For people with multiple users in their home, it is not only important to create separate accounts for each user in Windows 8.1; necessary to maintain mental health. Without separate accounts, users tend to overwrite each other’s settings and move files they shouldn’t touch. Here’s how to create new accounts and protect your information and experience from family members and guests alike in Windows 8.1.
Go to by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard or the Windows button at the bottom of your tablet or convertible’s screen.
Hover your mouse cursor over your screen to open the Charms Bar. Touchscreen users should place their finger on the right edge of their device’s screen and move their finger slightly to the left to open the Charms Bar. Now tap or click.
Tap or click .
Tap or click in the menu on the left side of your screen. Second option from the top.
Tap or click .
Click or tap the button near the middle of the screen to add another account to your Windows 8.1 laptop, tablet or desktop.
Users now have two options. Adults or teens with their own Microsoft Account must enter their existing Microsoft Account username and password here if you want them to access your device. Users who do not have their own Microsoft Account must create one using the Sign Up for New Email Address button under the Email Address field.
If this account is for a child, you will want to click or tap the Add Child Account option at the bottom of the window. This will enable content filters and safe search so they cannot access inappropriate material.
Finally, there is the option to create a local-only account. Local accounts can access your PC and create files and go online. However, they cannot download non-free apps from the Windows Store and their settings are not synchronized between computers. Click or tap on it to create one of these accounts.
Again, choose what type of account you want to create if you haven’t already. For this example we are creating a local account.
Add the username you want the account to have. If you wish, you can skip adding a password by not entering anything in these fields. Click or tap .
If this is a child account, click or tap the checkbox to have that user’s activities tracked and shown to your account. This allows you to monitor your child’s activities and make sure they are behaving safely online.
Click or tap .
This much. You have successfully created a new account in Windows 8.1. It is important to note that users will need the Windows 8.1 update before starting this tutorial. It’s free and available in the Windows Store.
