You can temporarily disable a user account on Windows 11 instead of deleting it entirely if you do not need that account right now. You may remove all their files, apps, and personalized settings by deleting a user account from your PC. While if you disable an account, you can preserve the data, settings, and personalization you have applied to that user account.
Check the How to remove user profile in Windows 11 article for removing a user account with all its data on Windows 11.
If you disable a user account, the account disappears from the sign-in screen, and if you try to log in with that account, you get the below message.
To disable an account on Windows 11, tune with me till the end of this tutorial because I will write about disabling a user account on Windows 11 (pro, enterprise, etc.) using two methods. Additionally, you will learn how to disable a family account on Windows 11.
How to disable an account on Windows 11 using the Computer Management
The computer management method is a graphical way to disable and enable a local account. But before everything, make sure to log in as an administrator and follow the following steps:
- Search for Computer Management in the search box. Alternatively, press Windows + R button to open the run and type the Compmgmt.MSC and enter.
- Under the System tools, click on Local Users and Groups.
- Open the users’ folder and find the user account name you want to disable; Writ- click on it and click on the Properties.
- Check the account is disabled option, and click Apply and OK.
Now the account has been disabled successfully, and you cannot log in with that account until you re-enable it.
To enable an account, follow the above steps, and this time uncheck the account is disabled option and click Apply button.
How to disable the user account using Command Prompt or CMD
Another way to disable or enable a user account on Windows 11 is through a single line of code using Command Prompt.
- Run the Command Prompt as administrator.
- Write the Net User command and enter to see a list of all the users on your PC.
- Now write the Net user UserName /Active:no command and enter to disable an account. (instead of the UserName, write the name of the user you want to disable)
On the second line, you see the completion message.
If you decide to enable the user account after a while, run the Command prompt as administrator. And write Net user UserName /Active:yes command and enter.
Again you see the completion message on the second line.
Relates: How to create a user account using Command Prompt?
Disable a family account in Windows 11 using Settings
The Settings app is an alternative way to disable or block a user. This method only works with a family account. If you have added a family member account, you can block their account using the Settings app from signing in.
- Open the Settings from the Start menu or press the Windows + I button.
- Click on the Accounts option and Family.
- Select the family account and click on the Block sign-in option.
- Confirm the block and click on the Block button.
Finally, you blocked successfully, and your family member cannot sign in until you unblock them.
Conclusions
To conclude, you learned to disable a user account on Windows operating system using Computer Management, Command Prompt, and Settings apps. Furthermore, if your mind changes, re-enable them using the same methods. We are at the end of today’s session. I hope you enjoyed it.
