Understanding User Account Types in Windows-11: Which One is Right for You?
When setting up a new computer or operating system, it is essential to understand the different user account types available. In Windows-11, Microsoft provides three primary user account types, each with its own set of permissions and access levels. This guide will explain these account types and help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Administrator Account:
An administrator account has full control over the system and can make changes to settings, install software, access all files and folders, create or delete other user accounts, and perform various administrative tasks. It is recommended to use this type of account only when necessary as it poses a potential security risk.
Setting up an administrator account:
During the initial setup of Windows-11 or when creating a new user profile later on, you can choose to set up an administrator account by following these steps:
1. Go to Settings by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
2. In Settings, click on "Accounts" followed by "Family & other users."
3. Under Other users section, click on "Add an adminstrator."
4. Follow the prompts to create a new Microsoft account or connect an existing one.
2. Standard User Account:
A standard user has limited privileges compared to an administrator but can still perform most common tasks like browsing the internet, running applications, accessing personal files/documents/photos stored in their own user directory etc . However they cannot make any system-wide changes that might affect other users or modify critical settings without entering credentials from an administrator.
Creating a standard user account:
To create a standard user account in Windows-11 follow these steps:
1. Open Settings by clicking Start then selecting the gear icon.
2. Click on Accounts followed by Family & other users.
3.Under Other Users section click Add someone else to this PC.
4.Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information.
5. Click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
6. Provide the necessary details for the new account, such as username and password.
7.Click Next, then click Finish.
3. Guest Account:
The guest account is designed for temporary users who require limited access to the system. It provides basic functionality like web browsing and running applications but restricts access to sensitive files and settings. Any changes made during a guest session will not be saved once logged out.
Activating the Guest Account:
Unfortunately, Windows-11 does not have a built-in guest account option like previous versions of Windows had (such as Windows-10). Currently, you can only enable it through command prompt or local security policy editor using these steps:
1.Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by typing "cmd" in the search bar and selecting "Run as administrator."
2.Type the following command: "net user guest /active:yes" (without quotes) and press Enter.
3.To disable the guest account later, use this command: "net user guest /active:no" (without quotes).
Choosing the right user account type ultimately depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use your computer. If you are the sole owner of your machine or need complete control over system settings, an administrator account might be suitable.
Remember that proper security practices should always be followed regardless of which type of account you choose. Regularly update passwords, enable two-factor authentication when available, and exercise caution while downloading software or opening suspicious emails/websites to ensure optimal security for your Windows-11 device.