This method gives you direct access to the classic user management tools.

Open the Control Panel and navigate to User Accounts.

Click Manage another account, then select Add a new user in PC settings.

Follow the prompts to create a local or Microsoft account.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

For IT administrators or advanced users, Command Prompt provides a scripted approach.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type net user [username] [password] /add and press Enter.

To grant admin rights, type net localgroup administrators [username] /add.

Setting Account Type

After creating the account, you may want to change its type. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, click the new account, and choose Change account type. Select Administrator for full access or Standard User for limited privileges.

Account Type	Permissions	Best For
Administrator	Full system access, can install software and change settings	Primary users, IT admins
Standard User	Can use most software, cannot make system-wide changes	Children, guest accounts

Switching to the New Account

Once the account is created, sign out or restart your PC. On the login screen, click the new user's name and enter their password to sign in.