Top 5 Ways to Create a Local User Account in Windows 11

Creating a local user account in Windows 11 is a smart move when you want more control, better privacy, or just a simple setup without syncing everything to a Microsoft account. Whether you’re setting up a PC for a family member, managing devices in a small business, or just prefer offline access, here are five solid ways to do it.

1. Use Settings (Easiest for Most Users)

This is the most user-friendly method, built right into the system interface.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Other users.
2. Click Add account.
3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter a username and password. Done.

✅ Best for: Home users and non-technical setups.

2. Use Local Users and Groups (For Pro Users)

If you’re running Windows 11 Pro, this method gives you more control.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter.
2. In the left pane, select Users.
3. Right-click and choose New User.
4. Fill in the user details and click Create.

✅ Best for: IT pros, admins, and power users.

🛑 Note: This method isn’t available in Windows 11 Home.

3. Use Command Prompt (Fast and Scriptable)

A quick and powerful option if you’re comfortable with the command line.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

net user NewUsername NewPassword /add

Replace NewUsername and NewPassword with what you want.

✅ Best for: Quick setups and automation.

4. Use PowerShell (Advanced Customization)

PowerShell lets you dig deeper if you need fine-grained control.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run this command:

New-LocalUser "NewUsername" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "NewPassword" -AsPlainText -Force) -FullName "Full Name" -Description "Local account"
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Users" -Member "NewUsername"

✅ Best for: Admins scripting complex setups.

5. Use OOBE (Fresh Installs Only)

When setting up a brand new PC, you can skip the Microsoft account.

Steps:

1. During Windows setup, disconnect from the internet.
2. When prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, choose Sign-in options → Offline account or Skip for now.
3. Follow the prompts to create your local user.

✅ Best for: Clean installs or fresh system setups.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft nudges users toward Microsoft accounts, but local accounts still have their place — they’re lean, private, and under your control. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, one of these methods will work for you.

Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!