How to Open Local Users and Groups in Windows 11

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How to Open Local Users and Groups in Windows 11

If you manage users or troubleshoot permissions on Windows, you’ve probably used the Local Users and Groups console. It’s a simple yet powerful way to view all user accounts, manage groups, and control who can do what on a PC.

In this post, we’ll go over how to open Local Users and Groups in Windows 11, including several different methods — plus what to do if you’re using Windows 11 Home, where the feature is disabled by default.

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What Is Local Users and Groups?

Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc) is a built-in Windows management tool that lets you manage:

• Local user accounts
• User group memberships
• Password policies
• User account properties and rights

It’s especially useful for IT admins who want to quickly adjust permissions, add local admins, or troubleshoot access issues.

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⚙️ Method 1: Use the Run Dialog

This is the fastest way for most users.

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
2. Type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter.

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, this will open the Local Users and Groups console immediately.
If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you’ll get an error message — since Microsoft disables this management console on Home editions.

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🧭 Method 2: Open from Computer Management

If the Run command doesn’t work, you can access it through the Computer Management tool.

1. Press Windows + X, then select Computer Management.
2. In the left panel, expand System Tools.
3. Click Local Users and Groups.

You’ll see two folders: Users and Groups.
From here, you can add, remove, or edit user accounts and group memberships.

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💻 Method 3: Open via Command Prompt

If you prefer command-line tools, you can also open it from Command Prompt.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then select Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type: lusrmgr.msc
3. Press Enter.

The console will launch instantly.

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🧩 Method 4: Open via PowerShell

PowerShell works the same way:

1. Press Windows + X, choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the same command: lusrmgr.msc
3. Hit Enter.

You’ll get the same management window with access to users and groups.

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🧰 Method 5: Use Control Panel (Administrative Tools)

You can also open it through Control Panel if you prefer a traditional route.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security > Windows Tools (or Administrative Tools on older versions).
3. Open Computer Management, then expand System Tools > Local Users and Groups.

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🧩 What If You’re Using Windows 11 Home?

The Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc) console isn’t included in Windows 11 Home.
However, you still have options:

• Use PowerShell cmdlets like: Get-LocalUser Get-LocalGroup Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "username"
• Or use the free Lusrmgr alternative tool from GitHub:
  👉 Download Lusrmgr (unofficial replacement)

These tools give you similar management options without upgrading to Pro.

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💡 Extra Tip for Intune Admins

If you manage devices via Microsoft Intune, you can automate local user and group management using:

• PowerShell scripts deployed through Intune
• Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) for controlled elevation
• Policy CSPs for local administrator assignments

This approach ensures consistency across all devices — without relying on manual local access.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Local Users and Groups is one of those classic Windows tools that still matters today.
Whether you’re adding a new local admin, troubleshooting access issues, or cleaning up old accounts, it’s an essential part of user management on Windows 11.

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, PowerShell or the community-built Lusrmgr tool will do the job just as well.