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How to Add and Manage User Accounts in Windows 8

Managing users accounts in Windows 8 differs from Windows 7

By Robert Kingsley Robert Kingsley Writer ITT Technical Institute Robert Kingsley is a former Lifewire writer who specializes in technology. He has worked as an IT support engineer, installing, configuring, and maintaining Windows computers. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 11, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Add User With Microsoft Account Add User Without Microsoft Account Grant Administrative Privileges Remove User Accounts Although the Windows 8 interface differs from previous versions of Windows, it's still possible to set up multiple local users and Microsoft accounts. That way, everyone who uses the computer can protect their personal files and preferences with a password. Instructions in this article apply to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. ilyaliren / Getty Images

How to Add Windows 8 Users for Existing Accounts

To add a user to your computer who already has a Microsoft account: Press Windows key + C to bring up the Charms bar, then select Settings. Select Change PC settings. Select Users under PC Settings. If using Windows 8.1, select Accounts under PC Settings. Scroll down through the right pane and select Add a user under Other Users. Enter the email address associated with the Microsoft account and select Next. If your email address ends in @live.com, @hotmail.com, or @outlook, then you already have a Microsoft account. Check the box beside Is this a child's account? if you wish to enable the Windows Family Safety feature, which allows you to review the accounts activities and block certain content. Select Finish to proceed. The new account will 'be available at the sign in screen when you start Windows. To switch between profiles, select the profile icon in the top-right corner of the Windows 8 Start screen. Your computer must be connected to the internet the first time a new user logs in to their account. Once they do, their background, account settings, and apps (for Windows 8.1 users) will be synced.

How to Add a Windows 8 User Without a Microsoft Account

If the new user doesn't have a Microsoft account, they can create an Outlook.com email address, or you can set up a local user profile: Press Windows key + C to bring up the Charms bar, then select Settings. Select Change PC settings. Select Users under PC Settings. If using Windows 8.1, select Accounts under PC Settings. Scroll down through the right pane and select Add a user under Other Users. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account. If you want to create a new Microsoft account for the user, select Sign up for a new email address and provide the requested information. Select Local account at the bottom of the screen. Enter the username, password, and a hint for your new user account, then select Next. Check the box beside Is this a child's account? if you wish to enable the Windows Family Safety feature, then select Finish.

How to Grant Administrative Privileges to Windows 8 Users

To grant the new user administrative privileges in Windows 8 and 8.1: Giving users administrative access allows them to install programs and make changes to system settings. Open the Windows 8 Control panel and set View by to Small icons, then select User accounts. Select Change your account type under Make changes to your user account. Select the account you wish to make an administrator. Select Change the account type. Select Administrator, then select Change Account Type.

How to Remove User Accounts in Windows 8

To delete a user account in Windows 8 or 8.1: Open the Windows 8 Control panel and set View by to Small icons, then select User accounts. Select Change your account type under Make changes to your user account. Select the account you want to delete. Select Delete the account. If using Windows 8, you'll have the option to delete the account's personal files or leave them on your hard drive. Windows 8.1 doesn’t provide this option, so back up anything you want to keep. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Set up Parental Controls in Windows 10 Your Guide to User Account Settings in Windows 11 How to Change Another User's Password in Windows How to Change Your Password in Windows How to Create and Delete User Accounts in Windows 10 How to Synchronize Account Data With Windows 8 and 8.1 How to Create a Password in Windows How Do I Create a Windows Password Reset Disk? How to Use the Microsoft Family Safety App How Do I Remove My Windows Password? How to Use the Charms Bar in Windows 8 How to Boot to the Desktop in Windows 8.1 Can I Upgrade to Windows 8? How to Reset Your PC in Windows 11, 10 & 8 [Walkthrough] How to Enable the Guest Account in Windows 7 How to Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies