Checking local user accounts on your Windows Server is a fundamental task for server administration and security. It allows you to view, manage, and understand which users have direct access to the server itself, as opposed to domain accounts.
Easy Steps to View Local Users
You can quickly check the local accounts on your Windows Server using the built-in Server Manager tool. This console provides a centralized interface for managing various server roles and features, including local user management.
Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Server Manager console on your Windows Server. This is typically accessible from the Start menu or the taskbar icon.
- In the left-hand menu within the Server Manager console, click on "Local Users and Groups." This option provides direct access to the user and group management interface for the local server.
- In the main window that appears after selecting "Local Users and Groups," click on the "Users" folder. Clicking this folder will display a detailed list of all the local user accounts that exist on the server.
Understanding the Users List
Once you click the "Users" folder, the main panel will populate with a list of local accounts. This list typically shows:
- Username: The login name for the account.
- Full Name: The display name associated with the account (if set).
- Description: A brief description of the account (if set).
- Disabled Status: Indicates if the account is currently disabled.
- Password Never Expires: Shows if the password policy is overridden for this account.
Reviewing this list helps you identify default accounts, accounts created during installation, and any custom local accounts that have been added.
Why Check Local Accounts?
Regularly checking local accounts is important for:
- Security Auditing: Identifying unauthorized or forgotten accounts.
- Troubleshooting: Verifying account status and properties.
- Compliance: Ensuring user accounts adhere to security policies.
- Maintenance: Cleaning up unused or temporary accounts.
While domain accounts are common in many server environments, understanding and managing local accounts remains crucial, especially for standalone servers or specific administrative tasks.
