Windows 11 does not provide the old built-in Guest account as a normal Settings option. For a visitor or temporary user, the practical approach is to create a separate standard user account and avoid giving it administrator privileges.
Create a separate user from Settings
- Open Settings > Accounts.
- Open Other users. On some Windows 11 versions the wording or location can differ slightly.
- Select Add account.
- If you want a Microsoft account, enter the person’s account information. For a local account, use the available option indicating that you do not have the person’s sign-in information, followed by the option to add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Create the username and required sign-in information.
Keep the visitor account as a standard user
A newly created account should normally remain a standard user for guest-like use. Standard users have fewer system-changing privileges than administrators. Do not promote a temporary visitor account to administrator merely to make setup easier.
What this account can and cannot isolate
A separate account gives the visitor their own desktop, browser profile, and user folders, but it is not a security boundary for every file on the computer. Files stored in shared locations or folders with broad permissions may still be accessible. Protect sensitive data with appropriate permissions and encryption rather than relying only on a separate username.
Remove the account afterward
When the visitor no longer needs access, return to Accounts > Other users, select the account, and choose the removal option. Removing an account can delete data stored in that user’s local profile, so save anything that needs to be retained first.
Managed computers
Work and school PCs can restrict account creation through organization policy. If the controls are unavailable or the device is managed, contact the administrator rather than trying to bypass those restrictions.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.