How to Create a Guest Account in Windows 11

There are many situations where you might need to lend your computer to someone else—a friend checking their email, a child playing a video game, or a houseguest printing boarding passes. However, handing over your primary, unlocked Windows account is a massive security risk. They will have full access to your saved browser passwords, personal documents, and the ability to accidentally install malware.

Historically, Microsoft offered a simple, one-click “Guest Account” toggle to solve this problem. Unfortunately, this feature was completely removed in modern versions of the operating system. To protect your personal data, you must now learn the workaround for how to create a Guest account in Windows 11 using a restricted Local Account.

Why Did Microsoft Remove the Guest Account?

In older versions of Windows (like Windows 7), the built-in Guest account was a highly restricted, temporary profile. Any files downloaded or settings changed by the guest were automatically erased the moment they logged out, ensuring a pristine environment for the next user.

Microsoft removed this feature to push users towards creating individual Microsoft Accounts for every person who uses the PC. While this is fine for permanent family members, it is entirely impractical for a weekend visitor.

The solution is to create a Standard Local Account and manually strip away its administrative privileges.

Step 1: Create a New Local Account

You must be logged into an Administrator account to perform these steps.

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app (press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard).
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Accounts.
3. Scroll down and select Other users.
4. Click the Add account button.

A Microsoft login window will appear. Because this is for a temporary guest, you do not want to link an email address.

1. Click the link that says “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”.
2. On the next screen, click “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.
3. You will now be asked to create a username and password. Enter a name like “Guest” or “Visitor”.
4. You can choose to leave the password fields completely blank. This allows anyone to click on the Guest profile and log in instantly without needing a code. Click Next.

Step 2: Verify Standard User Permissions

By default, Windows creates new local accounts as “Standard Users,” which is exactly what you want for a guest. Standard Users cannot install software, change global system settings, or view the files stored in your personal Administrator folder.

To verify this setting:

1. Return to the Other users menu in Settings.
2. Click on the newly created “Guest” account to expand its options.
3. Click the Change account type button.
4. Ensure the dropdown menu is set to Standard User (and absolutely not Administrator). Click OK.

Step 3: How to Switch to the Guest Account

Your secure guest environment is now ready to use.

When you need to hand your laptop to a visitor, you do not need to shut down the computer. Simply click the Start button, click on your profile picture in the bottom-left corner, and select the Guest account from the pop-up menu.

Windows will lock your personal account (keeping all your apps safely open in the background) and switch to the Guest login screen. Because you did not set a password, the visitor can simply click “Sign In” and begin browsing the web safely, with zero access to your private data.