Windows 8 tips: Adding a new user

When you create an account during Windows 8 installation it is an Adminstrator – that is to say the account can do anything and change any setting on the computer. If other people are going to be using the computer, especially children, you'll want to set up separate accounts for them and make them Limited Accounts.

Watch: Windows 8 tips

Read more: Windows 8 news and reviews

Sign into Windows 8, press Windows and C to start the Charms menu and click on Settings. Click on Change PC settings at the bottom.

Click on Users in the left-hand column, scroll down and click on Add User on the right-hand side.

If the new user has a Windows Live account you can enter their email address in the first text box that appears. We're not going to do that, so instead click on the 'Sign in without a Microsoft Account' text at the bottom of the window.

Click on the Local account button. Give the user a name and a password. Ensure the password is hard to guess so their account will be safe. You can also enter a hint to help them remember it. Just make sure that it is not so obvious that it gives the game away.

Click on next and Windows will show a summary of the user account.You can also turn on Family Safety by clicking in the box. Click on Finish when you're happy with the account.

You can either add another user or press the Windows key to return to Metro.

Read our Windows 7 guides