How to manage user account settings on Windows 11 and Windows 10

On Windows 11, the "Accounts" page in the Settings app allows you to review and customize many aspects of your account. You can determine the account type, switch from a Microsoft to a local account, change how you sign in, and enable many features to make the experience more secure and easier to use.

In addition, when you need to share a device with other people, you can create an account for each person so that each has a personal space they can customize, apps with their own profile, and a different area to store files.

Furthermore, if you must let a young person use a computer, you can also create a special child account type that provides parental control to monitor and protect them from content that may not be appropriate for their age.

This guide will teach you the steps to manage user accounts on your computer running the latest version of Windows 11.

How to view account details on Windows 11

On Windows 11, the "Your info" settings page includes details about your account, such as the type of account and the Microsoft account associated with the current profile. It also houses the settings to switch from a Microsoft to a local account or vice versa and the option to change the picture profile.

View account details

To view the account information on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Your info page on the right side.

4. Confirm your account details, including account type (Administrator or Standard) and whether you have a local or Microsoft account.

• Quick note: If the page reads "Local account" under your name, there's a link to a Microsoft account. You have a Microsoft account configuration if your email address appears on this page.

5. (Optional) Under the "Related settings" section, click the "Accounts" option to access the account online to change billing details, family and security settings, and other settings.

Once you complete the steps, the "Your info" page will give various pieces of information about the account.

In the "Accounts" section, you're also going to find the "Your Microsoft account" page, but it only includes details about your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Change to local account

If you have a Microsoft account and you prefer a local account, you can use these steps to switch:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Your info page on the right side.

1. Under the "Account settings" section, click the "Sign in with a local account instead" option.

5. Continue with the on-screen directions.
6. If you have a Microsoft account, click the "Sign in with a local account instead" option to switch to a local account.
7. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, the account will no longer be associated with a Microsoft account. 

You can also use the instructions outlined above to switch to a Microsoft account if you have a local account.

Change account picture

To change the account picture on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Your info page on the right side.

4. Click the Browse files button in the "Choose a file" setting.

• Quick tip: You can also use the Camera option to take a picture and set it as the new profile photo.

5. Select a new image for the account.
6. Click the Choose Picture button.

Once you complete the steps, the picture will apply to the account.

How to link additional emails to an account on Windows 11

You can also add other email accounts in advance, so you don't have to enter the information on other apps (such as Mail & Calendar) and services.

Add accounts for apps

To add additional email accounts on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Email & accounts page on the right side.

4. Under the "Accounts used by email, calendar, and contacts" section, click the Add an account button.

• Quick note: If you want to add another Microsoft account, the system will list it under the "Accounts used by other apps" section.

5. Select the service provider (such as Outlook, Google, or iCloud).
6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, the accounts will be available to set up other apps and services.

Add accounts for work

To add work accounts for apps on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Email & accounts page on the right side.

4. Under the "Accounts used by other apps" section, click the "Add a Microsoft account" or "Add a work or school" account.

5. Select the correct service.
6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

Once you complete the steps, the account will be added, giving you quick access to work applications, such as OneDrive for Business.

How to change sign-in options on Windows 11

Windows 11 also includes the "Sign-in options" page that includes the different ways you can customize the preferences to sign into your account. For example, on this page, you can configure Windows Hello, change your local account password, and enable other features like Dynamic lock.

Change account password

If you use Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, you can only change the password online by changing your Hotmail, Live, or Outlook password. You can change the password through the Sign-in options page if you have a local account.

To change the account password on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Sign-in options page on the right side.

4. Under the "Ways to sign in" section, click the Password setting.
5. Click the Change button.

6. Confirm the current password.
7. Confirm the new password.

• Quick note: You can't re-use a previous password. You must enter a new password.

8. Click the Next button.
9. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, you can sign out and sign back in to start using the new password.

Configure or change Windows Hello authentication

On Windows 11, you have multiple ways to configure Windows Hello. You can set up facial or fingerprint recognition if you have the hardware that supports the feature. You can use a physical security key (usually used in organizations). And the most common form of authentication is the PIN option since it doesn't require special hardware and is more secure than a traditional password.

