User Account Management Tool
The net user command manages user accounts on Windows systems. It allows you to create, delete, modify, and view user account information including passwords, account status, group memberships, and login restrictions. This is essential for controlling who can access your computer or network.
Think of it as the HR department for your computer - it manages who works there (users), what their credentials are (passwords), and whether they're active or on leave (account status). IT administrators use net user to quickly set up new employees, disable accounts when someone leaves, reset forgotten passwords, and audit user permissions for security compliance.
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Quickly add new user accounts for employees, family members, or testing.
Help users who forgot their password or enforce password changes.
Remove access for terminated employees or compromised accounts.
List all users to check for unauthorized accounts or suspicious activity.
net user List all user accounts on the local computer.
net user Administrator View detailed information about the Administrator account.
net user john.smith View details for a specific user account.
net user testuser Pass123! /add Create a new user account with a password (requires admin).
net user testuser * /add Create a new user and prompt for password securely (recommended).
net user testuser /delete Delete a user account permanently (requires admin).
net user john.smith /active:no Disable a user account without deleting it.
net user john.smith /active:yes Re-enable a disabled user account.
Creating, deleting, or modifying user accounts requires Administrator privileges. Viewing user information can be done without admin rights.
To run commands as Administrator in the simulator:
runas /user:administrator cmd Request administrator privileges
admin123 Enter the password when prompted
net user testuser Pass123! /add Now you can create/modify/delete users
Real Windows: Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator" before running net user commands that modify accounts.
Strong Passwords: Always use complex passwords with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Windows requires at least 6 characters, but 12+ is recommended.
Don't Delete Administrator: Never delete the built-in Administrator account. Instead, disable it if not needed using net user Administrator /active:no
Audit Regularly: Run net user periodically to check for unauthorized accounts, especially after security incidents.
Practice net user commands in the interactive terminal below: