Over time, Microsoft has continuously elevated its Windows operating system, introducing a plethora of new features. The latest rendition, Windows 11, stands as the epitome of desktop operating systems, delivering a refined user experience. However, within the strides of progress, Microsoft has made certain alterations that have sparked discussions among Windows users. A significant feature that faced elimination in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 is the guest account. In earlier Windows versions, there was a dedicated guest mode feature conveniently placed on the lock screen. Regrettably, this feature was omitted in Windows 10 and Windows 11, leaving users grappling with the absence of direct access to guest mode.
This omission posed a challenge for users who frequently share their laptops or desktops with friends or colleagues. Guest mode was a convenient means to share a PC without exposing personal files. Fortunately, there’s a workaround for creating a guest account on Windows 11, and in this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable guest mode on Windows 11 PCs.
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What is a Guest Account in Windows 11 PCs?
Guest accounts in the Windows operating system have evolved significantly over the years. While Windows 7 and Windows 8 made it simple to create dedicated guest accounts, Windows 10 marked a shift by concealing guest accounts from the login screen. Nevertheless, guest accounts in Windows 11 remain valuable for situations where device sharing is necessary.
A guest mode allows you to share your PC without the concern of unauthorized access to personal files. It offers temporary and restricted access to your computer, making it an ideal solution for sharing your device with colleagues or friends. Now, let’s delve into the details of how to create a guest account on Windows 11.
Ways to Create a Guest Account on Windows 11
There are multiple methods to create a guest account on Windows 11, including using the Settings application, Command Prompt, PowerShell utility, and Computer Management feature. Let’s explore the step-by-step processes for each method.
1. From Settings App
- Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open the Settings application.
- Click on the “Accounts” tab in the left navigation menu and select “Other users” in the right pane.
- Click “Add account” to create a guest user on your PC.
- Choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” and then select “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
- In the “Create a user for this PC” window, set a name and password for the user, and answer security questions if desired.
- Click “Next,” and the guest user will be listed among all accounts on your PC.
- Switch to the guest mode by selecting the Guest user from the accounts list.
2. From Command Prompt
- Press the Windows button, type “CMD” in the search bar, and open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the command “net user Visitor /add /active:yes” to create a new user (replace “Visitor” with the desired username).
- To set a password, type “net user Visitor *” and follow the prompts to enter and confirm the password.
3. From PowerShell Utility
- Press the Windows button, type “PowerShell,” and open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Set up a password for the guest account using the provided command.
- Set the guest account name using the “New-LocalUser” command.
- Add the account to the guest user group with the “Add-LocalGroupMember” command.
Set Guest Account Permissions on Windows 11
After creating a guest account, it’s essential to restrict its permissions. The process varies for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro or higher versions.
For Windows 11 Home:
- Download a local user and group management tool from GitHub.
- Launch the tool, go to the Users tab, and double-click on the guest user.
- Under Group Membership, add the guest account to the Guests group and remove it from the Users group.
For Windows 11 Pro and Higher:
- Right-click on the Start button, select “Computer Management,” and navigate to “Local Users and Groups” under “Systems Tools.”
- Right-click on the guest account, choose “Properties,” go to “Member of,” and add the account to the Guests group.
- Remove the account from the Users group to restrict permissions.
How to Remove the Guest Account on Windows 11
If you find that the guest account on your Windows 11 PC is no longer needed and you want to declutter your system, removing it is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to understand how to delete the guest account on Windows 11:
- Simultaneously press the Windows + I buttons on your keyboard to open the Settings application.
- Navigate to the Accounts tab on the left side of the window and select the Other users option from the right navigation menu.
- A list of all accounts present on your Windows 11 PC will be displayed. Locate the guest account you wish to remove and click on it. Subsequently, press the Remove button. This action will completely eliminate the guest account and its associated settings from your system.
In conclusion, these methods offer diverse ways to create a guest account on Windows 11 PCs. While the Settings application provides a user-friendly approach, the Command Prompt and PowerShell methods cater to users comfortable with technical commands. The absence of a built-in guest mode on the login screen in Windows 11 necessitates these workarounds. This guide aims to assist you in seamlessly sharing your Windows 11 device with friends and colleagues. For additional insights on creating a local account in Windows 11, refer to our detailed guide.