How do I Add a User to Windows?

The procedures to add a new user to Windows differs between the various versions of Microsoft Windows.

In addition, there are several methods of adding new users to most versions of Windows. The instructions presented here show only a few of the possible paths to creating new users on Windows.

Add a User to Windows XP

Click the <Start> button
Click the <Control Panel> menu item
Double-click the <User Accounts> icon
Click the "Create a new account" menu item
Type a name for the new account in the data entry box
Click the <Next> button
Choose to create either a Computer administrator account or a Limited account
Click the <Create Account> button

Add a User to Windows Server 2003

In Windows Server 2003, you can add either local user accounts or Active Directory accounts.

Add a Local User to Windows Server 2003

Click the <Start> button
Click the <Control Panel> menu item
If you are in the Classic View, click "Switch to Category View"
Double-click the <Performance and Maintenance> icon
Click the "Administrative Tools" icon
Click the "Computer Management" icon
In the left window pane, click the + sign beside "Local Users and Groups" to expand that menu item
Again in the left window pane, click "Users"
Right-click once in the right window pane to bring up a menu
Click the "New User" menu option
Enter the User name for the new account
Enter the Full name for the new account
Enter a description for the new account
Enter a password the new account
Re-enter the same password to confirm
Choose the appropriate options for the new account:
- User must change password at next login (Recommended)
- User cannot change password
- Password next expires
- Account is disabled
Click the <Create> button
Click the <Close> button

Add an Active Directory User to Windows Server 2003

Click the <Start> button
Click the <Control Panel> menu item
If you are in the Classic View, click "Switch to Category View"
Double-click the <Performance and Maintenance> icon
Click the "Administrative Tools" icon
Click the "Active Directory Users and Computers" icon
In the left window pane, click "Users"
Right-click once in the right window pane to bring up a menu
Click the "New" menu option
Click the "User" menu option
Enter the First name for the new account
Enter the Intials for the new account
Enter the Last name for the new account
Edit the Full name for the new account (if necessary)
Enter a User logon name for the new account
Enter the domain for the new account or select it from the drop-down list
Click the <Next> button
Enter a password the new account
Re-enter the same password to confirm
Choose the appropriate options for the new account:
- User must change password at next login (Recommended)
- User cannot change password
- Password next expires
- Account is disabled
Click the <Next> button
Click the <Finish> button