How to Add a User to Windows

The procedure for adding a new user to Windows depends on the Microsoft Windows version.

In addition, there are several ways to add new users to most Windows versions. 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, users 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 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 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 Initials 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
• Enter a password for 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