Guide on How to create a New User on mac

Introduction

Apple Inc.’s operating system, macOS, has a feature-rich features set with an intuitive interface. It appeals to both beginners and power users. Making new user accounts is a basic part of maintaining a Mac system. Whether you want to create a new user account on Mac for specialized tasks, a family member, or a co-worker. This tutorial will tell you how to create a new user on Mac.

Understanding User Accounts on macOS

It’s important to comprehend the idea of user accounts before diving into instructions for creating new user on Mac. A user account is a profile that contains the individual user’s customized settings, preferences, and access rights. On a single Mac, many user accounts can exist, giving each user the ability to enjoy a personalized experience.

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Step 1: Accessing System Preferences

On a Mac, the System Preferences software is the main tool for managing user accounts. Click Apple logo at upper-left corner of the screen to launch System Preferences. Then you have select ‘System Preferences’ option from drop-down menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Users & Groups

Find and select the “Users & Groups” icon once you are in the System Preferences window. On your Mac, you may browse and control user accounts in this section.

Step 3: Unlocking System Preferences

You must unlock the preferences before you can alter any user accounts. In the lower-left corner of the window, click the padlock icon. When prompted, enter your administrator password. By doing this, you can make sure that only authorized users can modify the system settings.

Step 4: Adding a New User

After gaining access to the preferences, select the “+” (plus) icon situated beneath the user account list. By doing this, the process of adding a new user will begin.

Step 5: Choosing the Type of Account

You will get prompt to select the kind of account you wish to create in a new window that opens. The three main account kinds available on macOS are Standard, Managed with Parental Controls, and Administrator.

After selecting the account type that best suits the needs of the intended user, click “Continue.”

Step 6: Filling in User Details

You will be required to provide the user’s complete name, account name, password, and password hint in the ensuing box. Make sure the account name is memorable and distinct. To safeguard the user’s data, a strong and secure password is required.

Step 7: Additional Options

You can allow the new user to have FileVault disk encryption for extra security. FileVault encrypts the whole disk to help safeguard your data. Additionally, you can let them reset their password with Apple ID, which can aid with recovering their account.

Step 8: Completing the Setup

After completing the relevant fields and making the appropriate choices, click the “Create User” button. You will then get Users & Groups preferences box by macOS, as it creates the new user account.

Step 9: Adjusting Account Settings

To make more changes, go back to the Users & Groups options and click on the new user account. This is where you manage login items, set parental controls, edit the user’s profile image, and more.

Step 10: Switching Between User Accounts

You have two options for switching between user accounts. Use the fast user switching feature or log out of the current account and log in with the desired account. With the latter, you can transition between accounts without fully signing out. Fast user switching gets enabled by going to Apple menu, choosing “System Preferences,” “Users & Groups,” clicking on “Login Options,”. And finally checking the box next to “Show fast user switching menu.”

Creating Users in Mac Terminal

Although the graphical interface is easy to use. More experienced users who would rather use a keyboard can access the Terminal’s robust command-line interface. Here’s how to use the Mac Terminal to create a user:

Step 1: Opening Terminal

Use Applications > Utilities > Terminal to open Terminal, or use Spotlight to search for it (Cmd + Space, then type “Terminal”).

Step 2: Running the ‘dscl’ Command

You can use the command line to communicate with Directory Services by using the ‘dscl’ command. The syntax to create a new user is as follows:

sudo dscl . -create /Users/username

For the new account, replace “username” with the desired username.

Step 3: Setting the User’s Full Name

Use the following command to set the user’s complete name once they get created:

sudo dscl . -create /Users/username RealName “User’s Full Name”

Replace “User’s Full Name” to the real name and “username” to the username of your choice.

Step 4: Setting the User ID (UID)

Give the user a distinct User ID (UID) by using the following command:

sudo dscl . -create /Users/username UniqueID 501

As necessary, change the UID to make sure it doesn’t clash with any already-existing user IDs.

Step 5: Setting the Primary Group

Use the following command to give the user access to a primary group:

sudo dscl . -create /Users/username PrimaryGroupID 20

Step 6: Creating the User’s Home Directory

Execute the following command to create the user’s home directory:

sudo dscl . -create /Users/username NFSHomeDirectory /Users/username

Step 7: Setting the Shell

Use this command to specify the user’s default shell (such as Bash):

sudo dscl . -create /Users/username UserShell /bin/bash

Step 8: Setting the Password

Use ‘passwd’ command for setting the password of user:

sudo passwd username

Put the selected username in place of “username”.

Step 9: Completing the Setup

The new user account is established when you run these commands. Use the ‘dscl’ command to confirm the modifications, or look through the Users & Groups options in System options.

Conclusion

Knowing how to create a new user on mac lets you customize the computer experience for users. Seamless and safe user experience gets ensured by knowing the procedures involved in creating and managing user accounts. You can easily access the Users & Groups options and customize the Mac experience to each user’s unique needs by following the instructions provided in this post.

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Frequently asked questions