How To Create A Local Account On Windows Server 2019

Devilwatt

3 min read

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08-02-2025

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Creating local user accounts on your Windows Server 2019 is crucial for managing access and security. Unlike domain accounts, local accounts are specific to the individual server and don't rely on a domain controller. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to create a local account, highlighting key considerations for security best practices.

Understanding Local vs. Domain Accounts

Before diving in, it's essential to grasp the difference between local and domain accounts:

• Local Accounts: These accounts are specific to a single computer. Their permissions are limited to that machine. They're ideal for users who only need access to a particular server and not the entire network.

• Domain Accounts: Managed by a domain controller, these accounts grant access to resources across an entire network. They offer centralized management but require a more complex setup.

For servers primarily used for specific tasks or those not part of a larger network, local accounts are often sufficient and simpler to manage.

Method 1: Using Server Manager

This is the standard graphical method for creating local accounts.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Server Manager: Find the Server Manager icon (looks like a computer screen) in your Start Menu and open it.

2. Navigate to Local Users and Groups: In the left-hand pane, expand "Tools" and select "Local Users and Groups".

3. Open Users: In the Local Users and Groups window, double-click "Users".

4. Add a New User: Right-click in the right-hand pane and select "New User...".

5. Fill in User Information: The "New User" dialog box will appear. Enter the following information:

   • User name: Choose a descriptive and easily recognizable name. Avoid using spaces.
   • Full name: Enter the user's full name.
   • Password: Create a strong password that meets your organization's security policies. Ensure it's complex, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
   • Confirm password: Retype the password to confirm.
   • User must change password at next logon: Check this box to force the user to change their password upon their first login. This is a good security practice.
   • Password never expires: Generally, avoid checking this box unless you have a strong justification. Regular password changes improve security.
   • Account is disabled: Leave this unchecked unless you intend to create the account but not enable it immediately.

6. Group Membership: Review the group memberships. By default, the user will likely be added to the "Users" group. You can adjust group membership to control access privileges. Understanding group policies is crucial for effective security.

7. Click Create: Once you've entered all necessary information, click "Create".

Method 2: Using the Command Prompt (cmd.exe or PowerShell)

For those comfortable with the command line, this method offers a quicker alternative.

Step-by-Step Guide (using net user command):

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for "cmd" in your Start Menu, right-click "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".

2. Use the net user command: Type the following command, replacing the bracketed information with your desired values:

   net user "Username" "Password" /add
   

   • Username: The desired username (enclose in quotes if it contains spaces).
   • Password: The desired password (enclose in quotes if it contains spaces). Note: For security reasons, it's highly recommended to use the net user command with the password only for temporary use during initial account setup or in highly controlled environments. Consider using other security mechanisms (described later) in production environments.

3. Set Password Expiry (Optional): To set password expiration, use this command:

   net user "Username" * /expdate:{YYYY-MM-DD}
   

   Replace {YYYY-MM-DD} with the desired expiration date in YYYY-MM-DD format.

4. Add to Groups (Optional): To add the user to specific groups, use this command:

   net localgroup "GroupName" "Username" /add
   

   Replace "GroupName" with the name of the group (e.g., "Administrators", "Users") and "Username" with the username you created.

Important Security Note: Avoid using the net user command to directly set passwords in a production environment due to security risks. Instead, use a more secure approach such as the Server Manager GUI or dedicated password management tools.

Enhancing Security

Regardless of the method you use, remember these crucial security best practices:

• Strong Passwords: Enforce strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Regular Password Changes: Implement a password expiration policy.
• Account Lockout Policy: Configure account lockout thresholds to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Group Policy Management: Utilize Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for granular control over user permissions and security settings.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If possible, implement MFA for additional security.

By following these steps and security recommendations, you can effectively create and manage local accounts on your Windows Server 2019 while maintaining a robust security posture. Remember to always prioritize security best practices to protect your server and its data.