Usually, Windows 11 will prompt you to create a PIN during the initial setup, but if you are still using a password, you can use these steps to set up a Windows Hello PIN:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Sign-in options page on the right side.

4. Under the "Ways to sign in" section, click the PIN (Windows Hello) setting.
5. Click the Set up button.

6. Confirm your current password (if applicable).
7. Click the OK button.
8. Create a new numeric PIN that you will remember.

9. Click the OK button.
10. (Optional) Under the "Additional settings" section, turn on the "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device" toggle switch.

• Quick note: This feature will turn on Windows Hello for all authentications across Windows 11, so you are never asked for your account password.

Once you complete the steps, you can start using the PIN to sign in instead of a password.

Change current PIN

If you already have a PIN, you will only find the option to change or remove it.

To change the current account PIN, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Sign-in options page on the right side.

4. Under the "Ways to sign in" section, click the PIN (Windows Hello) setting.
5. Click the Change PIN button.

6. Confirm the current PIN.
7. Create a new PIN.
8. Confirm the new PIN.

1. Click the OK button.
2. (Optional) Under the "Additional settings" section, turn on the "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device" toggle switch.

• Quick note: This feature will turn on Windows Hello for all authentications across Windows 11, so you are never asked for your account password. However, if enabled, you won't be able to remove the PIN.

After you complete the steps, the Windows Hello information will change to the new PIN.

Enable sign-in upon waking up

As part of the account settings, you can decide whether the system should prompt you for a password upon waking the device or after some time you have been away from your desk.

To require a sign-in after waking up or specific time period, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Sign-in options page on the right side.

4. Under the "Additional settings" section, use the "If you've been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again?" setting to automatically select how long the system should wait before locking the account.

This setting replaces the "Require sign-in" option that lets you decide whether Windows 11 should ask you to sign in when the device wakes up from sleep mode. If you want to disable the option, select the Never option.

Enable Dynamic lock

"Dynamic lock" is a feature that locks your device when you step away from the room automatically. The feature uses proximity technology, meaning you'll need to connect a Bluetooth device like a phone or wearable before you can configure it. Once enabled, if you step away from the computer after 30 seconds, Windows 11 will lock the profile automatically.

To enable Dynamic lock, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click on Add device button.

4. Click on Bluetooth.

5. Turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to pair.
6. Select the device from the list.

7. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the pairing.
8. Click on Accounts.
9. Click the Sign-in options page on the right side.

10. Under the "Additional settings" section, click the Dynamic lock setting.
11. Check the "Allow Windows to automatically lock the device when you're away" option.

Once you complete the steps, you can step away from the desk with the Bluetooth device, and then after 30 seconds, when you return, the computer should be locked.

Stop restarting apps on startup

Some apps are able to restart automatically at startup if you don't close them before turning off the computer. If you don't like this behavior, you can disable the feature. 

To prevent apps from restarting at startup, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Sign-in options page on the right side.

4. Under the "Additional settings" section, turn off the "Automatically save my restartable apps and restart when I sign back in" toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, apps will no longer restart automatically on startup.

How to control account sync settings on Windows 11

On Windows 11, Microsoft is referring to the sync settings as the new "Windows Backup" feature. On this page, you can choose what folders are backed up in the cloud using OneDrive. You can decide whether the system should remember your apps so you can restore them on another installation. And you can control the settings you want to sync across devices associated with the same Microsoft account.

To control the sync settings on Windows 11, use the steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Windows backup page on the right side.

4. Click the Set up syncing button for the "OneDrive folder syncing" setting.

5. Select the folders (Desktop, Documents, or Pictures) to upload and back up on the cloud. (You must have enough space to enable this feature.)

6. Click the Start backup button.
7. (Optional) Turn on the "Remember my apps" toggle switch if you want the system to remember the Microsoft Store app on your computer so that you can restore them later on another computer.
8. Turn on the "Remember my preferences" toggle switch to allow your settings to sync across devices.
9. Click the "Remember my preferences" setting.
10. Check the settings you want to sync across devices, including passwords, language preferences, and other Windows settings.

Once you complete the steps, the settings and files will sync to the cloud and across devices, depending on your configuration.

How to connect account to an organization on Windows 11

The "Access work or school" page has the settings to connect to an organization to access shared resources, such as network resources, apps, and emails. If you are part of an organization, your network administrator will provide the information.

