Blog

The net user command in Windows 11 is a powerful tool for managing user accounts directly from the Command Prompt. It allows you to add, modify, or delete user accounts without having to navigate through multiple settings menus.

This guide will walk you through the basic steps of using the net user command in a simple and clear way. Even if you are new to command-line tools, you will be able to follow along easily.

Using this command is especially helpful when managing user accounts quickly or when graphical tools are not available. It’s a handy skill to have for both personal and professional use.

Let’s get started with learning how to check, add, and modify user accounts using the net user command on Windows 11.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before using the net user command, make sure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 PC. Without these permissions, most commands will not work or will return errors.

To open the Command Prompt with administrative rights, right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). This is important because managing user accounts requires elevated access to the system.

Also, note that the net user command works only on local user accounts. For managing Microsoft accounts or domain accounts, other tools or methods are needed.

How to View Existing User Accounts

First, let’s see how to check which user accounts exist on your computer.

1. Open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

net user

This command will list all the local user accounts on your PC. You will see usernames listed like Administrator, Guest, and any other accounts you’ve created.

Knowing the existing accounts helps you manage them effectively and avoid creating duplicates.

How to Add a New User Account

To add a new user account, follow these steps carefully:

1. Make sure you have administrator privileges and open Command Prompt as admin.
2. Enter the following command, replacing username with the desired new account name and password with a secure password:

net user username password /add

For example, if you want to create a user named john with the password mypassword123, you would type:

net user john mypassword123 /add

This command creates a new local user account with the specified password. The /add switch tells Windows to add the new user.

Choosing a strong password is important to keep your computer secure.

How to Delete a User Account

If you want to remove a user account, these steps will help you do so safely:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type the following command, replacing username with the account you want to delete:

net user username /delete

For example, to delete the user john, you would enter:

net user john /delete

Deleting a user account removes their ability to log in and deletes associated local profile data. Make sure you have backed up any important files before deleting the account.

How to Change a User’s Password

To reset or change the password of an existing user account, follow these instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
2. Run the following command, replacing username with the user’s name and newpassword with the desired password:

net user username newpassword

For example:

net user john newpassword123

This command updates the password without affecting the user’s files or settings. It’s useful if a user forgets their password or if you want to enforce a new password policy.

Additional Options and Advanced Usage

The net user command has other switches you can use to customize user accounts:

• /active:{yes|no} — Enables (yes) or disables (no) a user account.
• /expires:{date|never} — Sets an expiration date for the account or makes it never expire.
• /passwordchg:{yes|no} — Allows or prevents the user from changing their password.
• /passwordreq:{yes|no} — Specifies whether a password is required for the account.

Example: To disable a user account named john, use:

net user john /active:no

Using these options helps you control how users interact with their accounts and improve security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need administrator rights to use net user?

Yes, most commands require you to run Command Prompt as an administrator to make changes to user accounts.

Can I reset passwords for Microsoft accounts using net user?

No, the net user command only manages local user accounts. Microsoft accounts must be reset through the Microsoft account website or Windows settings.

How do I list detailed information about a specific user?

Type net user username to see details about that user’s account, including group membership and account status.

Is there a way to add a user without setting a password?

Yes, you can create a user without a password by entering an empty password like this: net user username "" /add. However, this is not recommended for security reasons.

Can I use net user in PowerShell?

Yes, you can run net user commands in PowerShell, but remember to open PowerShell with administrative privileges.

When Nothing Works

If you encounter errors such as “Access denied” or the command is not recognized, ensure you are running the Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by searching for cmd or PowerShell in the Start menu, right-clicking, and choosing Run as administrator.

For persistent issues, consult the official Microsoft documentation on user account management or visit the Microsoft Support website.

In case of system corruption or serious errors, consider using the built-in System File Checker tool by running sfc /scannow in an elevated command prompt.

Conclusion

The net user command is a straightforward yet powerful way to manage local user accounts on Windows 11. Whether you want to add new users, reset passwords, or delete accounts, this command-line tool can save you time and effort.

Always remember to run the Command Prompt as an administrator and use strong passwords to keep your system secure. With the additional options available, you can customize user accounts to fit your needs.

By mastering these basic steps, you will have greater control over your Windows 11 user accounts and be prepared to handle common account management tasks with confidence.