Open the Windows 7 Control Panel
In most instances the first user account in Windows 7 is the Administrator account. This account has the permission to modify anything and everything in Windows 7.
If you intend to share your Windows 7 computer with another family member or specifically your kids, it may be wise to create separate Standard user accounts for each to ensure the integrity of your Windows 7 computer.
In this guide I will show you how to create new user accounts in Windows 7 so you can better manage multiple users on one computer.
What is a User Account?
A user account is a collection of information that tells Windows which files and folders you can access, what changes you can make to the computer, and your personal preferences, such as your desktop background or screen saver. User accounts let you share a computer with several people, while having your own files and settings. Each person accesses his or her user account with a user name and password.
Windows 7 Account Types
Windows 7 has various levels of permissions and account types that determine those permissions, but for the sake of simplicity we're going to discuss the three main account types visible to most Windows users that use Manage Accounts to manage user accounts in Windows 7.
So if you are creating an account for someone who is not very versed in Windows and may cause more harm than good while browsing the web, you may want to designate these users as Standard users.
This will ensure that harmful software trying to install itself on a Standard user account will require administrative rights before installing.
The Administrator account should be reserved for users who have experience with Windows and can spot viruses and malignant sites and/or applications before they make it to the computer.
1. Click the Windows Orb to open the Start Menu and then click Control Panel from the list.
Note: You can also access User Accounts by entering User Accounts in the Start Menu search box and selecting Add or remove user accounts from the menu. This will take you directly to the Control Panel item.
Open User Accounts and Family
2. When the Control Panel opens click Add or remove user accounts under User Accounts and Family Safety.
Note: User Accounts and Family Safety is the Control Panel item that also allows you to set up parental controls, Windows CardSpace, and Credential Manager in Windows 7.
When the Manage Accounts page appears you will notice that you have the option to modify existing accounts and the ability to create new accounts.
3. To create a new account, click the Create a new account link.
The next step in the account creation process requires that you name the account and that you select an account type (see Account Types in Step 1).
4. Enter the name you wish to assign to the account.
Note: Remember this name is the same that will appear on the Welcome Screen and on the Start Menu.
Once you have entered a name for the account, select the account type you wish to use for the account. Click Continue to proceed.
Note: If you are wondering why the Guest account type is not listed as an option, it is because there can only be one Guest account. By default there should already be a guest account in Windows 7.
When you are done, the account should appear in the account list in the Control Panel. To use the new account you have two options;
Option 1: Log out of the existing account and select the new account on the Welcome screen.
Option 2: Switch users to quickly access the account without signing out from the existing account:
You have successfully created a new user account in Windows 7.
In most instances the first user account in Windows 7 is the Administrator account. This account has the permission to modify anything and everything in Windows 7.
If you intend to share your Windows 7 computer with another family member or specifically your kids, it may be wise to create separate Standard user accounts for each to ensure the integrity of your Windows 7 computer.
In this guide I will show you how to create new user accounts in Windows 7 so you can better manage multiple users on one computer.
What is a User Account?
A user account is a collection of information that tells Windows which files and folders you can access, what changes you can make to the computer, and your personal preferences, such as your desktop background or screen saver. User accounts let you share a computer with several people, while having your own files and settings. Each person accesses his or her user account with a user name and password.
Windows 7 Account Types
Windows 7 has various levels of permissions and account types that determine those permissions, but for the sake of simplicity we're going to discuss the three main account types visible to most Windows users that use Manage Accounts to manage user accounts in Windows 7.
- Standard User: Standard account users can use most software and change system settings that do not affect other users or the security of the computer.
- Administrator: Administrators have complete access to the computer and can make any desired changes. Based on notification settings, administrators may be asked to provide their password or confirmation before making changes that affect other users.
- Guest Accounts: Guest accounts are intended primarily for people who need temporary use of a computer.
So if you are creating an account for someone who is not very versed in Windows and may cause more harm than good while browsing the web, you may want to designate these users as Standard users.
This will ensure that harmful software trying to install itself on a Standard user account will require administrative rights before installing.
The Administrator account should be reserved for users who have experience with Windows and can spot viruses and malignant sites and/or applications before they make it to the computer.
1. Click the Windows Orb to open the Start Menu and then click Control Panel from the list.
Note: You can also access User Accounts by entering User Accounts in the Start Menu search box and selecting Add or remove user accounts from the menu. This will take you directly to the Control Panel item.
Open User Accounts and Family
2. When the Control Panel opens click Add or remove user accounts under User Accounts and Family Safety.
Note: User Accounts and Family Safety is the Control Panel item that also allows you to set up parental controls, Windows CardSpace, and Credential Manager in Windows 7.
When the Manage Accounts page appears you will notice that you have the option to modify existing accounts and the ability to create new accounts.
3. To create a new account, click the Create a new account link.
The next step in the account creation process requires that you name the account and that you select an account type (see Account Types in Step 1).
4. Enter the name you wish to assign to the account.
Note: Remember this name is the same that will appear on the Welcome Screen and on the Start Menu.
Once you have entered a name for the account, select the account type you wish to use for the account. Click Continue to proceed.
Note: If you are wondering why the Guest account type is not listed as an option, it is because there can only be one Guest account. By default there should already be a guest account in Windows 7.
When you are done, the account should appear in the account list in the Control Panel. To use the new account you have two options;
Option 1: Log out of the existing account and select the new account on the Welcome screen.
Option 2: Switch users to quickly access the account without signing out from the existing account:
You have successfully created a new user account in Windows 7.