Skip to content
  • PC & Mobile
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Mobile
    • Android
    • iOS
    • Chrome OS
  • Hardware
    • PC Hardware
    • Product Review
    • Smart Home
  • Lifestyle
    • Internet
    • Gaming
    • Productivity
    • How Things Work
    • Glossary
    • News
  • Cheatsheets
  • Deals

Dark mode:

Home > Windows

How to Disable a User Account in Windows 10

Vamsi Krishna
Vamsi Krishna
Feb 18, 2018

When you are sharing your computer with multiple people like your family members, it is very common to have separate user accounts for each user. In fact, that is what you should do when you are sharing a computer. When you no longer need a user account, you can delete it with just a few clicks.

However, what if you just want to restrict a user from logging into their account temporarily?

One way is to delete the user account and recreate it as needed. The other way to is to disable the account. When you disable a user account, all the data and settings stay intact, but the user will not be able to log in, and the account will not be displayed on the lock screen.

Windows 10 doesn’t make it very obvious to disable user accounts. You can disable user accounts in two different ways and both are relatively easy. This article will show you how to do it.

Also read:How to Hide User Accounts on the Windows 10 Login ScreenHow to Hide User Accounts on the Windows 10 Login Screen

Disable User Account Using Computer Management Tool

You can disable any user account in Windows using the Local Users and Groups module within the Computer Management tool.

1. Search for Control Panel in the Start menu and open it. In the Control Panel, click on the option “Administrative Tools” and double-click on the “Computer Management” shortcut. Alternatively, open the Run dialog box with the keyboard shortcut Win + R, type C:\Windows\system32\compmgmt.msc and press Enter.

disable-user-account-win10-open-local-users

2. In the computer management window expand “Local Users and Group” and select “Users.” Now, right-click on the user account you want to disable and select the option “Properties.”

disable-user-account-win10-select-properties

3. In the Properties window just select the checkbox “Account is disabled” and click on the “OK” button to save the changes.

disable-user-account-win10-select-account-is-disabled

4. You’ve successfully disabled the account. There is no restart required. To let you know that the account is actually disabled, every disabled account is displayed with a tiny down arrow icon.

disable-user-account-win10-disabled-icon

When you want to enable the account, just unselect the “Account is disabled” checkbox in the user account properties window.

Also read:How to Effectively Create and Manage User Accounts in WindowsHow to Effectively Create and Manage User Accounts in Windows

Disable User Account Using Command Prompt

The other way to disable a user account in Windows is to use the good old command prompt. The best thing about this approach is that you can enable or disable any user account with just a single command.

1. First, search for Command Prompt in the start menu, right-click on it and select the option “Run as Administrator.”

2. Now, execute the below command while replacing <username> with the actual username.

net user <username> /active:no

3. Unlike the above method, Command Prompt will not display anything meaningful. Instead, it just prints out “The command completed successfully.” Of course, you’ve successfully disabled the account.

disable-user-account-win10-execute-command

In the future, to re-enable the account, simply replace “no” in the above command with “yes” and execute it. Once replaced, this is how the command will look.

net user <username> /active:yes

Comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences about using the above methods to disable a user account in Windows.

Is this article useful?
Subscribe to our newsletter!

Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox

  • Facebook
  • Tweet

Popular Posts

How to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows

Settings App Not Working in Windows? Here Are the Fixes

The Best Windows 10 and 11 Easter Eggs to Seek Out

How to Remove Old and Useless Drivers in Windows

How to Capture a Scrolling Screenshot in Windows

How to Use Your Smartphone as a Microphone in Windows

Headphones Not Working in Windows? Here Are Some Fixes

Can (and Should) You Continue to Use Windows 8 or 8.1?

How to Troubleshoot Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem

How to Be More Productive with Hot Corners in Windows

Affiliate Disclosure: Make Tech Easier may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Read Next

How to Fix “Windows Modules Installer Worker” High CPU Usage
How to Make Your Windows Gaming Laptop Play Longer on Battery
Settings App Not Working in Windows? Here Are the Fixes
20 Things to Try When Your Mouse Keeps Freezing in Windows
How to Check What Version of Windows You Are Running
How to Easily Download Streaming Video on Any Platform
How to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows
How to Defrag Your Windows Hard Drive

© 2022 Uqnic Network Pte Ltd.
All rights reserved.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write For Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feed Terms
Do not share my Personal Information.