How to Create a Local Account on Windows 10 (4 Methods)

A local account is a Windows 10 user account that lives only on your PC. Unlike a Microsoft account, it does not need an email address or internet connection to sign in, and it does not sync your settings to the cloud. Local accounts are useful for shared family computers, guest users, kids, offline PCs, or anyone who prefers to keep their sign-in separate from online services. This guide covers every way to create one, how to make it an administrator, and how to switch your existing Microsoft account to a local account.

Quick Answer

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users and click Add someone else to this PC. Click I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account. Enter a username, password, and security questions, and click Next.

Local Account vs. Microsoft Account

	Local account	Microsoft account
Sign-in	Username and password (or PIN) stored on this PC	Email address and online password (or PIN)
Internet required to sign in	No	No after the first sign-in, but needed to set up
Settings sync across PCs	No	Yes
Password recovery	Security questions or a password reset disk	Online reset from any device
Microsoft Store and OneDrive	Can still sign in to individual apps	Signed in automatically
Device encryption recovery key backup	Not automatic	Saved to your Microsoft account

Method 1: Create a Local Account in Settings

You need to be signed in with an administrator account.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click Accounts, then Family & other users. (On Windows 10 Home and Pro, this may just be called Other users in some versions.)
3. Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC.
4. In the Microsoft account window, click I don't have this person's sign-in information.
5. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
6. Enter a username. Then enter a password twice (recommended) and answer three security questions, which you can use to reset the password later.
7. Click Next. The new account appears under Other users.

The new user can now sign in from the sign-in screen or by clicking Start > your account picture > the new user's name. The first sign-in takes a minute or two while Windows sets up the profile.

Method 2: Use Computer Management (Pro, Enterprise, Education)

1. Right-click Start and choose Computer Management.
2. Go to System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users.
3. Right-click in the empty space and choose New User.
4. Enter the username, full name, and password. Uncheck User must change password at next logon if you do not want that.
5. Click Create, then Close.

This tool is not available on Windows 10 Home. Use Settings or Command Prompt instead.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt

1. Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type the following, replacing the name and password, and press Enter:
   net user NewUser YourPassword /add
3. To make that account an administrator, run:
   net localgroup administrators NewUser /add

To be prompted for the password instead of typing it in plain view, use net user NewUser * /add. In PowerShell, New-LocalUser offers the same function with more options.

Method 4: Use the netplwiz User Accounts Tool

1. Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
2. Click Add.
3. Click Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended), then Local account.
4. Enter the username, password, and a password hint, then click Next and Finish.

Make the Local Account an Administrator

New accounts are standard users by default, which is safer for everyday use. To change that:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click the account and choose Change account type.
3. Select Administrator and click OK.

Switch Your Current Microsoft Account to a Local Account

If you already sign in with a Microsoft account and want to keep your files and apps but use a local sign-in:

1. Save your work.
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
3. Click Sign in with a local account instead.
4. Confirm with your current PIN or password.
5. Enter a username, password, and password hint for the local account, then click Next.
6. Click Sign out and finish, then sign back in with the new local credentials.

Your files, desktop, and installed apps stay the same. Before switching, make sure you have your BitLocker or device encryption recovery key saved elsewhere, since it will no longer be tied to your sign-in.

Creating a Local Account During Windows 10 Setup

When setting up a new PC, Windows 10 may push you toward a Microsoft account. On many versions, you can choose Offline account or Domain join instead (Pro) on the sign-in screen, then Limited experience. On some Home versions, the offline option appears only when the PC is not connected to the internet. Microsoft changes this flow over time, so the option names may differ. You can always create the local account later in Settings using Method 1.

Switching to a local account is also the first step in changing to a different Microsoft account.

To delete an account you no longer need on Windows 11, see how to remove an account from Windows 11.

To make the new account an admin on Windows 11, see how to give an account administrator rights.

For visitors on Windows 11, see how to add a guest account.

Troubleshooting

"Add someone else to this PC" does nothing

Use netplwiz or Command Prompt instead, and install Windows updates. Make sure you are signed in as an administrator.

I forgot the local account password

On the sign-in screen, click Reset password and answer your security questions. An administrator on the same PC can also reset it in Computer Management or with net user username *.

The account does not appear on the sign-in screen

Restart the PC. If it is still missing, check that the account is enabled in Computer Management (Pro editions) or run net user username /active:yes as an administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a local account without a password?

Yes, by leaving the password fields blank, but anyone with physical access can then sign in. A password or PIN is strongly recommended.

Can a local account use the Microsoft Store?

Yes. Free apps usually install without signing in, and you can sign in to the Store app alone without converting your Windows account.

How many local accounts can I create?

There is no practical limit for home use.

How do I delete a local account?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, click the account, and choose Remove. This deletes that user's files, so back them up first.

Summary

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC > I don't have this person's sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
3. Set a username, password, and security questions.
4. Change the account type to Administrator if needed.
5. Use Command Prompt, Computer Management, or netplwiz as alternatives.