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How To Delete or Remove Local User Accounts on Windows 10

Geeksdigit Team

May 25, 2026

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Windows 10 allows multiple user accounts on a single computer, making it easy for family members, coworkers, or different users to have their own settings, files, and applications. However, there may come a time when you no longer need a particular local user account. Perhaps a family member no longer uses the PC, an old test account is taking up storage space, or you simply want to keep your computer organized by removing unused accounts.

Deleting a local user account in Windows 10 is usually a straightforward process, but it is important to understand what happens before proceeding. When a user account is removed, Windows permanently deletes that account’s profile, desktop settings, documents, downloads, pictures, and other personal files stored in that user’s profile folder unless you create a backup first. For this reason, it is always recommended to review and save any important files before deleting an account.

Windows 10 provides several ways to remove local user accounts. You can use the Settings app, Control Panel, Computer Management, Command Prompt, PowerShell, User Accounts utility, and other administrative tools. Each method achieves the same result but may be more suitable depending on your experience level and Windows edition.

In this guide, you will learn the easiest and most effective methods to delete or remove local user accounts on Windows 10 safely.

Method 1: Delete a Local User Account Using Settings

The Settings app is the simplest method for most users.

Steps to remove an account through Settings

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Click Accounts.
• Select Family & other users from the left pane.
• Under Other users, locate the account you want to remove.
• Click the account name.
• Click Remove.
• Select Delete account and data.
• Wait for Windows to complete the process.

Once completed, the selected account and its associated profile data will be permanently removed from the computer.

If the account contains important documents, pictures, videos, or downloads, make sure to back them up before choosing the delete option.

Method 2: Remove a Local User Account Through Control Panel

Control Panel remains available in Windows 10 and offers another easy method for account removal.

Steps

• Open the Start menu.
• Type Control Panel and press Enter.
• Click User Accounts.
• Select Manage another account.
• Choose the local account you want to delete.
• Click Delete the account.
• Windows may ask whether you want to keep the user’s files.
• Select Keep Files or Delete Files according to your preference.
• Click Delete Account to confirm.

The account will be removed from the system after confirmation.

This method is useful because Windows gives you the option to preserve certain user files before deleting the account.

Method 3: Delete a Local Account Using Computer Management

Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions include Computer Management, which provides direct access to local user accounts.

Steps

• Press Windows + X.
• Select Computer Management.
• Expand Local Users and Groups.
• Click Users.
• Locate the account you want to remove.
• Right-click the account.
• Select Delete.
• Click Yes to confirm.

Windows immediately removes the selected account from the system.

If the Local Users and Groups section is unavailable, you are likely using Windows 10 Home edition.

Method 4: Remove a Local User Account Using Netplwiz

Netplwiz is a built-in utility that manages local and Microsoft accounts.

Steps

• Press Windows + R.
• Type netplwiz.
• Press Enter.
• Select the account you want to remove.
• Click Remove.
• Choose Yes when prompted.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.

The selected account will no longer appear on the sign-in screen.

This method is quick and commonly used by administrators who manage multiple local accounts.

Method 5: Delete a User Account Through Command Prompt

Advanced users can remove accounts directly from Command Prompt.

Steps

• Open Start.
• Search for Command Prompt.
• Select Run as administrator.
• Type the following command:

net user

• Press Enter to view all user accounts.
• Identify the account you want to remove.
• Run the following command:

net user Username /delete

Replace Username with the actual account name.

Example:

net user TestUser /delete

• Press Enter.

You should see a message confirming that the command completed successfully.

The account is immediately removed from the system.

Method 6: Remove a Local User Account Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers another administrative method for account management.

Steps

• Right-click Start.
• Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
• View available user accounts:

Get-LocalUser

• Locate the account name.
• Execute:

Remove-LocalUser -Name "Username"

Example:

Remove-LocalUser -Name "TestUser"

• Press Enter.

The local account will be deleted instantly.

PowerShell is particularly useful when managing multiple accounts or performing automated administration tasks.

Method 7: Delete a User Profile After Removing the Account

Sometimes the user account is removed, but the profile folder remains on the computer.

