Ready to personalize your Windows 11 experience? Adding a new user profile is a fantastic way to share your computer without sharing everything. Whether you have family members, roommates, or just want a separate space for different projects, creating distinct profiles keeps everyone's files, settings, and preferences neatly organized. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Open the Settings App - Your Gateway to System Adjustments
First things first, we need to access the Settings app. This is your central hub for customizing almost everything on your Windows 11 machine. There are a couple of easy ways to get there:
- Using the Start Menu: Click on the Start button (the Windows logo, usually located in the bottom-left corner of your screen). In the Start Menu that pops up, you'll see a gear-shaped icon – that's the Settings app! Click on it.
- Using the Windows Key + I Shortcut: Here's a quick keyboard shortcut for you: press the Windows key (the same one you use to open the Start Menu) and the letter "I" simultaneously. This will directly open the Settings app – super efficient!
Once you have the Settings app open, you'll see a left-hand sidebar with various categories. Our next destination is the "Accounts" section.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Accounts" Section - Managing User Identities
In the Settings window, look for the option labeled "Accounts" in the left-hand sidebar. Click on it. This section is where you manage everything related to user profiles, sign-in options, email accounts, and more.
Under the "Accounts" section, you'll see several sub-categories listed on the right-hand side. We're interested in the one that deals with other users.
Sub-heading: Finding the "Family & other users" Option
Scroll down a bit on the right-hand side until you find the option labeled ***"Family & other users"***. Click on this. This is where you can manage existing user accounts and, importantly, add new ones.
Step 3: Adding the New Account - Creating a Fresh Profile
Now we're getting to the core of it! On the "Family & other users" page, you'll see two main sections: "Family" and "Other users". Since we're adding a general new user profile (not necessarily a child account managed through Microsoft Family Safety), we'll focus on the "Other users" section.
Sub-heading: Clicking the "Add account" Button
Under the "Other users" section, you'll see a button that says ***"Add account"***. Go ahead and click on this button. A new window will pop up, asking "How will this person sign in?".
Step 4: Choosing How the New User Will Sign In - Microsoft Account vs. Local Account
This is a crucial step where you decide how the new user will access their profile. You have two main options:
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Microsoft Account: If the new user has a Microsoft account (like an Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, or even a phone number associated with Microsoft services), you can enter their email address, phone number, or Skype name here. Using a Microsoft account offers benefits like syncing settings across devices, access to Microsoft Store apps, and OneDrive integration.
- Sub-step 4.1: Signing in with an Existing Microsoft Account: If you choose this option, simply enter the Microsoft account details and follow the on-screen prompts. You might be asked for the password.
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Local Account: If the new user doesn't have or doesn't want to use a Microsoft account, you can create a local account. This account is tied specifically to this computer and doesn't require an internet connection for login (after the initial setup).
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Sub-step 4.2: Creating a Local Account: To create a local account, click on the link that says ***"I don't have this person's sign-in information"***. On the next screen, you might be prompted to create a Microsoft account anyway. Look for and click on the option that says ***"Add a user without a Microsoft account"***.
- Sub-sub-step 4.2.1: Entering User Details: You'll now be asked to enter a username for the local account. Choose something memorable but also secure if needed. You'll also be prompted to create security questions and answers. These are important for recovering the account password if it's forgotten, so choose questions and answers you'll remember.
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Step 5: Finalizing the Account Creation - The New Profile is Ready!
Once you've followed the prompts for either a Microsoft account or a local account, Windows 11 will create the new user profile. You should now see the newly added account listed under the "Other users" section in the Settings app.
Step 6: Signing In to the New Profile - The First Experience
The next time you start your computer or lock your screen, you'll see the new user profile listed as an option to sign in. Click on the new profile, enter the password (if you set one), and Windows will prepare the new user's desktop and settings for the first time. This might take a few moments.
Congratulations! You've successfully added a new user profile to your Windows 11 computer. The new user can now customize their own desktop, install their own applications, and store their files separately from other users on the system.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to...)
How to switch between user profiles in Windows 11?
You can switch between user profiles without fully signing out of your current session. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select ***"Switch user"***. This will take you to the lock screen where you can choose another profile to sign in to. Your current apps and work will remain running in the background.
How to change the account type (Standard User to Administrator) in Windows 11?
You need to be signed in as an administrator to do this. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Click on the user account you want to change, then click ***"Account type"***. In the dropdown menu, select "Administrator" and click "OK". Be cautious when granting administrator privileges.
How to remove a user profile in Windows 11?
Sign in as an administrator. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Under "Other users", click on the account you want to remove and then click the "Remove" button. You'll be asked to confirm, and you'll have the option to keep or delete the user's files. Be careful, as deleting files is permanent.
How to change the profile picture in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Accounts > Your info. Under your profile picture, click "Browse files" to choose a new image from your computer, or use your camera if available.
How to set a password for a new local account in Windows 11?
During the creation of a local account, you'll be prompted to set a password and security questions. If you skipped this step, you can set a password later by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and clicking on ***"Password"***.
How to add a child account with family safety features in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Under the "Family" section, click ***"Add someone"***. Follow the prompts to add a child's Microsoft account. This allows you to manage their screen time, app usage, and more through Microsoft Family Safety.
How to manage app access for different user profiles in Windows 11?
Generally, apps installed by an administrator are available to all users on the computer. However, each user has their own separate user profile and data associated with those apps. For more granular control over app access, you might need to explore third-party software or configure specific permissions, which is more advanced.
How to keep files separate between different user profiles in Windows 11?
Each user profile has its own set of personal folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.) located in the C:\Users\<username> directory. Files saved within these folders are generally only accessible to that specific user account.
How to quickly lock your computer to switch users in Windows 11?
Press the Windows key + L simultaneously. This will lock your current session and take you to the lock screen where other users can sign in.
How to customize the Start Menu for a specific user profile in Windows 11?
Each user profile has its own independent Start Menu. When you sign in to a specific profile, any changes you make to the Start Menu (pinning apps, rearranging tiles, etc.) will only affect that user's Start Menu.