How to Manage User Accounts in Windows 10

Rick Akura

If you’ve already read our Get Started with Windows 10 article, you’ll know that Windows 10 allows users to set up multiple local user accounts.

These accounts can be customized and separated from one another, creating unique personal environments on one computer.

Whether you’re planning to share a device with friends or family, or simply want to create more than one account for yourself, follow our guide.

Manage User Accounts in Windows 10

In summary, to manage a user account in Windows 10, do the following:

1. In the Settings window, click Accounts, and then click Family & other users.
2. Click the account you want to modify, to display your options. Then click Change account type. Click to view a larger image. Any account can be an Administrator account.
3. In the Account type list, click Administrator. Then click OK.

Let's discuss these in detail

It’s important to note that there are two types of user accounts: administrator and standard user. Each computer needs at least one administrator account in order to install new applications, apply updates, and manage system settings.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to change your account to an administrator if needed.

In Windows 10 terminology, a local user refers to an account created without a Microsoft account. This means that you won’t be able to use the same account on a different device and lose some cloud functionality. However, you can still customize and manage your account on your computer locally.

How to manger user accounts in Windows 10.

How to create a new local user in Windows 10

Creating a new user account is easy using Windows 10’s Settings application. You may also create a Microsoft account to be able to transfer accounts and files between computers.

1. Click on the Start menu in your taskbar. This icon has the Windows 10 logo on it. If you’re not familiar with the Windows 10 interface, we recommend reading the Get Started with Windows 10 article on our website.
2. Select the Settings icon, indicated by a gear. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to reach this application quicker.
   
3. Click on the Accounts tile.
   
4. Switch to the Family & other users category using the panel on the left side of the screen. You should see a list of all the current users on your computer.
5. Click on the Add someone else to the PC button.
   
6. To add a new local user, select the I don't have this person's sign-in information option.
   
7. Click on the Add a user without a Microsoft account option.
   
8. Enter the desired username. If needed, you can also include a password and a password hint. This will give extra privacy to the user of the account. In the future, you’re always able to change all of this information.
   
9. Click Next to finalize the new account.

How to customize a local user on Windows 10

Each user account on your computer can change username, picture, and password at any time. The guide below will show you how to customize your local user on a Windows 10 device.

1. Click on the Start menu in your taskbar.
   
2. You’ll see your current user picture on the left side of the panel. Click on it and select Change account settings from the context menu.
   
3. Here, you can modify your profile picture or take a new one using your camera, and manage your local account.
4. If you have a Microsoft account connected, click on the Manage my Microsoft account link to be able to modify settings such as password and security.

You can always come back to this menu and make changes whenever needed.

How to make a local user an administrator in Windows 10

When you create a new account on Windows 10, it’ll automatically be assigned as a standard account without administrative permissions. This means that most accounts on a device won’t be able to install new applications and change system settings without reaching out to an administrator.

If you want to change an existing account into an administrator account with full access, follow the guide below.

1. Click on the Start menu in your taskbar.
2. Select the Settings icon, indicated by a gear. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to reach this application quicker.
   
3. Click on the Accounts tile.
4. Switch to the Family & other users category using the panel on the left side of the screen. You should see a list of all the current users on your computer.
5. Select the account you want to modify by clicking on it once. Click on the now visible Change account type button.
   
6. Click on the drop-down menu and switch from Standard User to Administrator.
   
7. Click the OK button. The account now has full access and administrative permissions on your device.

How to remove a local user in Windows 10

If an account is no longer needed, you can easily remove it using the guide below. Make sure that you save all files stored on the account before permanently deleting it from the device, as this action is not reversible.

When you’re ready to remove a local user, follow this guide.

1. Click on the Start menu in your taskbar.
   
2. Select the Settings icon, indicated by a gear. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to reach this application quicker.
3. Click on the Accounts tile.
4. Switch to the Family & other users category using the panel on the left side of the screen. You should see a list of all the current users on your computer.
   
5. Select the account you want to delete by clicking on it once. Click on the now visible Remove button.
   
6. Make sure to read the warning before clicking the Delete account and data button. Wait for Windows 10 to process your request and remove the local user.

Final thoughts

We hope that this guide was able to show you everything you need to know about managing user accounts in Windows 10. If you ever need further assistance, our customer service is happy to guide you through any issues you might have.

Do you want to learn more about the Windows 10 operating system? We recommend proceeding with our Set Up Security in Windows 10 article or backtracking to our main Windows 10 tutorials page to find your next lesson.

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