How to Create a Windows 10 Guest Account

Creating a guest account on Windows 10 lets someone use your PC without giving them access to your personal files, settings, or admin privileges. This guide walks you through two methods: using the built-in Guest account (if available) and creating a standard local user that works like a guest. You’ll need to be logged in as an administrator to follow along.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC with an administrator account (you’ll need its password).
• About 5–10 minutes of time.
• No additional software is required.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Enable the Built-In Guest Account (Pro/Enterprise only)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. (If you get an error, you’re on Windows Home – skip to Method 2.)
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options.
3. Double-click Accounts: Guest account status.
4. Select Enabled and click OK.
5. Close the Group Policy Editor. The Guest account is now active. To log in, go to the Start menu, click your profile picture, and select Guest (or restart and choose Guest at the login screen).

Method 2: Create a Standard User (Works on all editions)

1. Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Accounts → Family & other users.
2. Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC.
3. Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter a username (e.g., “Guest”) and a password. You can leave the password blank if you want, but be aware that’s a security risk.
6. Click Next. The account is created as a standard user by default – that’s exactly what you want.
7. To ensure it’s not an administrator, go back to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users, click the new account, and select Change account type. Confirm it says Standard User.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to set the account as Standard – if you accidentally make it an Administrator, the guest can install software and change system settings.
• Using a Microsoft account for the guest – this links personal email and cloud files. Always choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account” for a true guest.
• Leaving the password blank – while convenient, it means anyone can log in. If you want security, set a simple password and share it only with the intended guest.
• Not enabling the built-in Guest on Home edition – the Group Policy Editor isn’t available on Windows 10 Home; use Method 2 instead.

Tips

• To make the guest experience more private, you can also enable Guest in the netplwiz tool (type netplwiz in Run), but the standard user method is simpler and works everywhere.
• If you want to restrict which apps the guest can use, you can set up AppLocker (Pro/Enterprise only) or use Family Safety features.
• Consider enabling Fast User Switching so you can switch between your account and the guest without logging out.
• To remove the guest account later, go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users, click the account, and choose Remove.

Troubleshooting

• “gpedit.msc not found” – This means you’re on Windows 10 Home. Use Method 2 instead.
• Guest account doesn’t appear at login – After enabling the built-in Guest, you may need to sign out and back in, or restart the PC. If it still doesn’t appear, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and choose Switch user.
• Can’t add a new user – Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. If you’re on a work or school PC, group policies might prevent adding local users. Contact your IT admin.
• Guest can’t access the internet – If you’re using a Wi-Fi network that requires a password, the guest will need to enter it. You can also set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network on your router.
• Guest sees your files – Standard users can see files in public folders (like Public Documents). To keep your personal files private, ensure they are not in a public folder. You can also change permissions on specific folders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the built-in Guest account available on Windows 10 Home?

No, the built-in Guest account is only available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. On Home, you must create a standard user as described in Method 2.

Can I set a time limit for the guest account?

Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in time limit for standard user accounts. You can use third-party parental control software or set up Family Safety if the guest is a child.

Will the guest see my installed programs?

Yes, the guest can see and run most programs that are installed for all users. They can’t install new software without your administrator password.

How do I delete the guest account?

Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users, click the account, and select Remove. You’ll be asked whether to keep or delete the account’s files.

Can I make the guest account password-protected?

Yes, when creating the standard user, you can set a password. For the built-in Guest, you can set a password by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing net user guest *.

Does the guest account have access to my OneDrive files?

No, unless you explicitly share them. OneDrive files are tied to your Microsoft account and are not accessible from another local account.

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