How to Add a User on Windows Server
Short answerCreate a local user in Computer Management (or PowerShell), set a strong password, add the account to the right groups (Users / Administrators), and if they need RDP, add them to Remote Desktop Users (and keep firewall RDP allowed).
Overview
Use named accounts instead of sharing the built-in Administrator password. VPSGrid Windows VPS plans are unmanaged — you create and manage local users inside the guest OS after RDP/console login.
Before you start
- Connected as Administrator (RDP or console)
- Know whether the new user needs admin rights and/or Remote Desktop
1) Create a user (GUI)
- Right-click Start → Computer Management
- Go to Local Users and Groups → Users
- Action → New User…
- Enter username, full name (optional), and a strong password
- Uncheck User must change password at next logon only if you intentionally manage the password yourself
- Click Create, then Close
2) Create a user (PowerShell)
Open PowerShell as Administrator:
$user = 'deploy'
$pass = Read-Host -AsSecureString 'Password for new user'
New-LocalUser -Name $user -Password $pass -FullName 'Deploy User' -PasswordNeverExpires:$false
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group 'Users' -Member $user
# Optional admin rights:
# Add-LocalGroupMember -Group 'Administrators' -Member $user3) Allow Remote Desktop for the user (optional)
- In Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Groups
- Open Remote Desktop Users → Add → enter the username → OK
Or PowerShell:
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group 'Remote Desktop Users' -Member deployConfirm Remote Desktop is enabled and firewall allows it: Enable Remote Desktop.
Prefer a standard user + RDP for daily work. Only add Administrators when the person truly needs full server control.
4) Verify
- Sign out and sign in as the new user (or open a second RDP session)
- Confirm the user can do only what their groups allow
- Keep Administrator / console access available before removing anyone from admin groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete the built-in Administrator account?
Do not delete it casually. Create and test another admin first, keep console access, then decide whether to rename/disable Administrator as a hardening step.
User cannot RDP in
Check Remote Desktop Users membership, that RDP is enabled, firewall allows TCP 3389, and the password is correct.
Is this Active Directory?
This guide covers local users on a standalone Windows Server VPS. Domain/AD joins are a separate advanced setup.
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Need More Help?
Open a ticket at billing.vpsgrid.net with your service ID and whether the new user can log on locally via console.
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