Remotely manage local user accounts in Windows desktops with Hexnode

Hexnode extends its account management capabilities from macOS to Windows devices by introducing Windows local user management. This feature enables admins to efficiently create and manage accounts for their Windows devices, simplifying the user management process.

Many organizations prefer Windows over alternative operating systems, attracted by its cost-effectiveness and seamless adaptability. Nevertheless, the account management process for these devices remains a persistent challenge in many sectors. Without MDM’s, IT admins often find themselves manually accessing individual devices to add, remove, or manage multiple user accounts.

With Hexnode MDM’s Windows local user management feature, this cumbersome process is no longer necessary. Admins can remotely create and manage multiple local accounts, allowing devices to be shared among multiple employees. They can also conveniently delete user accounts of former employees and easily assign a new account for the next user. Similar to Apple’s macOS, this feature also enables admins to assign existing or new accounts with administrator privileges, which can only be accessed by IT admins and can be used to control settings of other accounts within the devices.

Provisioning local accounts through Hexnode

In corporate settings, Windows devices typically utilize administrator and standard accounts as local user accounts, facilitating secure access to resources available within the device. Hexnode’s Windows local user management feature, presents admins with two methods for creating local user accounts: admins can either select a registered user from any linked domains linked within Hexnode or configure a completely new user.

Additionally, admins can set passwords and define account roles (administrators or standard users) during the account creation process. What sets this feature apart is its ability to grant “temporary” administrator privileges to standard users when necessary. This flexibility allows IT admins to tailor access permissions to specific users for a brief duration, eliminating the need to create new administrator accounts for each instance.

A Unified Interface to manage Local Accounts

Windows local user management also allows admins to conveniently retrieve vital account details such as the name, login/logout timestamps, changes in account settings, and more from a centralised interface. It facilitates periodic account audits and enables swift responses to any detected malicious or unauthorized activity.

Taking a step towards device security, Hexnode enables admins to seamlessly take charge of local accounts. They can remotely reset passwords and unlock user accounts that have been locked. Additionally, administrators can lock or even disable user accounts in the event of device loss or theft. This comprehensive approach ensures protection against potential threats and eases the overall management of Windows accounts for IT admins, giving them one less thing to worry about.