How to Create a Local User Account in Windows (Settings, netplwiz & Command Line)

You want a local Windows account — one that signs in with a username and password on this PC, without a Microsoft account. Here are the four reliable ways to create one, plus how to make it an administrator.

Which method? Use Settings if you just want it done; use net user or PowerShell if you’re scripting or setting up several PCs; use lusrmgr.msc (Pro/Enterprise only) for the full management console.

Method 1: Settings (easiest)

1. Start → Settings → Accounts → Other users (older builds: Family & other users).
2. Next to Add other user, click Add account.
3. On the Microsoft sign-in box, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Then click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter a username, a password, and security questions → Next.

That creates a standard user. To make it an admin, see Make it an administrator below.

Method 2: Command Prompt (net user)

Open an admin Command Prompt (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) / Command Prompt (Admin)):

net user "Jane" "P@ssw0rd!" /add

• Omit the password and use * to be prompted (hidden): net user "Jane" * /add
• Force a password change at first sign-in: add /logonpasswordchg:yes
• This is the same command on Windows 10 and 11, Home or Pro.

Method 3: PowerShell (New-LocalUser)

In an admin PowerShell:

New-LocalUser -Name "Jane" -FullName "Jane Doe" -Description "Office PC" -Password (Read-Host -AsSecureString)

For a passwordless kiosk-style account (not recommended for normal use), use -NoPassword.

Method 4: lusrmgr.msc (Pro / Enterprise)

Win + R → lusrmgr.msc → Users → right-click → New User. (This console is not present on Windows Home — use Methods 1–3 there.)

Make it an administrator

Standard accounts are safer for day-to-day use — Microsoft recommends keeping admins to a minimum. When you do need admin rights:

• Settings: Accounts → Other users → click the account → Change account type → Administrator.
• Command line: net localgroup administrators "Jane" /add
• PowerShell: Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "Jane"

FAQ

Windows keeps forcing a Microsoft account. Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account (Method 1). On some Home setups the net user … /add command (Method 2) is the most reliable way to get a purely local account.

“The password does not meet the password policy requirements.” A domain or local policy is enforcing complexity/length — use a longer mixed password, or check Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) on Pro.

Can a standard user install software? Only with an admin’s password at the UAC prompt. That’s by design — keep everyday accounts standard.

How do I remove an account later? See Delete a Windows user account — keep their files or wipe them.

Sources: Microsoft — Create a local user or administrator account in Windows, Microsoft Learn — net user command