How to Create a Local Account on Windows 11

To create a local account on Windows 11, open Settings > Accounts > Other users, select Add account, then select “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” and “Add a user without a Microsoft account.” Enter a user name, password, and security questions, then select Next. You need to be signed in as an administrator.

A local account exists only on this PC and signs in with a user name instead of an email address. It’s useful for a family member, a guest, or a second account for testing. For a visitor login specifically, see how to create a guest account in Windows 11.

Create a Local Account in Settings

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Accounts, then Other users. On some versions this page is called Family & other users.
3. Select Add account next to Add other user.
4. In the Microsoft account window, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
5. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
6. Type a user name. Add a password if you want one, then type it again.
7. Pick three security questions and answer them. Windows uses these if you forget the password. See how to find your username and reset a forgotten password in Windows 11 for how that reset works.
8. Select Next.

These are the steps in Microsoft’s guide to managing user accounts. The new account appears under Other users. It’s a standard account unless you change it. To give it full control of the PC, see how to give an account administrator rights.

Create a Local Account With a Command

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin). Select Yes if Windows asks.
2. Run this command, replacing NewName with the user name you want:

net user NewName /add

3. To set a password, run the next command, then type the password twice. The password doesn’t show as you type.

net user NewName *

In PowerShell, New-LocalUser does the same job, as described in Microsoft’s New-LocalUser reference.

Create a Local Account With netplwiz

1. Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
2. Select Add.
3. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended), then Local account.
4. Enter a user name, password, and password hint, then select Next and Finish.

Create a Local Account in Computer Management (Pro)

1. Right-click Start and select Computer Management.
2. Open Local Users and Groups > Users.
3. Right-click an empty area and select New User.
4. Fill in the user name and password, choose the password options, and select Create.

Local Users and Groups isn’t available in Windows 11 Home, so use one of the other methods there.

Want to Turn Your Own Account Into a Local Account?

These steps add a second account. To change the account you’re signed in with from a Microsoft account to a local one, see how to switch to a local account in Windows 11.

What about during Windows setup?

Recent versions of Windows 11 setup push you to sign in with a Microsoft account. The simplest route is to finish setup with one, then add a local account or switch to one using the steps in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?

A local account only exists on this PC. A Microsoft account signs you in with an email address and can sync settings, OneDrive files, and Store purchases across devices.

Can a local account be an administrator?

Yes. Select the account in Settings > Accounts > Other users, choose Change account type, and pick Administrator.

Why don’t I see Add account?

Only administrators can add accounts. On a work or school PC, your organization may also block it. If a family group is limiting an account, see how to turn off Microsoft Family Safety on Windows 11.

How do I delete a local account?

Sign in with an administrator account, open Settings > Accounts > Other users, select the account, and choose Remove. The full steps are in how to delete a user profile in Windows 11. Windows warns you that this deletes the account’s files. Our guide to removing accounts from Windows 11 has the details.

Setting up a new PC? Here’s whether you can skip the Microsoft account sign-in on Windows 11.

Using a work or school network instead? Here’s how to join a domain in Windows 11.