Applies to Windows 7

Turn the guest account on or off

If you want someone to have temporary access to your computer, you can create a guest account. People using the guest account can't install software or hardware, change settings, or create a password. Because the guest account allows a user to log on to a network, browse the Internet, and shut down the computer, you should disable the guest account when it isn't being used.

Note

Note

  • The guest account is not available on Windows 7 Starter.

The steps that you should follow will vary, depending on whether your computer is on a domain or a workgroup. To find out, see "To check if your computer is on a workgroup or domain" in What is the difference between a domain, a workgroup, and a homegroup?

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My computer is on a domain

  1. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts, and then clicking User Accounts again.

  2. Click Manage User Accounts. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  3. Click the Advanced tab, click Advanced, and then click Users.

  4. Double-click Guest.

  5. In the Guest Properties dialog box, select or clear the Account is disabled check box.

  6. Click OK.

My computer is in a workgroup

  1. Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts and Family Safety (or clicking User Accounts, if you are connected to a network domain), and then clicking User Accounts.

  2. Click Manage another account. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • If the guest account is off, click Guest, and then click Turn On.

    • If the guest account is on, click Guest, and then click Turn off the guest account.