The procedure for adding a new user to Windows depends on the Microsoft Windows version.

In addition, there are several ways to add new users to most Windows versions. The instructions presented here show only a few of the possible paths to creating new users on Windows.

Add a User to Windows XP

  • Click the Start button
  • Click the Control Panel menu item
  • Double-click the User Accounts icon
  • Click the Create a new account menu item
  • Type a name for the new account in the data entry box
  • Click the Next button
  • Choose to create either a Computer administrator account or a Limited account
  • Click the Create account button

Add a User to Windows Server 2003

In Windows Server 2003, users can add either local user accounts or Active Directory accounts.

Add a Local User to Windows Server 2003

  • Click the Start button
  • Click the Control Panel menu item
  • If in the Classic View, click Switch to Category View
  • Double click the Performance and Maintenance icon
  • Click the Administrative Tools icon
  • Click the Computer Management icon
  • In the left window pane, click the + sign beside Local Users and Groups to expand that menu item
  • Again in the left window pane, click Users
  • Right click once in the right window pane to bring up a menu
  • Click the New User menu option
  • Enter the User name for the new account
  • Enter the Full name for the new account
  • Enter a Description for the new account
  • Enter a Password the new account
  • Re-enter the same password to confirm
  • Choose the appropriate options for the new account:
    • User must change password at next login (Recommended)
    • User cannot change password
    • Password next expires
    • Account is disabled
  • Click the Create button
  • Click the Close button

Add an Active Directory User to Windows Server 2003

  • Click the Start button
  • Click the Control Panel menu item
  • If in the Classic View, click Switch to Category View
  • Double click the Performance and Maintenance icon
  • Click the Administrative Tools icon
  • Click the Active Directory Users and Computers icon
  • In the left window pane, click Users
  • Right click once in the right window pane to bring up a menu
  • Click the New menu option
  • Click the User menu option
  • Enter the First name for the new account
  • Enter the Initials for the new account
  • Enter the Last name for the new account
  • Edit the Full name for the new account (if necessary)
  • Enter a User logon name for the new account
  • Enter the domain for the new account or select it from the drop down list
  • Enter a password for the new account
  • Re-enter the same password to confirm
  • Choose the appropriate options for the new account:
    • User must change password at next login (Recommended)
    • User cannot change password
    • Password next expires
    • Account is disabled
  • Click the Next button
  • Click the Finish button