A user account lets you sign in to Windows 10. When setting up Windows for the first time, you created a user account. If you share your computer, you can create separate accounts for others.

Connecting users to a Microsoft account gives them access to more Windows features. But you can also create a local account that exists only on your computer.

Watch the video below to learn more about creating and managing user accounts:

Adding a New User (With a Microsoft Account)

1. Open Settings and select Accounts.
   
   
   
   
2. Go to Family & other users.
   
   
   
3. Scroll to Other Users and click Add someone else to this PC.
   
   
   
4. If the user has a Microsoft account, enter their email and click Next.
5. The user can now sign in with their Microsoft account. The first sign-in may take a few minutes.

Adding a New Local User (Without a Microsoft Account)

1. In Account settings, click Add someone else to this PC.
   
   
   
2. Click The person I want to add doesn’t have an email address.
   
   
   
3. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
   
   
   
4. Enter a username and a strong password. Then click Next.
   
   
   
5. The new user can now sign in with this account.

Signing Out and Switching Users

To sign out, click Start, select your account name, then click Sign out. Other users can then sign in.

To switch users without signing out:

1. Click Start and select your account.
2. Choose another user from the drop-down menu.
3. This locks your session while allowing others to use the computer.

Managing User Accounts

The first account created on a computer is an Administrator account. Administrators can make important changes, like adding new users.

New users are Standard users by default. Standard accounts meet the needs of most people. You can change a user’s account type if needed.

1. Go to Family & other users.
   
   
   
2. Select a user and click Change account type.
   
   
   
3. Choose Administrator or Standard user, then click OK.
   
   
   

Setting Parental Controls

Parental controls help you monitor children’s activity and protect them online. You can block apps, websites, and limit screen time. These controls work only with Microsoft accounts.

To set up parental controls:

1. Go to Family & other users.
   
   
   
2. Click Add a family member.
   
   
   
3. Select Add a child and enter their email. Click Next.
4. The child must confirm the invitation from their email.
   
   
   
5. After confirmation, click Manage family settings online.
   
   
   
6. A browser window will open. Select the child’s account and set restrictions.

This helps keep your child’s online experience safe.