Using a Standard/Limited User Account

Using a Standard/Limited User Account, often referred to as a Local Account, makes it more difficult for your computer to be infected. A user with a standard account can access most of installed software but not all programs. Standard account users need to type the admin account password in order to access some programs as well data stored under administrator account. You should use a Standard User Account for everyday activities even if you are the sole user of the computer.  It becomes even more important to have separate Standard User Accounts when children are old enough to use the computer.


IMPORTANT: Please note that in order to change the type of an administrator account to standard user or vice versa, you need to sign-in to the admin account.  It is not possible to change the type of a standard account by signing-in to the standard account.

Windows 11 and Windows 10

To create a new Local Account in Windows 10 or 11 using Windows Settings, follow these steps:

1.    Select Start > Settings > Accounts and then select Family & other users. (In some versions of Windows you'll see Other users.)

2.    Next to Add other user, select Add account. 

3.    Select I don't have this person's sign-in information, and on the next page, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

4.    Enter a user name, password, or password hint—or choose security questions—and then select Next.

Windows 8

Windows 8 options for a local account or a Microsoft Account.

1. With a mouse, the easiest way is to go to the Windows 8 Start Screen and type Add User. From the search results, click Settings. (With a touch screen, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings.)
2. Tap or click Change PC Settings.
3. Tap or click Users.
4. Tap or click Add a user.
5. To create a Local Account:
   
   1. Tap or click Sign in without a Microsoft account.
   2. Enter a user name for the new account.To include a password, enter and verify the password, add a password hint.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

1. Click the Start button
2. Click Control Panel
3. Under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Add or remove user accounts
4. Click Create a new account
5. Create a name for the new account
6. Select Standard user
7. Click Create Account button

Windows XP

1. Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts
2. Click Create a new account
3. Create a name for the new account
4. Under "Pick an account type", select Limited
5. Click Create Account

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