Changing the administrator account in Windows 11 might sound like a daunting task, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know what you’re doing. Essentially, you need to access the settings menu, find the correct account settings, and make the necessary adjustments. Whether you’re upgrading a standard account to an admin or switching the admin rights to another account, this guide will walk you through it step by step.
How to Change Administrator Account in Windows 11
Ready to make the switch? Here’s how you can change the administrator account in Windows 11. These steps will guide you through the process of changing which user account has administrative privileges on your computer.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, click on the Start menu, then click on “Settings.”
Opening the Settings menu is the gateway to making any changes on your Windows 11 machine. You can also press Win + I on your keyboard for a quicker route.
Step 2: Go to Accounts
Navigate to the “Accounts” section.
This is where all user-related settings are housed. From here, you can manage your personal account details, family settings, and other users.
Step 3: Access Family & Other Users
Click on “Family & other users” on the left sidebar.
This section lets you view and manage other user accounts on the device. You’ll see all the accounts associated with your computer listed here.
Step 4: Select the Target Account
Click on the account you want to change to an administrator.
A dropdown menu or additional options will appear as soon as you select a user account.
Step 5: Change Account Type
Click on “Change account type.”
This is where the magic happens. This option will allow you to elevate the selected account to administrator status.
Step 6: Select Administrator
Choose “Administrator” from the dropdown menu and click “OK.”
Confirming this change will grant the selected account administrative privileges. Make sure to double-check which account you’re changing.
After completing these steps, the selected account will have administrator rights. You can now manage the system, install software, and make system-wide changes with this account.
Tips for Changing Administrator Account in Windows 11
- Backup Important Data: Before making any significant changes, always ensure your data is backed up.
- Know Your Passwords: Make sure you have the passwords for both the current admin account and the account you’re changing to an admin.
- Use Strong Passwords: Admin accounts should have strong, unique passwords for security.
- Test the New Admin Account: Log into the new admin account to verify it has the necessary privileges.
- Limit Admin Accounts: For security reasons, it’s wise to keep the number of admin accounts to a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the administrator account without knowing the current admin password?
No, you need the current admin password to make any changes to user accounts.
What if I can’t access the Settings menu?
You can use the Control Panel to manage user accounts as an alternative.
Is it safe to have multiple administrator accounts?
It’s safer to limit the number of admin accounts to reduce security risks.
Can I revert the changes?
Yes, you can change the admin account back to a standard user anytime by following similar steps.
What happens if I delete the only administrator account?
Deleting the only admin account can lock you out of making system changes, so always ensure there’s at least one active admin account.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts.
- Access Family & Other Users.
- Select the Target Account.
- Change Account Type.
- Select Administrator.
Conclusion
Changing the administrator account in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to manage who has control over your system. Whether for security reasons or simply to hand over control to someone else, knowing how to navigate these settings is essential. Remember to back up your data and use strong passwords to keep your system secure. If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to revisit the steps or consult additional resources. Once you have this knowledge under your belt, managing user accounts will be a breeze. Now, go ahead and make that change confidently!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.