Show All User Accounts? Windows & Mac Methods
This article explains how to view every user account on a Windows PC or Mac, covering the built-in tools and commands for each system. You will learn the exact steps for the Settings app, Computer Management, and terminal commands, plus how to handle hidden accounts and common issues.
Why You Might Need to See All Accounts
Knowing all user accounts on a computer helps with administrative tasks like managing permissions, cleaning up unused profiles, or troubleshooting login problems. It also lets you verify that no unauthorized accounts exist, which is a basic security check. On shared or family computers, listing accounts can clarify who has access and what type of access they have.
Windows: Using Settings and Computer Management
Windows offers two primary graphical ways to see user accounts. The first is through the Settings app, which shows the accounts you created for normal use. The second is Computer Management, which reveals all local accounts including hidden ones.
- Settings app: Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users. This lists Microsoft accounts and local accounts that can sign in to the PC, but it may not show built-in accounts like Administrator or Guest.
- Computer Management: Right-click the Start button and select Computer Management. Then expand Local Users and Groups and click Users. This shows every local account, including disabled ones and the built-in Administrator.
Note that Local Users and Groups is not available on Windows Home editions. For those versions, use the command-line method described next.
Windows: Using Command Line (net user)
The net user command works on all editions of Windows and lists every local user account. Open Command Prompt (cmd) or PowerShell, type net user, and press Enter. The output shows all account names, and you can see details for a specific account with net user <username>.
For a more detailed list including account status and last login, use PowerShell with the command Get-LocalUser. This cmdlet is available on Windows 10 and 11 and displays properties like Enabled and LastLogon.
Mac: Using System Settings and Directory Utility
On a Mac, the graphical way to see user accounts is through System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click Users & Groups to see a list of all accounts that can log in, along with their type (Administrator, Standard, etc.).
To see hidden system accounts (like _spotlight or _www), you need the Directory Utility app. Open it from /System/Library/CoreServices/Applications/ or use Spotlight to search for “Directory Utility”. In the app, click the lock to authenticate, then go to the Directory Editor tab and select “Users” from the dropdown. This reveals all local accounts, including those not shown in System Settings.
Mac: Using Terminal Commands
The Terminal app provides a quick way to list all user accounts. The command dscl . -list /Users displays every user directory, including system accounts. For a more readable list that shows only accounts with a real home directory, use dscl . -list /Users | grep -v '^_'. This filters out the hidden system accounts that start with an underscore.
Another useful command is who, which shows who is currently logged in, and last which shows login history. These are helpful for auditing but do not list all accounts.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that the Settings app shows all accounts. In reality, it hides built-in accounts and disabled accounts. For example, the default “Administrator” account is often disabled and invisible in Settings, but it appears in Computer Management. Similarly, on macOS, System Settings only shows accounts that can log in graphically; system accounts are hidden for safety.
Another issue is that some accounts may appear twice if they are linked to a Microsoft account versus a local account. The command line tools show the true local account name, while Settings may show the Microsoft account email. This can cause confusion when trying to match accounts.
If you cannot see any users in Computer Management, it is likely because you are using Windows Home. In that case, use net user in an elevated Command Prompt. If the command returns an error, ensure you are running it as an administrator.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Listing all user accounts is a standard administrative task, but it also reveals sensitive information. On a shared computer, only administrators should have the ability to list hidden accounts. On Windows, the net user command requires administrative privileges to show full details. On macOS, Directory Utility requires an administrator password to unlock.
Be aware that some accounts are created by the operating system and should not be deleted. For instance, on Windows, the “SYSTEM” and “TrustedInstaller” accounts are used for system processes. On macOS, accounts like “_windowserver” are part of the system. Deleting or modifying these can break your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I see all user accounts on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users. For a complete list including hidden accounts, open Computer Management (or run net user in Command Prompt) as an administrator.
Why doesn’t the Settings app show the Administrator account?
Windows hides the built-in Administrator account by default because it is disabled. To see it, use Computer Management or the command line. You can enable it with net user administrator /active:yes in an elevated prompt, but this is not recommended for daily use.
Can I list user accounts on a Mac without using Terminal?
Yes, open System Settings > Users & Groups. For hidden system accounts, you need Directory Utility, which is a graphical app but requires authentication.
What is the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account on Windows?
A local account exists only on your PC, while a Microsoft account syncs settings across devices and uses an email address. Both appear in the user list, but the Microsoft account may show the email instead of the local username.
How can I see when a user last logged in?
On Windows, use net user <username> to see the last logon date. On macOS, use last <username> in Terminal. These commands require appropriate permissions.
Is it safe to delete a user account I found?
Only delete accounts you recognize as no longer needed. Never delete accounts that start with an underscore on macOS or system accounts on Windows. Always back up important data before deleting.
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