How to Create a Local Account on Windows 11

Windows 11 requires a user account to access and use your PC. While Microsoft encourages using a Microsoft account, you may prefer to create a local account in certain situations. Local accounts can be useful for shared computers, school labs, or businesses that don't need Microsoft account integration. This guide covers multiple methods to create a local account on Windows 11.

Create a local account from Settings

One of the easiest ways to add a local account is through the Windows Settings:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I
2. Click on "Accounts" in the left sidebar
3. Select "Family & other users" on the right

4. Under "Other users", click "Add account"

5. On the "Microsoft account" window, select "I don't have this person's sign-in information"

6. On the next screen, choose "Add a user without a Microsoft account"

7. Enter a username and password for the local account

8. Set up security questions and click "Next"

The new local account will now appear under "Other users".

Create a local account using Command Prompt

For a quicker method, you can use Command Prompt:

1. Search for "CMD" in the Start menu
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator"
3. In the Command Prompt window, enter:

net user username password /add

Replace "username" and "password" with your desired credentials.

4. Press Enter to create the account

You'll see "The command completed successfully" if it worked. You can verify the new account in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.

Create a local account with Computer Management

Another option is to use the Computer Management tool:

1. Search for "Computer Management" in the Start menu and open it
2. Expand "Local Users and Groups" in the left sidebar
3. Right-click on "Users" and select "New User"

4. Enter the username and password for the new account
5. Uncheck all boxes under "Confirm password"
6. Click "Create" to add the account

The new local account will appear in the Users list.

Create a local account with netplwiz

You can also use the netplwiz command:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type "netplwiz" and press Enter

3. In the User Accounts window, click "Add"

4. Select "Sign in without a Microsoft account"

5. Choose "Local account"

6. Enter the username and password for the new account
7. Click "Next" and then "Finish" to complete the process

The new local account will be listed in the User Accounts window.

Convert a Microsoft account to a local account

If you're currently using a Microsoft account, you can convert it to a local account:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info
2. Click "Sign in with a local account instead"

3. Confirm your identity by entering your PIN
4. Set up a new username and password for the local account
5. Click "Sign out and finish" to complete the conversion

Remove a local account

To remove a local account:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
2. Select the account you want to remove
3. Click "Remove"
4. Confirm by clicking "Delete account and data"

Note that you need administrator privileges to remove an account.

Grant administrator access to a local account

To give a local account administrator privileges:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
2. Select the account and click "Change account type"
3. Choose "Administrator" from the dropdown menu
4. Click "OK" to apply the change

Remember to limit the number of administrator accounts for better security.