How to Switch, Manage, or Add a Windows Desktop Account

Managing your Windows desktop accounts allows you to personalize your experience, secure your data, and share your computer efficiently. Whether you need to switch to a different user, update your profile details, or create a new account, Windows provides straightforward options.

Switching to a Different User Account

Switching user accounts lets multiple people use the same computer without logging out of their current session, keeping their applications and documents open. This is useful for quickly handing over the computer to another user.

Steps to Switch Users:

1. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon on your taskbar.
2. Select your user picture or the Accounts icon (it often looks like a person's silhouette) in the Start menu.
3. From the options that appear, simply select the user account you want to switch to. Your current session will be locked, and the login screen for the chosen account will appear.

Alternatively, you can switch users using these methods:

• Lock Screen: Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select "Switch user."
• Sign Out: If you sign out of your current account, you'll return to the login screen where you can choose another user or log back into your own.

Managing Your Current User Account Settings

You can customize various aspects of your personal user account, including your picture, name, and password.

Changing Your Account Picture

Your account picture is a visual identifier displayed on the login screen and Start menu.

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on Accounts, then select Your info.
3. Under "Create your picture," you can:
   • Click Camera to take a new photo.
   • Click Browse for one to select an existing image from your computer.

Changing Your Account Name

For local accounts, you can change the name displayed. For Microsoft accounts, this usually needs to be done online.

For Local Accounts:

1. Search for and open Control Panel.
2. Go to User Accounts, then select User Accounts again.
3. Click Change your account name.
4. Enter the new name and click Change Name.

For Microsoft Accounts:

1. Visit the Microsoft Account website.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
3. Navigate to "Your info" or "Edit profile" and follow the prompts to change your name.

Changing Your Account Password

Regularly changing your password helps maintain security.

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on Accounts, then select Sign-in options.
3. Under "Password," click Change.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your current password and set a new one.

Changing Your Account Type (Administrator vs. Standard)

Account types determine what a user can do on the computer. An Administrator has full control, while a Standard user has limited permissions for security.

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on Accounts, then select Family & other users.
3. Under "Other users," select the account you want to change.
4. Click Change account type.
5. Choose between "Administrator" or "Standard User" from the drop-down menu and click OK. You must be an Administrator to change another user's account type.

Adding a New User Account

Adding new user accounts is essential when multiple individuals share a PC, allowing each person to have their own personalized desktop, files, and settings. You can add either a Microsoft account or a local account.

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on Accounts, then select Family & other users.
3. Under "Other users," click Add account.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts:
   • Microsoft Account: Enter the user's email address associated with their Microsoft account.
   • Local Account: If the user doesn't have a Microsoft account (or you prefer a local one), click "I don't have this person's sign-in information," then "Add a user without a Microsoft account." You'll then create a username and password for this local account.

Removing a User Account

If an account is no longer needed, you can remove it from your computer. Be aware that removing an account will also delete all data associated with it, including documents, pictures, and other files. Back up any important data before proceeding.

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on Accounts, then select Family & other users.
3. Under "Other users," select the account you wish to remove.
4. Click Remove, then confirm by clicking Delete account and data.

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Quick Actions for Windows Desktop Accounts

Action	Description	Path (Windows 10/11 Settings)
Switch User	Change to another active user without closing apps.	Start menu > User Picture > Select User
Change Picture	Update your profile image.	Settings > Accounts > Your info
Change Password	Update your account's security password.	Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
Change Account Type	Adjust user permissions (Administrator/Standard).	Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
Add New Account	Create a new user profile (Microsoft or Local).	Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
Remove Account	Delete a user profile and all associated data.	Settings > Accounts > Family & other users

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