Manage local user accounts with net user
List every local account, inspect one in detail, or reset a password / re-enable a dormant account — the veteran account tool that still ships with Windows.
01Command
$ net user02What it does
Plain `net user` prints the local account list — including the built-in Administrator or disabled guest accounts you may have forgotten exist. `net user <name>` shows last password set time, account active status, and group memberships. Useful fixes: `net user <name> /active:yes` re-enables an account, `net user <name> *` prompts for a new password interactively, and `/expires:never` stops surprise lockouts. For richer scripting prefer the PowerShell cmdlets (Get-LocalUser, Set-LocalUser), but net user works in CMD and WinRE where PowerShell may not.
03Risk
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- net user | Microsoft LearnEvidence: Microsoft documents net user usage: no arguments lists accounts, <name> shows details, and switches like /active and /passwordreq modify them.
- NET USER - Windows CMDEvidence: SS64 documents net user syntax for listing, creating, disabling, and resetting local user accounts.
Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Security & Privacy
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