How to Open "Local Users and Groups" in Windows 7 and Windows 8

   Information

This will show you how to open Local Users and Groups so you can secure and manage user accounts and groups that are stored locally on your Windows 7 or Windows 8 computer.

By using Local Users and Groups, you can limit the ability of users and groups to perform certain actions by assigning rights and permissions to them. A right authorizes a user to perform certain actions on a computer, such as backing up files and folders or shutting down a computer. A permission is a rule that is associated with an object (usually a file, folder, or printer), and it regulates which users can have access to the object and in what manner.

   Note

Here is a brief explanation of what the Users and Groups folders are for. For more detailed information about Local Users and Groups, click on the blue ? on the toolbar in the Local Users and Groups window.

• Users - The Users folder displays default user accounts as well as the user accounts that you create. These default user accounts are created automatically when you install the operating system. The following table describes each default user account that appears in Local Users and Groups.
• Groups - The Groups folder displays the default local groups as well as the local groups that you create. Default local groups are created automatically when you install the operating system. Belonging to a local group gives a user the rights and abilities to perform various tasks on the local computer.

   Warning

You will need to be an administrator to open Local Users and Groups.

In Windows 7, the Local Users and Groups will only be available in the Professional, Ultimate, and Enterpise editions.

In Windows RT, 8, and 8.1, the Local Users and Groups will only be available in the Pro and Enterprise editions.

EXAMPLE: Local Users and Groups Manager

OPTION ONE

Open "Local Users and Groups Manager" Directly

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter.
NOTE: This file is located at C:\Windows\System32\lusrmgr.msc.

2. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

3. You can now set and manage the Local Users and Groups settings on your computer to how you want them. (See example screenshots at the top of the tutorial)

OPTION TWO

Open "Local Users and Groups Manager" in Computer Management

1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Administrative Tools icon.

2. Close the Control Panel window.

3. In Administrative Tools, click/tap on the Computer Management icon.

4. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

5. Close the Administrative Tools window.

6. In the left pane of Computer Management, double click/tap on Local Users and Groups. (See screenshot below)

7. You can now set and manage the Local Users and Groups settings on your computer to how you want them. (See screenshot above)

OPTION THREE

Open "Local Users and Groups Manager" in Advanced User Accounts

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type netplwiz, and press Enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

3. Click/tap on the Advanced tab, and click/tap on the Advanced button. (See screenshot below)

4. You can now set and manage the Local Users and Groups settings on your computer to how you want them. (See example screenshots at the top of the tutorial)

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Open the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Open the Local Security Policy Editor in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a Custom MSC in Microsoft Management Console
• How to Create a Advanced User Accounts Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Add or Remove User Accounts from Groups in Windows 7 and Vista
• How to Enable or Disable the Local Users and Groups MMC Snap-in