Windows: Set up multiple user accounts

You can set up multiple Windows user accounts in just a few steps. Multiple user accounts are always useful if several people want to use a computer. A separate account is especially recommended for children. As an administrator, you can determine which files on the computer the user accounts can access and whether and which applications can be installed or deleted.

Set up user accounts under Windows XP

You do not need any specialist knowledge to set up a user account under Windows XP.

1. Click on "Start", "Control Panel", "User Accounts" and "Create New Account" one after the other.
2. In the next step, choose a name for the account - ideally the name of the person who will use the account. This ensures that everyone can find their account right away. Then click on "Next".
3. Now you will be asked for the type of account. For children and people who are less computer-savvy, the account type »Restricted« should be selected.
4. Finally, click on "Create account".

Windows Vista and Windows 7 user account

In Windows 7 and Vista, too, you can create user accounts for the family in just a few steps.

1. Click in succession on "Start", "Control Panel", "User Accounts" and "Manage Another Account". Depending on the view, the item can also be called "Add / Remove User Accounts".
2. Finally click on "Create new account", assign the desired user name, set the item to "Standard user" and click on "Create account".

Windows 8 user account

At first glance, under Windows 8 it seems difficult to create a new user account. But it is not particularly complicated. You just have to distinguish whether you want to create a "Local Account" or a "Microsoft Account". With the local account, the user can only access the computer - differently with the "Microsoft account". This also brings the user to the cloud.

1. In the tile view click on "Settings" and "Change PC settings".
2. Here you select »User« and »Add user«. Finally click on "Sign up without a Microsoft account" and "Local account".
3. Finally, choose a user name and assign a password.