Adding Users to Windows VPS

How to create additional user accounts on your Windows VPS

Adding Users to Your Windows VPS

This guide shows you how to create additional user accounts on your Windows VPS, allowing team members or clients to access the server with their own credentials.

Step 1: Open Computer Management

1. Open the Start Menu

   Right-click the Start button (Windows icon)

2. Select Computer Management

   Click Computer Management from the menu

3. Navigate to Users

   In the left panel, expand Local Users and Groups → Users

Step 2: Create the New User

1. Open New User Dialog

   Right-click Users → Select New User

2. Fill in User Details

   Enter the following information:

   • Username - The login name (no spaces recommended)
   • Full name - Display name (optional)
   • Password - A strong password
   • Confirm password - Re-enter the password
3. Set Password Options

   Check the following option:

   • ✅ Password never expires (recommended for VPS to avoid lockouts)

   Uncheck:

   • ❌ User must change password at next logon
4. Create the User

   Click Create, then Close

Use a strong password with at least 12 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Step 3: Assign User Permissions

The groups you add determine what the user can do on the server.

1. Open User Properties

   Double-click the user you just created

2. Go to Member Of Tab

   Click the Member Of tab

3. Add Groups

   Click Add → Advanced → Find Now

4. Select Appropriate Groups

   Choose groups based on the access level needed (see below)

5. Apply Changes

   Click OK → Apply → OK

Access Levels

Full Admin Access

For users who need complete control over the server.

Add these groups:

• Administrators - Full system access
• Remote Desktop Users - Allows RDP login

Admin users can do anything on the server, including deleting files, stopping services, and changing system settings. Only give this to trusted team members.

Limited Access

For users who only need to access their own files and run programs.

Add only:

• Remote Desktop Users - Allows RDP login

Limited users cannot:

• Stop or start services
• Access other users’ files
• Install system-wide software
• Modify system settings

Step 4: Share Login Information

Provide the new user with:

Information	Example
Server IP	123.45.67.89
Username	newuser
Password	(the password you created)

They can connect using Remote Desktop Connection (RDP):

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on their computer
2. Enter the server IP
3. Click Connect
4. Enter their username and password
5. Click OK

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Important Notes for VPS Environments

Fresh User Profile

When a new user logs in for the first time, Windows creates a fresh user profile. This means:

• Their Desktop will be empty
• Programs may not show shortcuts until configured
• They’ll need to re-login to apps (VSCode, Google, FiveM tools, etc.)

Shared vs Per-User Applications

Apps Installed for 'All Users'

These will appear for the new user automatically:

• Most programs from Program Files
• System utilities

Per-User Data (Not Shared)

These must be set up again for each user:

• VSCode extensions and settings
• Saved database connections
• Browser bookmarks and logins
• Desktop shortcuts
• FiveM server configurations

Limited User Restrictions

If you keep users out of the Administrators group, they cannot:

• ❌ Close your game server console windows
• ❌ Manage system services
• ❌ Access SQL Server (unless given specific permissions)
• ❌ Install software system-wide
• ❌ Modify firewall rules

This is great for security! Limited users can work on their own projects without affecting your server operations.

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Optional: Copy Files from Admin Profile

If the new user needs access to Desktop icons, project folders, or config files from the admin account:

1. Navigate to Admin Profile

   Open File Explorer and go to:

   C:\Users\Administrator
   
2. Copy Needed Files

   Copy items like:

   • Desktop shortcuts
   • Project folders
   • Configuration files
3. Paste to New User Folder

   Navigate to the new user’s folder and paste:

   C:\Users\THEIRUSERNAME
   

Some config files contain absolute paths. After copying, the user may need to update paths in configuration files to point to their own user folder.

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Troubleshooting

User can't connect via RDP

Make sure the user is in the Remote Desktop Users group. Also verify the Windows Firewall allows RDP (port 3389).

User can't see installed programs

Programs installed only for the admin account won’t appear for other users. Reinstall the program and select “Install for all users” if available.

User gets 'Access Denied' errors

The user likely doesn’t have permission to that folder or resource. Either add them to the Administrators group or grant specific folder permissions.

Too many users logged in

Windows Server allows 2 concurrent RDP sessions by default. If you need more, you’ll need RDS CALs (Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses).

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Need Help?

If you’re having trouble adding users to your VPS, contact our support team and we’ll be happy to assist!