30 Second Tech – Set Up Guest User Accounts on Linux, macOS, and Windows

Creating a guest user account is a great way to allow others to use your computer without giving them access to your personal files and settings. This article will guide you through the steps to set up guest accounts on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring a secure and convenient experience for your guests.

Why Use a Guest User Account?

• Privacy: Protect your personal files and settings.
• Security: Limit access to sensitive information.
• Convenience: Allow friends or family to use your device without hassle.

Setting Up Guest User Accounts

1. Linux

Creating a guest account on Linux can vary by distribution, but here’s a general method:

1. 1. Open a terminal window.
   2. Type the following command to create a guest user:

sudo adduser guest

1. Follow the prompts to set up the account.
2. To restrict the guest account, you can modify the user settings in the Users and Groups settings or use the command line to set permissions.

2. macOS

To create a guest account on macOS, follow these steps:

1. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
2. Click on Users & Groups.
3. Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your administrator password.
4. Select Guest User from the list on the left.
5. Check the box next to Allow guests to log in to this computer.
6. Optionally, enable Enable parental controls for added restrictions.

3. Windows

Follow these steps to create a guest account on Windows 10 or 11:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Click on Add someone else to this PC.
4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
5. Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
6. Enter a username (e.g., “Guest”) and leave the password fields blank.
7. Click Next to create the account.
8. To set it as a guest account, click on the account and select Change account type, then choose Standard User.

Using the Guest Account

Once the guest account is set up, your guests can log in using the account name you created. They will have limited access to your files and settings, ensuring your privacy is maintained.

Conclusion

Setting up a guest user account is a simple yet effective way to share your computer while keeping your personal information secure. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, the steps outlined above will help you create a safe environment for your guests. Enjoy sharing your device without compromising your privacy!

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