To connect a device to the network, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Access work or school page on the right side.

4. Click the Connect button.
5. Confirm your work or school account.

• Quick note: You can also select the option to join an Azure Active Direction or local Active Directory domain from this page.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, you will have access to the organization's resources as configured by the network administrator.

How to add multiple accounts on Windows 11

Although most computers are set up for single users, Windows 11 allows you to share the device with multiple people through the "Family & other people" page, which includes the settings to add, remove, and manage multiple user accounts.

Add family members 

On the page, under the "Your family" section, you can manage family members to allow each person to have their desktop, settings, apps, and a place to store files separately from everyone else.

You can have two family account types, including "Child" and "Adult," and each account type provides different features.

Create a child account

A Child account offers a controlled environment with features to keep young members safe while using apps, playing games, and browsing the internet. If you choose to create a child account, the person can use the device, personalize the desktop, work with apps, create files, and safely browse the web with Microsoft Edge. 

Also, when using this account type, the organizer can control their activities, enforce limits on apps and games, control screen time, and more using the Microsoft family dashboard online.

To create a child account on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Click the Add account in the "Add a family member" setting.

5. Confirm the email address of the young person you want to add.

• Quick note: If the young person doesn't have an account, choose the "Create one for a child" option and continue with the on-screen directions.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Select the Member option.
8. Click the Invite button.

9. Open the invitation email in the child's account online.
10. Click the Accept Invitation button.

11. Click the Join now button.

12. Sign out of the main account.
13. Select the child account from the Lock screen.
14. Sign in with the child's Microsoft account credentials.
15. Click the Skip for now option (if applicable).
16. Click the Next button.
17. Create a PIN for the account.

18. Click the OK button.
19. Continue with the on-screen directions to finish the setup.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will create the account, and the user will be able to sign in immediately.

Create an adult account

When using the family settings, an adult account is the same as a traditional local account, but members can also control child accounts.

To add a new member to the family group on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Click the Add account in the "Add a family member" setting.

5. Confirm the family member's email address.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Select the Organizer option.
8. Click the Invite button.

After you complete the steps, the account will be created, but the new member will need to accept the email invitation before they can use the device and manage parental control settings for child accounts.

Add non-family member 

On Windows 11, you can also create accounts for other people not necessarily part of your family. Using these settings, you can create a Microsoft or traditional local account. 

Create a Microsoft account

Using a Microsoft account is recommended because it's easier to configure, the user can choose to sync their settings across devices, and password recovery is straightforward.

To create a profile with a Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Under the "Other users" section, click the Add account button for the "Add other user" setting.

6. Confirm the email address or phone number of the new user.

• Quick note: If the user doesn't have a Microsoft account, choose the "I don't have this person's sign-in information" option to create an account and continue with the on-screen directions.

7. Click the Next button.
8. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the person should be able to sign in and start using the device.

Create a local account

On Windows 11, you can still create a local account without needing a Microsoft account, also called an offline account.

To create a local account on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Under the "Other users" section, click the Add account button for the "Add other user" setting.

5. Click the "I don't have this person's sign-in information" option.
6. Click the "Add a user without a Microsoft account" option.

7. Confirm the username.
8. Create a password for the account.
9. Complete the security questions to enable the reset option if you forget the password.
10. Click the Next button.

After you complete the steps, the user can log in and start using the standard local account on your Windows 11 computer.

Furthermore, the "Family & other users" page also includes an option to set up a kiosk account. This feature is usually reserved for network administrators to turn a computer into a digital sign or interactive display or turn it into a device that only runs a specific application.

Change account type

As standard user account is the recommended type for most users, but if you want to change the type to administrator.

To change a user account type on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Under the "Other users" section, select the account to update.
5. Click the Change account type button.

6. Select the Administrator account type.
7. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the new account type will dictate the user's access privileges.

How to delete account on Windows 11

On Windows 11, when you no longer need an account, you can delete the profile and data, but the steps can differ depending on the account type.

Remove family account

To delete a family member account on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Under the "Your family" section, click the "Manage family settings online" option.
5. Sign in with your credentials (if applicable).

