How to Get Local Users and Groups in Computer Management

Properly managing user accounts is a cornerstone of maintaining a secure and organized Windows system. Whether you need to add a new family member to your PC, create a restricted account for a specific task, or manage permissions for different users, understanding how to get local users and groups in Computer Management is an essential skill. Local accounts are stored on your specific PC, granting access and permissions to that machine alone, unlike domain accounts used in larger corporate networks.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods for accessing and managing these accounts. We'll cover the traditional graphical interface, powerful command-line options, and an indispensable tool for users on Windows Home editions who don't have this feature built in.

How to get Local Users and Groups in Computer Management

For most users on Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Computer Management console is the most direct way to handle user accounts. This section outlines the standard methods for opening this utility and managing your system's users.

Method 1: Via the Computer Management Console

The Computer Management utility is a collection of administrative tools, including the "Local Users and Groups" snap-in. Following these steps will show you how to get local users and groups in computer management through this centralized console.

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button or press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu.

Step 2. Select "Computer Management" from the list.

Step 3. In the Computer Management window that opens, look at the navigation pane on the left.

Step 4. Expand "System Tools", and you will see "Local Users and Groups".

Step 5. Click on it to expand it. You will see two sub-folders: "Users" and "Groups".

Users: This folder contains all the individual local user accounts on your computer, including the administrator, guest, and any accounts you have created.

Groups: This folder contains user groups (e.g., Administrators, Guests, Power Users), which are collections of user accounts that share the same security rights and permissions.

Method 2: Using the lusrmgr.msc Command

If you want a more direct route that skips the main Computer Management dashboard, you can use a specific Run command. This is a quick shortcut for administrators who know exactly what they need.

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter or click OK.

This command will immediately open the "Local Users and Groups" window, taking you directly to the user and group folders.

Windows Home--Get Local Users and Groups Tool

A significant challenge arises for users of Windows Home editions, as Microsoft does not include the "Local Users and Groups" (lusrmgr.msc) snap-in with this version. This section introduces a powerful third-party solution that not only bridges this gap but also offers a wealth of other management features.

❌ The Limitation of Windows Home Edition

If you try to run lusrmgr.msc on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home PC, you will be met with an error message stating that the snap-in cannot be used with this version of Windows. This frustrating limitation prevents Home users from easily managing user accounts through a graphical interface, forcing them to rely on more limited settings menus or complex command-line tools.

Fortunately, this limitation doesn't have to be a roadblock. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a robust and versatile computer management software that extends far beyond its disk partitioning roots. A key new feature is its integrated "Users and Groups" manager, which brings full-fledged local user and group management capabilities to all editions of Windows, including Windows Home.

This tool provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface to perform tasks that are otherwise inaccessible on Home editions. With AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, you can effortlessly create new user accounts, delete old ones, change passwords, and manage group memberships without ever needing to touch the command line.

How to Manage Users and Groups with AOMEI Partition Assistant

Download, install, and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. On the main interface, click "Tools" in the top menu and select the "Windows Tools" option. In the new window, navigate to the "Users & Groups" section in the left-hand pane. This will display all existing user accounts and groups on your system in a clean, organized list.

From here, you can easily perform all necessary administrative tasks. You will see intuitive buttons to:

Create User: Set a new username and password.

Delete User: Remove an existing account.

Edit User Properties: Change a user's password or other details.

Manage Group Membership: Add a user to a group (like Administrators or Remote Desktop Users) or remove them with just a few clicks.

To Sum Up

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of how to manage local user accounts on your Windows computer. We've walked through the different methods available to help you choose the one that best fits your needs and your version of Windows.

Effective user management is key to a secure and efficient computing experience. By using these tools, you can ensure that your system remains organized and protected.