Local Users and Groups is a Windows 11 management tool that lets you view and manage the user accounts and groups stored directly on your computer. It can be useful when you need to change account properties, manage group membership, rename local accounts, disable accounts, or review local security settings.
Windows 11 provides several ways to open this management console. The quickest option is usually the Run command, but you can also access it through Computer Management, Windows Search, or the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
One important thing to know before you begin is that Local Users and Groups is not available in Windows 11 Home. The console is generally available in editions such as Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education.
If you are using Windows 11 Home, you may need to use alternative account-management commands or upgrade to an edition that includes this management console.
How to Open Local Users and Groups in Windows 11
To open Local Users and Groups quickly,
- Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter.
- To open it through Computer Management, right-click Start, select Computer Management, and then go to System Tools > Local Users and Groups.
- To find Computer Management through Search, open Windows Search, type Computer Management, open it, and select Local Users and Groups.
- To add the console manually, open Microsoft Management Console, choose File > Add/Remove Snap-in, select Local Users and Groups, and click Add.
- If Windows reports that lusrmgr.msc cannot be found, check your Windows 11 edition, because Local Users and Groups may not be available on Windows 11 Home.
1: Open Local Users and Groups Using the Run Command
The Run dialog box is the fastest method for most Windows 11 users. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open Run. Once the box appears, type lusrmgr.msc into the Open field. Make sure you enter the command correctly because Windows uses the .msc extension to launch management consoles.
Press Enter or select OK. If your Windows edition supports the Local Users and Groups console, Windows should open it immediately. You can then select Users or Groups from the left side of the window.
The navigation path for this method is Windows + R > type lusrmgr.msc > Enter > Local Users and Groups.
This method is particularly convenient if you frequently manage local accounts because you do not need to navigate through several Windows menus.
2: Open Local Users and Groups Through Computer Management
Another straightforward method is to use Computer Management. This tool brings several Windows administration utilities together in one location, including Local Users and Groups.
Right-click the Start button on the Windows 11 taskbar. From the menu that appears, select Computer Management. When the Computer Management window opens, look at the navigation pane on the left.
Expand System Tools, and then select Local Users and Groups. You should see the Users and Groups folders underneath it. Select Users to view local accounts or select Groups to view the local groups configured on the PC.
The navigation path is Start > Computer Management > System Tools > Local Users and Groups.
This method is useful when you want access to other administrative tools at the same time. Computer Management can also provide access to areas such as Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Disk Management, and Services, depending on your Windows configuration.
3: Find Computer Management Using Windows Search
If you prefer using Windows Search instead of navigating through menus, you can use it to launch Computer Management.
Select the Search button on the Windows 11 taskbar and type Computer Management. Windows should display Computer Management among the search results. Select the application to open it.
Once Computer Management launches, expand System Tools in the left pane. Select Local Users and Groups, and then choose either Users or Groups.
The navigation path is Windows Search > Computer Management > System Tools > Local Users and Groups.
This approach is helpful for beginners because you do not need to remember a Run command. It is also useful if the Start context menu has been customized or if you simply prefer searching for Windows administration tools.
4: Open Local Users and Groups Through Microsoft Management Console
Windows also allows you to launch management snap-ins directly through the Microsoft Management Console, commonly called MMC.
Press Windows + R, type mmc, and press Enter. When the Microsoft Management Console opens, select File from the top menu and choose Add/Remove Snap-in.
In the Available snap-ins list, select Local Users and Groups and click Add. If Windows asks which computer the snap-in should manage, select the Local computer option and continue.
Click Finish, then select OK. The Local Users and Groups snap-in should now appear inside the MMC window. From there, you can expand it and open Users or Groups.
The navigation path is Windows + R > mmc > File > Add/Remove Snap-in > Local Users and Groups > Add > Local computer > Finish > OK.
This method is especially useful for advanced users who want to create a customized MMC console containing several administrative tools in one place.
5: Create a Custom MMC Console for Local Users and Groups
If you regularly manage local accounts, you can save an MMC console containing the Local Users and Groups snap-in. This saves you from adding the snap-in every time you need it.
Start by opening MMC using Windows + R > mmc > Enter. Select File > Add/Remove Snap-in, choose Local Users and Groups, and click Add. Select the local computer and finish the setup.
After the snap-in has been added, select File > Save As. Choose a convenient location and give the console a recognizable name, such as Local Users and Groups Management.
After saving it, you can open the console later and immediately access the Local Users and Groups interface.
The navigation path is Windows + R > mmc > File > Add/Remove Snap-in > Local Users and Groups > Add > Local computer > Finish > File > Save As.
This approach is more advanced, but it can save time if you frequently perform local account administration.
Check Your Windows 11 Edition If the Console Will Not Open
If you type lusrmgr.msc and receive a message indicating that Windows cannot find the file or that the snap-in cannot be used, your Windows edition may be the reason.
To check your edition, open Settings and go to System > About. Look under Windows specifications and find the Edition entry.
If you are running Windows 11 Home, the traditional Local Users and Groups management console is not available. This is different from simply having a problem with the command. In supported editions, lusrmgr.msc should launch the management console normally.
The navigation path is Settings > System > About > Windows specifications > Edition.
If your PC runs Windows 11 Home, you can still manage accounts using other Windows tools, but you should not expect the full Local Users and Groups MMC interface to appear.
FAQs
What is Local Users and Groups in Windows 11?
Local Users and Groups is an administrative console that allows you to manage user accounts and security groups stored on the local computer. It can be used to review accounts, manage group membership, disable accounts, and modify certain account properties.
What is the fastest way to open Local Users and Groups?
The fastest method is usually Windows + R > lusrmgr.msc > Enter. If your Windows edition supports the console, it should open immediately.
Why can’t I find Local Users and Groups in Windows 11?
The most common reason is that you are running Windows 11 Home, which does not provide the traditional Local Users and Groups management console. Check your Windows edition under Settings > System > About.
Can I open Local Users and Groups from Computer Management?
Yes. Open Computer Management, expand System Tools, and select Local Users and Groups. From there, you can access the Users and Groups sections.
Can I manage Microsoft accounts through Local Users and Groups?
The console is primarily intended for local Windows accounts and local security groups. A Microsoft account used to sign in to Windows is not the same thing as a traditional local account, so not every Microsoft account management task can be performed from this console.
Is it safe to use Local Users and Groups?
Opening the console and viewing accounts is generally harmless. However, be careful when changing account privileges, group membership, account status, or permissions. Incorrect changes can prevent users from accessing certain resources or administrative functions.