Local Windows 10 user accounts primarily reside and are managed within the Local Users and Groups snap-in found in the Computer Management administrative tool. This is where the definitions and properties of these accounts are stored and configured.
According to the reference provided, the default local user accounts, and the local user accounts that you create, are located in the Users folder. This Users folder is specifically found within the Local Users and Groups folder in the local Computer Management Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
Understanding the Location
When managing local users on a Windows 10 computer that is not part of a domain, you interact with the accounts through the Computer Management console.
Key Locations:
- Computer Management (MMC): The main administrative console.
- System Tools: A category within Computer Management.
- Local Users and Groups: A specific snap-in within System Tools dedicated to managing local accounts and groups.
- Users Folder: A container within the Local Users and Groups snap-in where individual local user accounts are listed.
Accessing Local Users and Groups
You can easily access the Local Users and Groups management console:
- Search: Type "Computer Management" in the Windows search bar and click the result.
- Run Command: Press
Windows Key + R, typecompmgmt.msc, and press Enter. - Right-click Start Button: Right-click the Start button, select "Run", type
compmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Once Computer Management opens, navigate through the console tree:
- Expand "System Tools"
- Click on "Local Users and Groups"
- Select the "Users" folder
This "Users" folder within the console is where you will see a list of all local user accounts on the machine, including built-in accounts (like Administrator, Guest) and any accounts you have created.
Management Actions
Within the "Users" folder in Local Users and Groups, you can perform various management tasks for local accounts, such as:
- Creating new local user accounts.
- Deleting existing local user accounts.
- Renaming accounts.
- Setting or changing passwords.
- Enabling or disabling accounts.
- Configuring account properties (like password expiration, group memberships).
Table: Navigating to Local User Accounts
| Administrative Tool | Section | Sub-Section | Location of Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Management | System Tools | Local Users and Groups | Users folder |
Note: While user profile data (documents, settings, etc.) is stored in folders under C:\Users on the file system, the definition and management of the user account itself are handled through the Local Users and Groups console.
