How to add a new user to Windows Server

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Windows Server 2019: The Easiest Way to Add a New Administrator User

Hi there, tech enthusiasts! Darren here from Darren’s Tech Tutorials.

When managing a Windows Server environment—whether it’s Server 2019, Server 2016, or even earlier versions—it is absolutely essential to manage your users correctly. Relying solely on the default “Administrator” account isn’t good security practice, especially if you have multiple IT staff needing access.

In this quick, hands-on guide, we’re going to walk through the straightforward process of creating a brand new user account and elevating that account to full administrator status. This allows you to delegate access securely and maintain accountability.

Let’s dive in and get your new admin user set up!

Step 1: Accessing Local Users and Groups

The first step is locating the management tool necessary to create and manage local server accounts.

1. Open the Start Menu on your Windows Server desktop.
2. In the search bar, type users.
3. Click on the result labeled Add, edit, or remove other users.
   • Note: This search shortcut will take you to the necessary control panel window.
4. In the resulting settings window, look for and click on Manage user accounts or look for the option that opens Local Users and Groups.

This action will launch the Local Users and Groups snap-in (usually lusrmgr.msc), which is where we will do all of our configuration.

Step 2: Creating the New User Account

Within the Local Users and Groups window, we need to create the actual account credentials.

1. In the left pane, click on the Users folder.
2. In the center pane, Right-click in the empty space (or right-click the Users folder) and select New User…
3. A dialog box will appear requiring the user details:
   • User name: Enter the desired login name (e.g., darren).
   • Full name: Enter the user’s descriptive name (e.g., Darren Admin).
   • Description (Optional): Add any helpful notes.
   • Password and Confirm Password: Set a strong initial password.
4. Below the password fields, you have four important options. For a new administrator account, we generally recommend setting the following (though settings may vary based on your company policy):
   • Uncheck: User must change password at next logon. (Unless you want them to immediately set their own unique password.)
   • Check: Password never expires. (For admin accounts where frequent, mandatory resets might cause lockout issues, but check security policy first.)
5. Click the Create button.

The new user account is now created, but currently, they only have standard user privileges.

Step 3: Granting Administrator Privileges

To ensure the new user can manage the server, install software, and perform all necessary administrative tasks, we must add them to the local Administrators group.

1. In the Local Users and Groups window, navigate to the Groups folder in the left pane.
2. In the center pane, double-click on the Administrators group. This opens the Administrator Properties window.
3. Click the Add… button.
4. In the selection field, type the Username you just created (e.g., darren).
5. Click the Check Names button. Windows will confirm the name and auto-fill the full path, ensuring the account is recognized.
6. Click OK to add the user to the list of group members.
7. Click Apply and then OK to close the Administrator Properties window.

Your new user now has full administrative rights on this Windows Server!

Step 4: Testing the New User Login via RDP

The final step is verifying that the new credentials work correctly, especially for remote access.

1. Open a new Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) client window (use another computer or launch a fresh client on the server).
2. Enter the hostname or IP address of your Windows Server.
3. When prompted for credentials, enter the Username you just created (e.g., darren) and the Password you set in Step 2.
4. Click Connect.

If all steps were followed correctly, you will successfully log into the server using the new admin account. Windows will take a moment to set up the new desktop profile, and you are officially logged in as the new dedicated administrator!

Conclusion: Better Security, Easier Management

See how simple that was? By following these four quick steps, you’ve established a separate, dedicated administrative account on your Windows Server. This not only improves security by providing audit trails specific to each administrator but also adheres to best practices for managing professional server environments.

If you found this tutorial helpful in setting up your server environment, please hit that Like button and Subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, actionable guides on Windows Server, cloud computing, and more!

Have questions or run into issues during the process? Drop a Comment below—I always do my best to help solve your tech challenges!

Thanks for reading, and happy administering!