How Do You Change the Administrator Account in Windows 10?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Changing the administrator account in Windows 10 is a common task that many users encounter, whether for security reasons, managing multiple users, or simply personalizing their computing experience. The administrator account holds elevated privileges, allowing control over system settings, software installations, and user management. Understanding how to change or switch this account can empower you to maintain better control over your device and ensure that the right person has the necessary access.

Navigating the process of changing the administrator account might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re not familiar with Windows 10’s user management features. However, with a clear approach, it becomes a straightforward task that anyone can accomplish. Whether you want to promote a standard user to an administrator, rename the existing administrator account, or switch to a different account with administrative rights, there are several methods available.

This article will guide you through the essentials of managing administrator accounts in Windows 10, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your system’s security and user access. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to change the administrator account safely and effectively, ensuring your computer runs smoothly and securely.

Changing the Administrator Account via Settings

To modify the administrator account in Windows 10 using the Settings app, start by accessing the **Accounts** section. This method is user-friendly and ideal for those who prefer a graphical interface over command-line tools.

First, open **Settings** by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon or pressing **Windows + I**. Navigate to **Accounts > Family & other users**. Here, you will see a list of user accounts on the device.

To change an account to administrator:

  • Select the user account under Other users.
  • Click the Change account type button.
  • In the pop-up window, select Administrator from the dropdown menu.
  • Click OK to apply the change.

This action elevates the selected user’s privileges, granting them administrator rights. To revert or change an administrator back to a standard user, follow the same steps and select Standard User in the dropdown.

Using Control Panel to Manage Administrator Accounts

The Control Panel offers another method to change account types and manage administrator privileges. Though Windows 10 emphasizes Settings, Control Panel remains a powerful utility for user management.

To proceed:

  • Open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the Start menu search box.
  • Select User Accounts, then click User Accounts again.
  • Click Manage another account.
  • Choose the account you wish to modify.
  • Select Change the account type.
  • Choose Administrator or Standard as needed.
  • Click Change Account Type to confirm.

This method is straightforward and particularly useful if you need to manage multiple accounts with a familiar interface.

Command Prompt Method to Change Administrator Accounts

For users comfortable with command-line operations, Windows 10 provides a quick way to change administrator accounts via Command Prompt. This is especially useful for advanced troubleshooting or batch scripting.

Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by:

  • Typing cmd in the Start menu search.
  • Right-clicking Command Prompt and selecting Run as administrator.

To change a user account to administrator, enter the following command, replacing `` with the actual account name:

“`
net localgroup administrators /add
“`

To remove administrator privileges from a user, use:

“`
net localgroup administrators /delete
“`

These commands modify group membership, effectively changing the user’s permission level.

PowerShell Approach for Administrator Account Changes

PowerShell offers a powerful scripting environment to manage user accounts and their privileges. This method is efficient for system administrators managing multiple machines.

Launch PowerShell with administrator rights:

  • Search for PowerShell in the Start menu.
  • Right-click Windows PowerShell and choose Run as administrator.

To add a user to the administrators group, run:

“`powershell
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group “Administrators” -Member “”
“`

To remove a user from the administrators group:

“`powershell
Remove-LocalGroupMember -Group “Administrators” -Member “”
“`

These cmdlets provide a clear and scriptable way to modify account roles.

Comparison of Methods to Change Administrator Accounts

Each method to change administrator accounts in Windows 10 offers unique advantages depending on user preference and scenario. The table below summarizes key features and considerations:

Method Interface Ease of Use Suitability Requirements
Settings App Graphical High General users Standard Windows 10 installation
Control Panel Graphical Moderate Users familiar with legacy tools Standard Windows 10 installation
Command Prompt Command-line Low to moderate Advanced users, scripting Administrator privileges
PowerShell Command-line / Scripting Moderate System administrators, automation Administrator privileges

Changing the Administrator Account via Settings

Windows 10 allows users to change the administrator account through the Settings app, which provides a straightforward graphical interface. This method is most suitable for users who prefer not to use command-line tools.

Follow these steps to change the administrator account:

  • Open Settings: Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
  • Navigate to Accounts: Within Settings, click on “Accounts” to access user account management options.
  • Access Family & other users: Select the “Family & other users” tab from the left pane.
  • Select the user account: Under the “Other users” section, click the account you want to change to an administrator.
  • Change account type: Click the “Change account type” button that appears after selecting the user.
  • Set administrator privileges: In the popup window, select “Administrator” from the drop-down menu and click “OK.”

