Understanding User Account Types

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated December 10, 2018)

Windows allows for there to be several user accounts on one computer system. Because of this, several different people can use the computer, albeit not at the same time. Each account has its own set of folders, files, permissions, etc., so that the data from one account is kept separate (and secure) from the other accounts. When you login to your account, you access your desktop with your icons, your screen saver, your Start menu, etc., without worrying about possibly interfering with someone else.

There are three different types of accounts that exist within Windows. There is an account type that gives system-wide permissions so that someone logging into that account can manage the entire system as if they had it all to themselves. These are administrator accounts and should only be used by persons well-versed in Windows and the particular system they're managing.

A second type of account is a standard account. These are generally the most used accounts because users logged into standard accounts perform their day-to-day duties with their own files, and they don't concern themselves with the extra responsibility that goes along with managing the entire system.

Finally, there is the guest account. Guest accounts are disabled by default and are typically established for people who only need temporary access to the computer and aren't going to be using it on a regular basis. When creating a guest account, it is recommended that you limit its capability, e.g., to prevent network access, prevent system shutdowns, prevent access to the event logs, etc.

 This tip (12460) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Disabling a Laptop's Touchpad

If you never use your laptop's touchpad, you may want to disable it so that you don't accidentally effect unintentional ...

Discover More

Using Two Monitors with Windows

Windows is great about letting you work on multiple things at the same time. Often, however, you end up with so many ...

Discover More

Using Powercfg to Query an Existing Power Scheme

This tip shows you how to use the command-line Powercfg utility to query a given power scheme from your current environment.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing How User Account Control Works

The User Account Control (UAC) model allows an administrator to control when (or if) they are to be notified when a ...

Discover More

Changing a User's Account Type

There are several different account types in Windows. This tip tells you how to change from one account type to another.

Discover More

Adding a Password to a User Account

Passwords on user accounts are a great way to enhance security for a computer system. Here's how you can add a password ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine minus 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips