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How to add a 2nd user to Windows 10?

Anonymous
2022-02-15T15:11:39+00:00

Due to some persistent errors in Event Viewer it was suggested that I add a second user name (aka user account) to do some temporary testing to see if the Event Viewer errors go away.

But I am finding it has become a little more complicated to add another user (with same properties as first user) due to recent Windows 10 upgrades.

It used to be you could go to Start > Run and type in

control userpasswords2

or

NETPLWIZ

This would take you to a screen like this and adding a second user was pretty easy.

(NOTE: I had to make a Registry change to get the checkbox control to reappear.)

Could someone tell me the newest steps to create a second user name to this display?

Despite 15+ years developing software for Windows operating systems for the life of me I cannot find simple steps to add the new user to this folder and the ability to use it to logon to my laptop using my newly added account. Color me embarrassed. :-)

Is my only option now to select Family & other users at the steps described here?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-a-local-user-or-administrator-account-in-windows-20de74e0-ac7f-3502-a866-32915af2a34d#WindowsVersion=Windows_10

This seems more involved (complicated). I could not find the steps to do what used to be an easy procedure to add a second user.

Your thoughts?

Michael T.

Senior Software Engineer (retired)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Van S 23,660 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-02-15T15:59:32+00:00

    Hi, I am Van. I'll be glad to assist you today.

    For me, the options below are the easiest way to add a user account on Windows 10 PC.

    1. The link you provided. Under Family and other users > Other users > Add someone else to this PC.
    2. By using the netplwiz command. Press Windows key + r then type netplwiz then press enter. This will open the User account window. Click the Add button to start adding a user account.

    Best regards,

    Van

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2022-02-15T16:45:32+00:00

    Hi, I am Van. I'll be glad to assist you today.

    For me, the options below are the easiest way to add a user account on Windows 10 PC.

    1. The link you provided. Under Family and other users > Other users > Add someone else to this PC.
    2. By using the netplwiz command. Press Windows key + r then type netplwiz then press enter. This will open the User account window. Click the Add button to start adding a user account.

    Best regards,
    Van

    I tried #2 again.

    Unfortunately I still cannot get my new user account to appear in the aforementioned folder on my hard drive.

    I am hoping someone can provide the precise steps that worked for them.

    Meanwhile I will thank you for your post and also try your suggestion #1.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-02-15T17:19:19+00:00

    Hi sdmike1974,

    Was the account added to the list on the User account window? If yes, switch the account and sign in using the newly created account.

    Best regards,
    Van

    Still no joy, Van.

    I am beginning to think you can no longer use the interface at the netplwiz command to add an account to the USER folder on your hard drive.

    If you have some spare time, give it a try.

    This used to be an easy exercise.

    Now Microsoft appears to want to force users to select Family & other users.

    This step proved problematic and I ended up in circles never able to see a new user added to my USERS folder.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Van S 23,660 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-02-15T17:35:02+00:00

    Hi sdmike1974,

    I have tried creating a test account on my PC. And it turns out successfully. Once you created the account you will then need to log the account on the PC. This will create the user profile folder in the system. Kindly see the attached image.

    Best regards,

    Van

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  5. Van S 23,660 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-02-15T16:52:33+00:00

    Hi sdmike1974,

    Was the account added to the list on the User account window? If yes, switch the account and sign in using the newly created account.

    Best regards,

    Van

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