6. Under the "Your family" section, click the (three-dotted) menu button in the right corner of the user account and select the "Remove from family group" option.
7. Click the Remove button.

• Quick note: If you are trying to remove a child account, you may first need to choose the "Manage consent" option and remove the consent before you can remove the account from the family group.

Once you complete the steps, the account and files will be deleted from the computer.

Remove non-family account

To delete a local account on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

4. Under the "Other users" section, select the user account and click the Remove button.

5. Click the "Delete account and data" button.

After you complete the steps, the profile and files will be deleted from the device.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

On Windows 10, you usually create an account during the initial setup experience. But there are many other settings you can configure to enhance the account and make it even more personal and secure.

In addition, you can also create additional accounts with different permission levels to share the computer with family and close friends. This means everyone would have a personal space with a personalized experience and a separate area to store files.

If you want to share a device with a young person, Windows 10 also includes the ability to create a child account with features specifically designed to protect them from content (such as apps, games, and websites) that may not be appropriate for their age.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain how to create and manage user accounts on your computer.

How to view account details on Windows 10

In the Settings app, the "Your Info" page includes your account information and the option to connect your local account to a Microsoft account. On this page, you can also change the profile picture.

View account information

To view your Windows 10 account details, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Your info.
4. Confirm your account details, including account type (Administrator or Standard) and whether you're using a local account or Microsoft account.

• Quick note: If the page reads "Local account" under your username, the account isn't connected to a Microsoft account. If your email address appears on this page, you're using a Microsoft account.

5. (Optional) Click the "Manage my Microsoft account" option to adjust billing details, family and security settings, and other settings online.

Once you complete the steps, you'll better understand the account information on Windows 10.

Switch to local or Microsoft account

To switch from a local account to a Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Your info.
4. If you have a local account, click the "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead" option to link it to a Microsoft account.

5. Continue with the on-screen directions.

• Quick tip: If this is a new account, you may need to click the "Verify" button to verify the account. Only after entering the verification code will you be able to have full access to the account.

5. If you have a Microsoft account, click the "Sign in with a local account instead" option to switch to a local account.
6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, the account will switch to a Microsoft or local account, depending on your configuration.

Change account picture

To change your Windows 10 account picture, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Your info.
4. Click the Browse for one button under the "Create your picture" section.

• Quick tip: You can also use the "Camera" option to take a picture with the webcam and set it as your profile picture.

5. Select a new image for the account.
6. Click the Choose Picture button.

Once you complete the steps, the account pictures will appear across Windows 10 experience, including the Sign-in screen.

How to add more email and app accounts on Windows 10

Windows 10 also allows you to add multiple accounts, so you don't have to re-enter the same information to access an app or service.

Add accounts for apps

To set up additional email and app accounts on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Email & accounts.
4. Click the Add an account button under the "Accounts used by email, calendar, and contacts" section.

• Quick note: If you want to add another Microsoft account, the system will also list it under the "Accounts used by other apps" section.

5. Select the service provider — for example, Outlook, Google, or iCloud.
6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, the account information will be available to connect with Microsoft Store apps.

Add accounts for work

To add work accounts for apps, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Email & accounts.
4. Under the "Accounts used by other apps" section, click the "Add a Microsoft account" or "Add a work or school" account.

5. Select the correct service.
6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

Once you complete the steps, you will be able to quickly set up apps for work, such as OneDrive for business.

How to manage account sign-in options on Windows 10

On the Sign-in options page, you can also manage different authentication methods. For instance, you can change your account password, configure Windows Hello Face, PIN, Security Key, or Picture password, and you can even set up Dynamic Lock to lock the computer as you step away from the room.

Change account password

The option to change the password is only available for local accounts. If you have a Microsoft account, the option to change your password or picture password won't be available. In this case, you will need to change your account password online.

To change the account password on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sign-in options.
4. Select the Password option under the "Manage how you sign in to your device" section.
5. Click the Change button.

6. Confirm the current password.
7. Confirm the new password.

• Quick note: You can't re-use a previous password. You must enter a new password.

8. Click the Next button.
9. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, the new password will apply to the account and across devices and other Microsoft services.

