Adding multiple user accounts to your Windows 11 PC can be beneficial in various situations. Whether you share your computer with family members or colleagues, having separate user accounts ensures that everyone's settings and files remain organized and private. Windows 11 provides several methods to add new users, both with Microsoft accounts and as local users. Here's how you can add another user to your system.

Method 1: Add another user from the Settings app

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu and select the Settings icon from the pinned apps. If it's not visible, type Settings into the search bar and open it from the results.

Step 2: In the Settings window, click on the Accounts tab located on the left sidebar.

Step 3: On the right side, select the Other users option to proceed.

Step 4: Click on the Add account button. A new window will open for adding a user.

You have the option to add a user with a Microsoft account or create a local user. Adding a Microsoft account allows the user to sync settings and access additional features, but it's not mandatory.

To add a user with a Microsoft account:

Step 5: Enter the user's Microsoft email address in the provided field and click Next.

Step 6: If the email is associated with a Microsoft account, click Finish to complete the process. The new user will need an internet connection the first time they sign in.

Note: An active internet connection is required the first time the new user signs in.

To add a local user:

Step 5: Instead of entering an email, click on I don't have this person's sign-in information.

Step 6: On the next screen, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Step 7: Enter a username for the new account. Create a password and confirm it in the respective fields.

Step 8: Choose security questions from the dropdown menus and provide answers. These questions will help you recover the account if you forget the password. Click Next to create the account.

Once completed, the new local user account will appear under the Other users section.

Method 2: Add an additional user using the User Accounts wizard

This method utilizes the classic User Accounts wizard accessible via the Run command.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type netplwiz and press Enter to open the User Accounts window.

Step 2: Ensure you're on the Users tab. Click on the Add button to start adding a new user.

To add a user with a Microsoft account:

Step 3: Enter the user's Microsoft email address and click Next.

Step 4: Click Finish to complete the process. The user will need internet access the first time they log in.

To add a local user:

Step 3: Click on Sign in without a Microsoft account to proceed.

Step 4: Select Local account in the next window.

Step 5: Enter the username, password, and password hint for the new account. Click Next to create the account.

The new user will now appear in the User Accounts list.

Method 3: Add a new local user using Computer Management

You can also add a local user through the Computer Management tool.

Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Computer Management from the menu.

Step 2: In the left pane, expand Local Users and Groups and select Users.

Step 3: Right-click on Users and choose New User.

Step 4: Fill in the username, full name, and password fields. You can set password options such as requiring the user to change the password at next logon or preventing them from changing it. Click Create when done.

The new user account will be added and available at the next login.

Method 4: Add a user using a command-line tool

If you prefer using the command line, you can add a user via the Terminal.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu, search for Terminal, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow.

Step 3: In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

net user <username> <password> /add

Replace <username> with the desired username and <password> with a password for the new account.

You will receive a confirmation message once the user is added.

The new user account will be available during the next login session.

By following these methods, you can easily add new users to your Windows 11 PC, allowing multiple people to use the computer with their own personalized settings and files.