Copy existing user to new user buy copy everything from existing user


Gerd

Well-known member
Local time
10:36 AM
Posts
8
OS
W11
Hi,
I haven't used W11 22H2 for a while (working mainly on Macs) but have a question about creating a new user.
I am currently the single user on my Dell. I only have MS Office Home & Business 2019 installed.
I would like to create a new user as an additional admin, but it should have the same applications, files, directories, security, basically everything that I currently have.
I was searching the Internet for a while, even this forum, but have not found anything that shows me if it can be done, and how.
Can somebody please help me getting the new user setup.
Thanks for your comments.
Gerd
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5620
    CPU
    12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1240P 1.70 GHz
    Memory
    24
    Hard Drives
    512 GB SSD
Believe me, file permissions have burnt me too many times when trying to copy files/folders, etc from one account to another. It can be a nightmare. By far, the easiest and most straightforward way to share things between users on a single system is to use the built in Public folders (under C:\Users\Public) rather than the specific user default folders. You can pin these to Quick Access in all accounts, or if you want to get fancy you can add the relevant Public folders to each accounts' Windows Library (Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) and then replace the pins to individual profile folders in each user profile with Library pins instead.

Most applications install for all users so it's just a matter of creating a shortcut to the application for the new user. For the few apps that do not install for all users, just install again from within the new user account.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 2600.1742
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External +512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
1. Create your new Local User. Change the account type to Administrator.

2. Login under the new account. Copy user folders from the old user (copying in this direction, so the new user owns THEIR copies of the original files). Also if you're copying, instead of moving files, you can start over again if you made a mistake.

3. Open System Properties, and User Profiles dialog. Find the old user, copy their profile (registry settings) to your new user.

(Scroll down to the middle of the answer)​

4. Log out & log back on. Worse case, the old account is unchanged.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
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