Create Windows Hello PIN

On Windows 10, during the setup, the system should prompt you to create a PIN if you don't have any other biometric hardware available on the computer, but you can also create a PIN manually.

To create a PIN on your Windows 10 account, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sign-in options.
4. Select the "Windows Hello PIN" option under the "Manage how you sign in to your device" section.
5. Click the Add button.

6. Confirm your current password (if applicable).
7. Click the Next button.
8. Create a new PIN for your Windows 10 account.

• Quick tip: You can also check the available option to allow letters and symbols as part of your PIN to create something similar to a password but locally available.

9. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you can start using the PIN instead of a password to sign into your account.

Generally speaking, a PIN is more secure than a password because it's only tied to one device, and it's never transmitted over the network, and it only works locally. You can't use it to access your device remotely, and you need to set it per device.

It's worth noting that in a Microsoft account, you will only find an option to change your PIN since the system now forces you to create a PIN during the account setup.

Create picture password

If you are using a local account on a touch-enabled device, Windows 10 includes a feature that lets you use a picture as a password.

To configure a picture password on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sign-in options.
4. Select the Picture Password option under the "Manage how you sign in to your device" section.
5. Click the Add button.

6. Confirm the current password.
7. Click the "Choose picture" button from the left pane.

8. Select a new image to set as a password.
9. Click the Open button.
10. Click the "Use this picture" button.

11. Confirm three gestures on the image, including circles, straight lines, taps, or a combination of the three, which you'll use as a password.

12. Repeat the gestures to confirm.
13. Click the Finish button.

After you complete the steps, sign out of the account, and when you try to sign back in, you will use the gesture patterns you configured to sign in.

On compatible devices, you can also configure Windows Hello Face to sign into your device using facial recognition.

If your device doesn't include biometric authentication hardware, you can always get a fingerprint scanner add-on or a camera with Windows Hello support.

Require password on wake

You can also decide whether the system should prompt you to enter a password when the computer wakes up from sleep.

To enable or disable sign-in on wake on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sign-in options.
4. Under "Require sign-in," use the drop-down menu and select:

• Never — a password won't be required after the computer resumes from sleep.
• When PC wakes up from sleep — you will need to enter a password when your computer resumes from sleep.

Once you complete the steps, sign-in will be required when the device wakes up from sleep, depending on your configuration.

Enable Dynamic lock

Dynamic Lock is a security feature that locks your computer when you step away from the room. The feature uses proximity technology, which means that you'll need to connect a Bluetooth device like a phone or wearable before you can configure it. After it's enabled, if you step away with the Bluetooth device, after 30 seconds, Windows 10 will lock automatically.

To enable Dynamic Lock on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.

4. Click the Bluetooth option.

5. Turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to pair.
6. Select the device from the list.

7. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the pairing.
8. Click the Home button.
9. Click on Accounts.
10. Click on Sign-in options.
11. Check the "Allow Windows to automatically lock the device when you're away" toggle switch under the "Dynamic lock" section.

Once you complete the steps, you can test the feature by stepping away from the room with your Bluetooth device, and then after 30 seconds, Windows 10 should lock the laptop automatically.

How to connect to an organization on Windows 10

On the "Access work or school" page, you will find the settings to connect to an organization to access shared resources, such as network resources, apps, and emails.

Typically, if you work in an organization, the network administrator will provide the information to add the device to the network.

To connect a device to the network, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Access work or school.
4. Click the Connect button.

5. Confirm your work or school account.

• Quick note: You can also select the option to join an Azure Active Directory or local Active Directory domain from this page.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, you will have access to the organization's resources as configured by the network administrator. Usually, these are not settings you'll be customizing on a computer you use at home.

How to create multiple accounts on Windows 10

If you have to share a computer with multiple people, the "Family & other people" page includes the settings to add, remove, and manage multiple user accounts.

Add family accounts

Under the "Your family" section, you can add family members to the device, allowing each person to have their own experience, settings, apps, and a place to store files separately from everyone else.

You can add two types of family accounts, including a "Child" and "Adult," and each account type provides different features.

Creating child account

On Windows 10, a Child account provides a controlled environment with features to keep young members safe while using apps, playing games, and browsing the internet. When using this account type, the person will be able to use the computer, personalize the desktop, launch applications, create and store files, and safely browse the internet using Microsoft Edge. Also, you'll be able to control their activities, enforce limits on apps and games, control screen time, and more using the Microsoft family dashboard online.

