If you want someone to have temporary access to your computer without having the rights to delete or mess it up, your best bet is to enable the guest account in Windows 8/8.1
I had to enable the guest account few days ago after a kid came up to me asking me for my password to use my home computer. I simply told him I could provide such information because it may contain inappropriate characters that may not be suitable for his age.
What I did was to enable the guest account for this kid to use my computer temporarily.
Users using the guest account do not have rights to create account, change settings, install programs or configure hardware settings.
The guest account Windows is the best way to provide temporary access to your computer. Folks logging on using the guest account may only browse network shares, use Internet and access other programs already installed. They can’t add/remove or delete anything.
The guest account is disabled by default on Windows computers. To use it, you’ll have to enable it and this brief tutorial is going to show you how to do it in Windows 8/8.1
To enable the guest account, sign on to Windows 8/8.1 as administrator or using an account with administrative rights. When you logged on, press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard to show Windows 8/8.1 Power Tools Menu.
The Windows key is the key to the left of the space-bar with Windows logo on your keyboard.
In Windows 8.1, if you right-click the Start button to the bottom left, it will also show you the Power Tool Menu.
When the menu opens, select Computer Management as show in the image above.
Next, expand the Local Users and Groups container then select the Users folder. When you do that, it will show all the user and service account on the system.
Right-click the Guest account and select Properties. Then uncheck the box to disable the account and click OK.
When you’re done, restart your computer and the Guest account should be an option to sign on with on your computer. Password doesn’t need to be set. It will automatically log on to the computer without passwords.
That’s it!
Now users who you want to give temporary access to should be able to use the account without messing with your computer. This is a great account for kids to use.
Viruses and other harmful programs that are on the Internet won’t be able to install on your machine.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable the guest account in Windows 8 for temporary access?
To enable the guest account in Windows 8 for temporary access, sign on as an administrator or with administrative rights, then access Computer Management and navigate to Local Users and Groups to enable the guest account.
What are the limitations of the guest account in Windows 8/8.1?
Users accessing the guest account in Windows 8/8.1 do not have the rights to create accounts, change settings, install programs, or configure hardware settings. They can only browse network shares, use the Internet, and access existing programs.
Why should I enable the guest account in Windows 8?
Enabling the guest account in Windows 8 allows you to provide temporary access to your computer without granting full administrative rights, ensuring that users cannot make permanent changes to the system.
Is the guest account disabled by default in Windows computers?
Yes, the guest account is disabled by default on Windows computers. You need to manually enable it to allow temporary access for users without administrative privileges.
Can users with the guest account add or delete files on a Windows 8 computer?
No, users with the guest account in Windows 8 cannot add, remove, or delete files on the computer. They are limited to browsing network shares, using the Internet, and accessing pre-installed programs.
How do I access Computer Management in Windows 8/8.1?
To access Computer Management in Windows 8/8.1, sign in as an administrator, press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open the Power Tools Menu, then select Computer Management from the options provided.
What steps should I follow to enable the guest account in Windows 8/8.1?
To enable the guest account in Windows 8/8.1, log in as an administrator, open Computer Management, expand Local Users and Groups, select the Guest account, and then enable it by setting a password and configuring other settings.
Can the guest account users install new programs on a Windows 8/8.1 computer?
No, users logged in with the guest account in Windows 8/8.1 do not have the rights to install new programs. They can only use the existing programs and services on the computer.