Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a New User Account on Windows 11 (Local or Microsoft Account)

Setting up a new user account is a crucial step when you start using Windows 11. The choice between a local (offline) account and a Microsoft account hinges on your preferences and the features you aim to utilize.

Additionally, you have the option to create and add new user accounts, both local and online, for anyone else who may access your system.

Comparison of Online and Local User Accounts on Windows 11

Before we delve into the process of creating a new user account on Windows 11, let’s examine the distinctions between online accounts and local accounts, along with their respective pros and cons.

Advantages of a Microsoft (Online) Account

A Microsoft account provides the optimal Windows experience. By signing in with your Microsoft account to create a new user, transitioning between different PCs becomes seamless, with no need to start from scratch. An online account offers synchronization across the system, preserving your personalized settings, browser history, and more, a convenience not found with a local account.

You can also access and download software from the Microsoft Store, and all your Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others will stay synchronized.

Benefits of a Local (Offline) Account

The offline option, as expected, does not support the synchronization capabilities of a Microsoft account and restricts access to apps that depend on that integration.

This means your customized settings cannot be transferred across different PCs, requiring you to reconfigure them each time you switch systems. Furthermore, downloading apps from the Microsoft Store necessitates signing in with a Microsoft account.

Nonetheless, one advantage is the possibility of opting out of account passwords. Although this is generally not advisable, it allows for direct booting into the operating system.

With this understanding of online versus offline accounts, let’s explore how to create and add a new user in Windows 11.

Creating a New User on Windows 11 (Online)

Here are a couple of methods to create and add a new user in Windows 11 using a Microsoft Account. Note that you are not limited to an Outlook email; any email address can be used.

Method 1: Through Settings

1. Press Win+I to open Settings, then select Accounts from the left menu.
   
2. On the right, click Other users.
   
3. Under ‘Other users’, click on Add account.
   
4. A Microsoft sign-in window will appear. Input your email and tap Next.
   
5. Finally, click Finish.
   

That’s all you need to do; the new user will provide additional information upon their initial login.

Method 2: During Windows 11 Installation

If you’re performing a fresh installation of Windows 11, you can set up your Microsoft account straight from the OOBE (Out of Box Experience). Here’s how:

1. Follow the OOBE prompts until you reach the “Let’s add your Microsoft account”step. Enter your Microsoft account and click Next.
   
2. Next, confirm your identity by entering your password. In this example, we’ve linked Microsoft Authenticator to our account for authentication.
   
3. Click on Create Pin.
   
4. Input your new PIN and hit OK.
   
5. Now, select whether to ‘Restore’ settings and OneDrive files from a previous PC or ‘Set up as a new device’. Choose the preferred option and proceed with the on-screen instructions for creating a new user account on your fresh Windows 11 installation.
   

Creating a New User on Windows 11 (Offline)

Let’s explore various methods to create and add a local user account on Windows 11.

Method 1: Through Settings

1. Press Win+I to open Settings, then select Accounts in the left menu.
   
2. Next, click Other users.
   
3. Click on Add account under “Other users” .
   
4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
   
5. Then click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
   
6. Provide a username and password. You can opt not to set a password if desired. Click Next to proceed.
   
7. Your local account has now been successfully created.
   

Method 2: Using User Accounts (netplwiz)

The Control Panel’s User Accounts window can also be used to add a new offline account. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog, type netplwiz, and hit Enter.
2. Click on Add.
3. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account at the bottom.
   
4. Choose Local account.
   
5. Enter the username and password or leave it blank if you prefer not to have one. Then click Next.
   
6. Your new local account is now ready. Click Finish.
   

Method 3: Using the Command Prompt

If you prefer command line interfaces, follow these steps to add an offline local account using Command Prompt:

1. Open Start, search for cmd, and select Run as administrator.
   
2. Type the command: net user "UserName""Password"/add, replacing “UserName” and “Password” with your desired username and password, then press Enter.
   
3. If you wish to create an account without a password, simply use the following command: net user "UserName"/add, substituting “UserName” with your chosen username, and hit Enter.
   

Your local account is now established.

Method 4: Using the Local Users and Groups Utility

Let’s see how to create a local account using the Local Users and Groups utility:

1. Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog, then type lusrmgr.msc and hit Enter.
2. The Local Users and Groups utility will open. Click on Users in the left sidebar.
   
3. In the right panel, click on More Actions and select New User.
   
4. Fill in the ‘User name’ and ‘Password’ in the new window that appears.
5. If you want to make sure the password doesn’t need to be changed on the next login, uncheck the option saying Users must change password at next logon.
6. Click on Create.
7. You will notice your new account listed among the users on your PC.
   

Method 5: While Installing Windows 11

You can also set up an offline account during the initial installation of Windows 11.

1. During the OOBE setup phase, when prompted with “Let’s add your Microsoft account,” click on Sign-in options.
   
2. Select Offline account.
   
3. Click on Skip for now.
   

Proceed with the following instructions to finalize your local Windows 11 account setup.

Transitioning from an Online to an Offline Windows 11 Account

If you’re currently utilizing an online Windows 11 account, you can convert it to a local account. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win+I and click on Accounts in the left sidebar.
   
2. Select Your info.
   
3. Under the “Account settings” section, click on Sign in with a local account instead.
   
4. Click Next.
   
5. Input your PIN/password.
6. Choose a new password if desired, and click Next.
   
7. Select Sign out and finish.
   

Converting from an online Windows 11 account to a local one preserves all personal settings and data while removing the Microsoft account integration, which means you won’t be able to enjoy the associated benefits.

Switching from an Offline Windows 11 Account to an Online Account

If you’ve established a local Windows 11 account, whether created by you or another user, you can link it to your Microsoft account to access its benefits. Follow these steps to switch from offline to online:

1. Press Win + I to access Settings, then click on Accounts in the left pane.
   
2. Next, click on Your info.
   
3. In the ‘Account settings’ section, click on Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
4. Enter your email and click Next.
5. Verify your identity by typing your current Windows password (or leave it blank if you don’t have one). Click Next.
   
6. Click on Next again.
7. Add a new PIN and select OK.

Congratulations! You have successfully transitioned your offline account to an online one.

Frequently Asked Questions

As more users install Windows 11 for the first time, various inquiries arise regarding user account setup and the addition of new accounts. Below are answers to some common questions.

Is it possible to set up Windows 11 Home without a Microsoft account?

Windows 11 Home does not directly allow local account selection during initial setup. However, you can bypass this by pressing Alt + F4 when asked for internet access and Microsoft account details.

This action leads you directly to the local account configuration screen. Alternatively, you can always add a local account later using the methods discussed earlier in this guide.

Can I convert from a local account to a Microsoft account on Windows 11?

Absolutely! You can switch from a local account to a Microsoft account. Please refer to the section titled “Switch from an offline Windows 11 account to an online account” in this guide for more information.

In conclusion, we have outlined the various methods for creating and adding new user accounts on Windows 11, whether locally or via a Microsoft account. Additionally, switching between account types and granting administrator privileges can also be accomplished with ease.

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