Local Users and Groups is an essential feature in Windows 10 that enables administrators to manage user accounts and group memberships effectively. Within this tool, we can create and manage user accounts, set up and modify groups, and apply various levels of permissions. It’s particularly useful in environments without Active Directory, facilitating control over who is accessing the computer and how they are interacting with it.
Navigating to Local Users and Groups doesn’t require complex computer expertise. It’s accessible through simple methods such as the Run dialog, Computer Management, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. This versatility ensures we have multiple pathways to perform user and group management, tailoring the approach to our level of comfort and familiarity with Windows 10.
For example, using the Run dialog box, we can launch Local Users and Groups by entering lusrmgr.msc. This is often the quickest way, providing immediate access without delving into the depths of system menus. Similarly, Windows 10’s Computer Management offers a graphical interface for managing the system and includes Local Users and Groups under the System Tools category. This level of access grants us the capability to dive into account details, examine security groups, and tweak memberships as needed for seamless operation of our system.
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Accessing Local Users and Groups
When we need to manage user accounts and groups on Windows 10, accessing the Local Users and Groups is essential. One quick method is using the Run command. Simply press Win + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter. This opens the Local Users and Groups console directly.
Alternatively, we can launch the Command Prompt, enter lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter to achieve the same result. For those who prefer PowerShell, the procedure is identical: open PowerShell, type lusrmgr.msc, and execute the command.
| Method | Tool | Command/Instruction |
| Run Command | Run Dialog | lusrmgr.msc |
| Command Prompt | CMD | lusrmgr.msc |
| PowerShell | Windows PowerShell | lusrmgr.msc |
For those who like navigating through menus, Computer Management is the way to go. We can access it by right-clicking ‘This PC’ on the desktop, selecting ‘Manage’, and then clicking ‘Local Users and Groups’ in the left pane. The Search box is another handy tool; we can type ‘Computer Management’ and follow the same steps once the app is open.
In settings where the ‘lusrmgr.msc’ is not available, such as in some editions of Windows 10, we resort to the Control Panel. We navigate to ‘Administrative Tools’ and then to ‘Computer Management’. This can be slightly more roundabout, but it gets us to the same Local Users and Groups window.
Managing User Accounts
Managing user accounts in Windows 10 is a straightforward process, whether you’re setting up new profiles or tweaking existing ones. We’ll be walking through creating new users, modifying existing accounts, and deleting users as needed.
Creating New Users
- To add a new standard user or admin account, open the ‘Settings’ app and navigate to Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
- If providing access to a child or someone without a Microsoft account, choose ‘I don’t have this person’s sign-in information’ and follow the prompts accordingly.
When creating a new user, you have the choice between a Microsoft account, which syncs settings and preferences across Windows devices, or a local account that operates solely on that specific machine. If the user needs administrative privileges, you can assign them during the creation process or afterward within the user settings.
Modifying User Accounts
To modify an account, we use the ‘User Accounts’ panel, accessible through the ‘Control Panel’ or ‘Computer Management’. There, we can easily change account names, types (between admin and standard), and other settings.
| Modify Standard User to Admin: | Modify Admin to Standard User: |
| To elevate a standard account, navigate to ‘Settings > Accounts > Family & other users’, select the user, and click ‘Change account type’. | To change an admin account to standard, select the account as described above and simply choose ‘Standard’ instead. |
Remember, it’s crucial to have at least one admin account on your PC to manage settings and permissions. Regularly review permissions to ensure security and appropriate access levels.
Deleting Users
Removing a user is just as simple as adding one. Go to ‘Settings > Accounts > Family & other users’, select the account you wish to remove, and click ‘Remove’. Confirm the action, and the account along with its data will be deleted.
It’s important to note that deleting an account is irreversible, and any documents or files associated with that user account will be lost unless backed up externally. When you delete an account, you are ensuring that the user no longer has access to the PC, which is particularly useful for guest accounts or when an employee leaves a company.
Managing Groups
In managing groups within Windows 10, it’s essential to understand that effective group management enhances security and simplifies admin tasks. Group strategies allow for collective control of permissions and resources, saving time for both users and administrators.
Creating New Groups
Adding Members to Groups
When it comes to adding members to the group, precision is key. Open the group’s properties by double-clicking on the group’s name in Local Users and Groups. Then, click on Add… and enter the user account names to be included. Confirming these changes will update the group composition.
Modifying Group Properties
| Property | Description | Action |
| Group name | The name identifying the group | Right-click the group to rename |
| Group description | Summary of the group’s role | Double-click the group and edit the description field |
| Group members | List of user accounts in the group | Use the Add or Remove buttons in group properties |
Updating a group’s properties may involve changing its name, description, or members. We do this through the Local Users and Groups dialog. It’s important to keep a clear record of these changes to maintain system integrity and ensure proper access controls are in place.
Advanced Tools and Settings
Accessing in-depth Windows settings requires a good understanding of the built-in tools provided by Windows. We frequently gravitate towards the Computer Management utility for a comprehensive view.
The graphical user interface (GUI) of this console allows us to manipulate both users and groups with ease. It’s not all mouse clicks, though. For the tech-savvy, command line interfaces like PowerShell and Command Prompt offer powerful control.
| Tool | Usage | Command |
| PowerShell | Managing users/groups | net localgroup |
| Command Prompt | Accessing ‘Local Users and Groups’ | lusrmgr.msc |
| GUI | Editing user properties | System Tools in Computer Management |
By issuing “net localgroup” commands through PowerShell, we exercise granular control over group membership. But beware, improper use can inadvertently alter system settings. We insist on a cautious approach.
The norm is maintaining a single built-in administrator account, while the rest are delegated as standard users. This hierarchic setup aids in robust access control, helping to mitigate unauthorized system changes. Making these adjustments, we define user privileges, compartmentalize data access, and enforce security protocols—central to maintaining a steadfast computer environment.