Creating a Guest Account on Windows 10
Having a dedicated space for visitors to use your PC without rummaging through your personal files is pretty handy. Windows 10 removed the classic “Guest” account feature that used to make this straightforward, but don’t worry — there’s still a way. You can set up a local account that doesn’t have full access, giving your guests a clean slate without risking your data. It’s an easy workaround to keep your info safe while being welcoming to others.
Start with Windows Settings
First up, open the Settings menu. Click the Start button, then select the gear-shaped Settings icon, or press Windows key + I. This is your control centre for personalising and configuring Windows. You’ll need to navigate here to manage user accounts and set up your guest profile properly.
Locate the Accounts Section
Once in Settings, choose Accounts. This is where all user profiles are managed. It’s essential for creating a separate guest account away from your main administrator account — keeping things secure and organised. Alternatively, you can manage accounts via the Control Panel: Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account.
Add a New User
In the Accounts area, click on “Family & other users“. Here, Windows allows you to create new user accounts. Select Add someone else to this PC to start setting up a guest profile. Feeling more adventurous? You can also configure accounts through Command Prompt or PowerShell for more control over each step.
Create a Local Account
When prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, ignore it! Look for the link that says “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information“. Then pick “Add a user without a Microsoft account“. For those comfortable with command line work, you can use these commands:
net user Guest /add /active:yes
net localgroup "Users" Guest /addThis creates a straightforward local account not linked to Microsoft services—ideal for guests. It keeps things simple and preserves privacy. To tighten security further, use the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and adjust settings in “Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Restricted Groups“.
Finalise the Guest User Profile
Give the account a clear name like “Guest” so everyone knows what it’s for. You can leave the password field blank for easy access or set a simple password if you prefer a bit of security. Just be sure not to assign it to the Administrators group—that’s overkill! Check this by opening Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Users, right-clicking on the Guest account, selecting Properties, and confirming it’s only in the Users group. Each time someone logs in to this account, they’ll be in their own little bubble—no access to your files!
Best Practices for Managing Your Guest Account
To keep things tidy, follow a few straightforward tips. Name the account clearly, like “Guest“, to avoid any confusion. Set it as a Standard user to prevent any accidental changes to system settings. You can verify this by opening Computer Management or via PowerShell with:
Get-LocalUser -Name "Guest" | Select-Object Name,Enabled,PrincipalSourceA quick check-up every now and then in the Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) under Windows Logs > Security can help you monitor activity. Also, review permissions periodically and revoke any unnecessary rights. If you regularly host visitors, you might consider creating specific family or main user accounts for more control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guest Accounts
What’s the point of a guest account?
It’s about giving someone temporary access to your PC while keeping your personal files locked away. Think of it like a sandbox — visitors can play around without messing up your setup, which is handy when sharing with friends or family.
Can I have multiple guest profiles?
Absolutely. You can set up as many local accounts with restricted access as you like. Perfect for when you’ve got a steady stream of visitors! Each account will need its own setup, but you can automate some of that if you like getting crafty.
If I want to delete a guest account later, how do I do it?
It’s simple. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, find the account you want to remove, and click Remove. Alternatively, you can do it via Command Prompt with:
net user Guest /deleteThis will wipe out the local profile completely, leaving no trace behind.
Does having a guest account slow down my PC?
Not really. Guest accounts run in their own sessions, fairly isolated from your main system. You typically won’t notice any lag unless you’re running heavy apps for hours on end.
Should I link a guest account to a Microsoft account?
Better to keep it local. Sticking with local accounts keeps things simple and protects your online privacy. No need to overcomplicate when local does the job just fine.
A Quick Recap on Setting Up a Guest Account
- Open Settings via Start > Settings or press Windows key + I.
- Go to Accounts.
- Select Family & other users.
- Click Add someone else to this PC.
- Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Name it “Guest” and leave the password blank or set something simple.
Setting up a guest account in Windows 10 is a handy way to share your PC without giving away your personal stuff. It keeps things secure and organised. Remember to keep an eye on that account now and then. If you often need to prepare for visitors, creating dedicated family profiles might be a better plan. Ultimately, this helps you share your device with confidence—keeping your files safe and your mind at ease.