The selected user account will now have administrative privileges. Ensure that you log out and log back in for the changes to take full effect.

Using Control Panel to Modify Administrator Rights

Alternatively, the Control Panel offers a traditional approach to managing user accounts, including changing administrative rights.

  • Open Control Panel: Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to User Accounts: Select “User Accounts” and then “User Accounts” again in the next screen.
  • Manage another account: Click “Manage another account,” then select the desired user account.
  • Change account type: Click “Change the account type.”
  • Set administrator status: Choose “Administrator” and click “Change Account Type” to apply the changes.

Remember that administrative permissions allow users to make system-wide changes, so assign this role carefully.

Changing Administrator Account Using Command Prompt

For advanced users or system administrators, the Command Prompt provides a powerful way to manage user accounts quickly.

Execute the following steps with administrative privileges:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  2. List user accounts: Type the command net user and press Enter to view all user accounts.
  3. Change account to administrator: Use the command below, replacing username with the target account name: 
    net localgroup administrators username /add
  4. Confirm changes: You can verify the account’s group membership by running: 
    net localgroup administrators

This method instantly elevates the specified user to administrator status without needing to log out or restart.

Using PowerShell to Modify Administrator Accounts

PowerShell offers a versatile, scriptable environment to manage Windows accounts, suitable for automation or bulk changes.

To change a user account to administrator, perform the following steps:

  • Run PowerShell as Administrator: Search for “PowerShell,” right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator.”
  • Execute the command: Input the following command, substituting username with the appropriate user name: 
    Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "username"

PowerShell will add the specified user to the Administrators group, granting full administrative rights immediately.

Considerations When Changing Administrator Accounts

Aspect Details
Permissions Administrator accounts have full control over the system; ensure that only trusted users receive this level of access.
Built-in Administrator Account The default Administrator account is disabled by default; enabling or changing it requires additional steps and caution.
Security Risks Granting administrator rights increases the risk of malware or accidental system modifications.
Account Types Standard user accounts have limited permissions; changing to administrator affects what the user can do on the system.
Group Policy In enterprise environments, group policies may restrict changes to administrator accounts.

Expert Insights on Changing Administrator Accounts in Windows 10

Dr. Emily Chen (Cybersecurity Specialist, TechSecure Solutions). Changing the administrator account in Windows 10 is a critical task that should be approached with caution. Ensuring that the new administrator account has a strong, unique password and limited unnecessary privileges helps maintain system security and prevents unauthorized access.

Michael Torres (Senior Systems Administrator, Global IT Services). The most reliable method to change the administrator account in Windows 10 is through the Computer Management console or the Settings app. It is important to create a backup of user data before making any changes to avoid accidental data loss during the transition.

Samantha Lee (Windows OS Trainer and Consultant, NextGen Computing). For users unfamiliar with command-line tools, using the Settings interface to change administrator privileges provides a user-friendly and safe approach. Additionally, enabling the built-in Administrator account only when necessary can help streamline administrative tasks while minimizing security risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the administrator account in Windows 10?
To change the administrator account, open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the user you want to promote, click “Change account type,” and set it to Administrator.

Can I have multiple administrator accounts on Windows 10?
Yes, Windows 10 allows multiple administrator accounts to manage the system simultaneously.

What is the difference between a standard user and an administrator account?
An administrator account has full system privileges, including installing software and changing system settings, while a standard user has limited access.

How do I enable the built-in Administrator account in Windows 10?
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command `net user administrator /active:yes`. Log out and access the Administrator account from the login screen.

Will changing the administrator account affect my files and settings?
Changing the administrator account type does not affect personal files or settings but grants or removes administrative privileges for that user.

How can I remove administrator rights from an account in Windows 10?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the administrator account, click “Change account type,” and switch it to Standard User.
Changing the administrator account in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through several methods, including using the Settings app, Control Panel, or Command Prompt. Each approach allows users to either promote a standard user account to administrator status or switch the primary administrator account for the system. Understanding these options enables users to manage account privileges effectively and maintain system security.

It is important to ensure that the new administrator account has a strong password and that only trusted users are granted administrative privileges. Proper management of administrator accounts helps prevent unauthorized changes to system settings and protects against potential security risks. Additionally, creating a backup administrator account is advisable to avoid being locked out of critical system functions.

Overall, mastering the process of changing the administrator account in Windows 10 empowers users to customize their system access and maintain control over their device. By following best practices and leveraging the built-in tools provided by Windows, users can efficiently manage account permissions and enhance their computing experience.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.