How to add new users in Windows 10

If you share your PC or laptop with with family members or house mates, then separate user profiles are the way to go. These allow you to cordon off software, files, and browsing histories, as well as stopping others from cluttering your desktop with random things downloaded from the internet. Plus, with Child accounts, you can limits permissions so kids can’t install apps and do other things.

It’s simple to set up extra user accounts in Windows 10 but in case you have other computers running older versions then you’ll want to read our How to create user account in Windows 8 and Windows 7.

How do I create a user account in Windows 10?

Ideally the new user should already have a Microsoft account, as this works best with the various Windows-based services baked into the operating system. It isn’t essential, though.

To begin, log into your own account then go to Start > Settings > Accounts.

In the left hand column you’ll see various options, one of which is Family & other people. Select this and the main pane will show you the two different types of account that can be created: Family & other people.

Family

As the name suggests, Family accounts are for a household and have special features that allow parents to set up child profiles that limit access time and restrict the kind of content younger ones can see online.

You can also add money to the account, which can then be spent on the Xbox Store or elsewhere.

Setting one up is a straightforward affair. Just click the Add a family member button.

Next you can select between an adult or child’s account. If your progeny doesn’t have a Microsoft account then you’ll need to create one by click ‘The person who I want to add doesn’t have an email address’ option that appears under the text box, then clicking Next.

Microsoft tries its hand on the following screen where it asks for permission to send targeted ads. Say no to this, then all that’s left to do is set the security settings for the child.

These can be viewed and changed at any time by visiting account.microsoft.com/family.

Of course, you don’t have to create a child account, as there’s the Add an adult button. Clicking this and entering a Microsoft email address will bring into existence another fully-fledged user who can manage requests from junior accounts and change the settings attached to them.

To finish the process click Confirm and Windows will send an invite to the new user offering them the chance to join your family.

Other people

If you’re sharing the PC with a flatmate or work colleague, then you’ll want to use the Other people option.

Click the Add someone else to this PC button, enter their Microsoft email address, click Next and the account will be created.

Should you want them to be administrators rather than standard users you’ll need to go to the start menu and search for Control Panel. Select this then go to User Accounts > User Accounts > Manage another account then click on the new one you’ve created. 

On the next page select Change the account type then click on the Administrator option and finish the process by clicking on the Change Account Type button.

Deleting an account

To remove any user ID at a later date, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other people, then click on the account in question and select the Remove option.

Here’s another useful tip for Windows 10:  How to change the default programs which open.