Steps

• Press Windows + R.
• Type:

sysdm.cpl

• Press Enter.
• Open the Advanced tab.
• Under User Profiles, click Settings.
• Select the old profile.
• Click Delete.
• Confirm the action.

Windows removes the leftover profile and frees storage space.

This method is useful when old profile folders continue occupying disk space after account removal.

Method 8: Remove a Local User Using Local Users and Groups Command

Professional editions provide a direct shortcut to Local Users and Groups.

Steps

• Press Windows + R.
• Type:

lusrmgr.msc

• Press Enter.
• Click Users.
• Locate the account.
• Right-click the account.
• Select Delete.
• Confirm the deletion.

This is one of the fastest administrative methods available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions.

Method 9: Delete a User Account From Safe Mode

If a user account becomes corrupted or cannot be removed normally, Safe Mode may help.

Steps

• Open Settings.
• Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
• Select:
  • Troubleshoot
  • Advanced options
  • Startup Settings
  • Restart
• Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
• Sign in as an administrator.
• Use any of the previous methods to remove the problematic account.

Safe Mode loads minimal drivers and services, often resolving account deletion problems.

Method 10: Remove a Local User Account Through Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal provides a modern interface for administrative commands.

Steps

• Right-click Start.
• Select Terminal (Admin).
• Display users:

net user

• Identify the unwanted account.
• Execute:

net user Username /delete

• Press Enter.
• Verify the account no longer appears.

This method is identical to Command Prompt but uses the newer Windows Terminal environment.

What Happens When You Delete a Local User Account?

When a local account is deleted:

• The user can no longer sign in.
• Personal settings are removed.
• Desktop customizations disappear.
• Downloads, documents, pictures, videos, and music stored in the profile may be deleted.
• Installed applications remain available for other users unless installed only for that account.
• Registry settings associated with the account are removed.

Always verify that important files have been copied elsewhere before deleting an account.

How to Back Up User Files Before Deleting an Account

Before removing an account, consider backing up important data.

Common folders to save

• Desktop
• Documents
• Downloads
• Pictures
• Videos
• Music
• Favorites
• Saved game files
• Work-related files

You can copy these folders to:

• External hard drive
• USB flash drive
• Network storage
• Cloud storage services

Taking a few minutes to back up files can prevent accidental data loss.

Common Problems When Removing Local Accounts

Remove button is missing

This often occurs when:

• You are signed into the account you are trying to delete.
• The account is the only administrator account.

Sign in using another administrator account before attempting removal.

Access denied error

Try:

• Running Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Using PowerShell with elevated permissions.
• Logging into another administrator account.

User profile remains after deletion

Delete the leftover profile manually using the User Profiles section in System Properties.

Cannot delete current account

Windows does not allow users to remove the account currently in use. Sign out and use another administrator account.

Account keeps reappearing

Restart the computer after deletion and verify synchronization settings if the account was previously connected to a Microsoft account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a local account without deleting its files?

Yes. When using Control Panel, Windows may offer the option to keep user files before removing the account.

Do I need administrator rights to remove a local user account?

Yes. Only administrator accounts can delete other local user accounts.

Can I remove the account I am currently using?

No. You must sign in using another administrator account before deleting the current account.

Will deleting a local account uninstall programs?

Usually no. Most installed applications remain available to other users. However, apps installed only for that specific account may no longer be accessible.

How do I know if an account is local or Microsoft?

Open Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you see an email address associated with the account, it is likely a Microsoft account. If only a username appears, it is typically a local account.

Final Thoughts

Removing local user accounts on Windows 10 is a simple task that can help keep your computer organized, secure, and free from unnecessary user profiles. Whether you prefer using the Settings app, Control Panel, Computer Management, PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Netplwiz, Windows provides several reliable ways to delete unwanted accounts.

Before deleting any account, always review and back up important files because the removal process can permanently erase personal data associated with that user profile. Once the backup is complete, choose the method that best matches your experience level and follow the steps carefully.

By regularly removing unused local accounts, you can improve system management, reduce clutter, and ensure that only authorized users have access to your Windows 10 computer.