How To View User Accounts in Windows 11: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Find User Accounts on Windows 11

So, you’ve got a Windows 11 machine and need to see what user accounts are floating around? Nice. Figuring this out can be a bit of a headache, but don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. Whether it’s to check who’s got access or tweak a few permissions, there are pretty straightforward ways to get this done.

First Up: Open the Settings

Start off by firing up the Windows Settings. Click that Start menu icon on the bottom left — you know, the one that looks like a window? When it pops up, either hit the Settings gear icon or just smash Windows + I to jump right in. This takes you to the hub where you can manage a ton of stuff, including user accounts.

Navigating to the Accounts Section

Once you’re in Settings, look for the Accounts section. It compiles all the account-related info, like your personal settings and other user accounts. Think of it as your user management cockpit. Alternatively, you can just type “Accounts” straight into the search bar with Windows + S to save some time.

Checking Out Family & Other Users

In the Accounts section, click on Family & other users. This little nugget shows you the whole crew using your Windows 11 device. Family, friends, the annoying neighbor who popped in for WiFi? They’ll all show up here. Keeping tabs on this list is smart, especially if security is a concern. You’d be surprised who might get access!

Command Prompt for the Command Line Fans

If clicking around isn’t your style, the Command Prompt is another route. Open that search bar (magnifying glass icon or just hit the Windows key), type in cmd, and select Command Prompt. For the adventurous type, right-click and go for Run as administrator to get the full toolbox.

Listing All User Accounts via Command Line

Now, in the Command Prompt, type net user and hit Enter. It’ll spit out a neat list of all local and Microsoft accounts on your system. Super handy if there are lots of users or if you’re troubleshooting. You get usernames and some other tidbits about each profile, so it’s perfect for a sneak peek into who’s logged on.

Some Tips for Managing User Accounts

Keeping those accounts in check is key to your system’s security. A little tip? Use the keyboard shortcuts: just hit Windows + I to get straight to Settings. And make sure you’re logged in as an administrator if you want to make any changes. Check Settings > Accounts > Your info to see what kind of account you’re working with.

When adding or removing users, you might end up needing the Control Panel or some PowerShell commands. Here are a couple of tricks:

Want to dive into more advanced user options? Press Win + R, type control userpasswords2, and hit Enter. This opens up another level of user management.
Need to add a user with PowerShell? Open it with admin rights and run:
New-LocalUser -Name "NewUsername" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "Password123" -AsPlainText -Force)
To promote a user to the Administrators group, use:
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "NewUsername"

Keep an eye on your user list. Regular check-ins help identify any dodgy accounts. Adding some notes to user profiles can also make managing them a bit simpler, especially if the device gets shared around.

Common Questions about User Accounts in Windows 11

How can I tell if I have admin rights?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you’re in the clear, it should say if you have administrator privileges. You can also check this in Control Panel > User Accounts.

Can I remove a user account?

You totally can, as long as you’ve got the right permissions. Just hop into Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, click on the account you want to kick out, and hit Remove. For local accounts, PowerShell or Control Panel can back you up here too.

What if I can’t find the Settings menu?

Use the Search function! Click that magnifying glass or hit Windows + S, type “Settings” or “Accounts”, and you’ll be directed straight to it. Can’t believe it can be hidden behind some clicks.

Are there quicker ways to launch Command Prompt?

You bet! Just hit Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter. For admin access, add Ctrl + Shift + Enter after typing.

How do I change an account type?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, click on the user you want to modify, and choose Change account type. You can flip them between Standard and Administrator roles. Flexibility in access is always a plus.

A Quick Recap

Open Windows Settings with Windows + I.
Head over to the Accounts section.
Check out Family & other users for profiles, or run net user in Command Prompt for a fast look.
Use control userpasswords2 and PowerShell commands for deeper management.

Figuring out who has access to your Windows system isn’t too tough, and it’s super important for keeping your data safe. Whether going the graphical route or diving into commands, knowing how to check user profiles gives peace of mind. Consistently checking this stuff helps keep unwanted guests out and makes sure your device runs smoothly. Keep these tips in mind, and managing user accounts should be a breeze.