Do you want to have an extra account on your computer that no one else will see? In this guide, you'll learn how to create an "invisible" account that doesn't appear on the Windows Start screen. It's easier than you think!
Article Contents
What is a hidden account?
A hidden account is a regular user account that functions perfectly normally, but doesn't appear on the screen where you choose who logs in to the computer. You can think of it as a "secret room" inside your system that only you have access to.
This account has all the features of a regular account: you can save files, change settings, install programs, and work without showing your presence to other users using the same computer.
✅ To make these changes you need administrator rights on your computer.
✅ Don't lose the code. of the hidden account, because recovering it can be difficult.
✅ Keep notes with your username and password in a safe place to avoid confusion in the future.
Step by step instructions
Opening the command application
Press the keys at the same time Windows + R on your keyboard. A small window will open.
Type cmd and press simultaneously Ctrl + Shift + EnterThis opens the command prompt with elevated privileges.
Creating the new account
In the command window, type the following command. Change the elements inside the brackets with your own (without keeping the brackets):
net user [το_όνομα_που_θέλετε] [ο_κωδικός_σας] /add
Example:
net user KryfosUser MyPassword123 /add
Click Enter and wait a few seconds. If everything went well, a message will appear stating that the account was created successfully.
Hide the account from the login screen
Make the account invisible
Now you will configure the account not to appear on the login screen. Use the command below, replacing [το_όνομα_σας] with the name of the account you created:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList" /v [το_όνομα_σας] /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Example:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList" /v KryfosUser /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Click EnterOnce complete, restart your computer. The account will no longer appear on the login screen, but it will remain fully functional.
/d 0 into a /d 1.
How to log in to the hidden account
Since the account is hidden, how can you access it? The process is simple and quick – follow these steps:
Connection via command
1. Click Windows + R to open the "Run" window.
2. Type the following command:
runas /user:[όνομα_υπολογιστή]\[το_όνομα_σας] explorer
Example: If your computer name is "MyComputer" and the hidden account is called "KryfosUser":
runas /user:MyComputer\KryfosUser explorer
Click Windows + R, write
cmd and press Enter. In the window that opens, type hostnameThe computer name will appear immediately.
3. After executing the command, a message will appear asking for the account password.
While you are writing the code nothing will appear on the screen — no dots or asterisks. This is normal and is done for security. Type the password as usual and press Enter.
4. If everything is done correctly, a new Explorer window will open running under your hidden account. From there, you can use it normally.
Additionally: Administrator Rights
If you want the hidden account to have full control over the computer — such as installing programs, changing settings, and general management — you must give it administrator privileges.
To add these permissions to it, run the following command in the command application (with administrator privileges):
net localgroup administrators [το_όνομα_σας] /add
Example:
net localgroup administrators KryfosUser /add
Administrator privileges give you complete control over the system. Use them only if you are sure that the account is secure and that its password is not at risk of falling into the wrong hands.
Delete a hidden account
If you no longer need the hidden account, you can delete it in a few simple steps. Caution: This process permanently deletes all user files and settings!
Step 1: Copy any important files from the account folder (usually located in C:\Users\[το_όνομα_σας]).
Step 2: Open the command application as administrator.
Step 3: Run the command:
net user [το_όνομα_σας] /delete
Example:
net user KryfosUser /delete
By executing the command, the account and all its data will be permanently removed from the system.
When is a hidden account useful?
Testing programs
Perfect for testing apps or experimenting with settings without affecting your main account. If something goes wrong, the main profile remains intact.
Backup security
It serves as a backup account in case you forget your main account password or have a connection problem.
Personal privacy
It offers a separate space with files and settings that other users of the computer cannot see.
Division of labor
It allows you to separate professional from personal use, keeping each environment clean and organized.
Frequently Asked Questions & Important Warnings
Can anyone locate the hidden account?
The account doesn't appear on the login screen, but a user with administrative privileges can see it from the account settings or through the command app. It's hidden, but not completely invisible.
What if I lose the code?
Password recovery is difficult without administrator tools. Therefore, store the password somewhere safe outside of your computer and do not rely on your memory.
Does it work on all Windows versions?
The process works fine on Windows 10 and Windows 11. On older versions, like Windows 7 or 8, there may be slight differences, but the general method is the same.
- Run the commands only as Administrator and in systems you trust.
- Before deleting an account, always keep backup copies of personal data.
- Use strong passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
- On corporate systems, consult your IT manager before making changes.
Use this method only on your own computers and exclusively for lawful purposes. Accessing or interfering with other people's computers without permission is a serious offense and is punishable by law.
The guide is purely educational in nature and aims to improve security and knowledge around account management in Windows.
You just learned how to create, hide, and manage accounts in Windows! It's a useful skill that can help you secure, organize, and control your system. Always remember to use strong passwords, take notes, and avoid unauthorized actions. Good luck!
(I.e. Last updated: December 2025
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