To create a child account on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Click the "Add a family member" button under the "Your family" section.

• Quick note: If the young person already has an account, you can enter it in the email field to continue with the setup.

5. Click the "Create one for a child" option.

6. Confirm the email address of the young person you want to add.

7. Click the Next button.
8. Create a new password for the child's account.
9. Click the Next button.
10. Confirm the name of the person.
11. Click the Next button.
12. Confirm the person's birthday.
13. Click the Next button.
14. Resolve the I'm a robot puzzle.
15. Continue with the on-screen directions (as applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the account with limited access will be configured on Windows 10, and the user will be able to sign in immediately.

If you have to configure a kid-friendly account in Windows 10, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Create adult account

An adult account is very similar to a traditional profile. However, adding someone as part of your family allows them to manage child accounts.

To create an adult account on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Click the Add a family member option under the "Your family" section.

5. Confirm the family member's email address you want to add.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Select the Organizer option.

8. Click the Invite button.

After you complete the steps, the new family member will receive an email invitation that they must accept to use the computer and manage parental control settings using the online dashboard.

Similar to a traditional account, this account is a Standard type, which allows the user to complete most tasks. However, they can't change security settings, install apps, or modify anything that could affect other users.

If you want to change the account type, you can learn more about this process in this guide.

Creating non-family member account

On the same "Family & other users" page, under the "Other users" section, you will find the settings to create new accounts for people who are not part of your family. Typically, these are the settings you would use to add anyone to your computer.

Set up Microsoft account

When you need to create a Windows 10 account, using a Microsoft account is the recommended method because it's easier to set up, settings will sync across devices, and users can recover their passwords quickly.

To add a new Windows 10 member using a Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Click the "Add someone else to this PC" option under the "Other users" section.

5. Confirm the email address or phone number of the person you want to add.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the user can start using the device immediately as a standard user. If you want to change the account type to administrator, you need to select the account, click the "Change account type" button, select the "Administrator" option, and click the "OK" button (usually not recommended).

Set up local account

If you prefer to use a more traditional account approach, you can still create a local account without the benefits of cloud integration that are available with a Microsoft account.

To create a local user account on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Click the "Add someone else to this PC" option under the "Other users" section.

5. Click the "I don't have this person's sign-in information" option.

6. Click the "Add a user without a Microsoft account" option.

7. Confirm the username.
8. Create a strong password.

9. Complete the security questions to have the ability to reset the password from the Sign-in screen.
10. Click the Next button.

After you complete the steps, the local account will be created as a Standard account type without the benefits of a cloud-connected account.

In addition, from this page, you can also set up a kiosk account, which allows network administrators to configure a computer as a kiosk device to serve a specific purpose in the organization.

How to remove an account and data on Windows 10

When you need to delete an account, the steps will be slightly different depending on the type of account.

Remove family account

To delete a family member account, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Click the "Manage family settings online" option under the "Your family" section.

5. Sign in with your Microsoft account (if applicable).
6. Click the menu (three-dotted) menu button in the right corner of the user account and select the "Remove from family group" option under the "Your family" section.

7. Click the Remove button.

Once you complete the steps, the user account and data will be erased from the device.

Remove non-family account

To remove a local account or Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Family & other users.
4. Select the account that you want to remove under the "Other people" section.
5. Click the Remove button.

6. Click the "Delete account and data" button.

After you complete the steps, the account and data will no longer be available on the computer.

How to manage account sync settings on Windows 10

If you use a Microsoft account, you can use the "Windows backup" page to enable, disable, or specify which settings should sync to the cloud and across your laptops, desktops, and tablets.

To change sync settings on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sync your settings.
4. Turn on the Windows backup toggle switch.

5. (Optional) Turn on or off the settings you want to sync.

Once you complete the steps, only the settings you specified will roam across all your devices.

If you can't manage these settings, you likely haven't verified your account from the "Your info" page or have one or more work or school accounts connected in the "Access work or school" settings page.

More resources

For more in-depth insights, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates on Windows 11 and 10, be sure to explore these resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know