Mets Minor League Blog

Music theory, instruments and musicians

Mets Minor League Blog

Music theory, instruments and musicians

How to Change Administrator on Windows 10 Easily

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Change Administrator on Windows 10 Easily

Changing the administrator account on Windows 10 allows you to transfer administrative privileges to another user, create a new admin account, or remove admin rights from an existing user. This process is useful when setting up a new device, sharing access with family or colleagues, or managing security by limiting or granting admin rights. Before you begin, ensure you have access to an existing administrator account, as you’ll need it to make changes. If you don’t have admin access, you’ll need to contact someone who does or use recovery options.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC with administrator access
  • Login credentials for an existing administrator account

Step-by-Step

  1. Press the Windows key or click on the Start menu to open it.
  2. Click on the Settings icon (gear symbol) to open Windows Settings.
  3. Select ‘Accounts’ from the Settings menu.
  4. In the left sidebar, click on ‘Family & other users’ (or ‘Other users’ in some versions).
  5. Under the ‘Other users’ section, find the user account you want to change to an administrator.
  6. Click on the user account, then select ‘Change account type.’
  7. In the dropdown menu, select ‘Administrator.’
  8. Click ‘OK’ to confirm the change.
  9. If you want to promote a local account to administrator via Command Prompt, press Windows + R, type ‘cmd’, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run as administrator.
  10. In the Command Prompt window, type: net localgroup Administrators [username] /add, replacing [username] with the account name.
  11. Press Enter. You should see a confirmation message.
  12. Close the Command Prompt window. The selected user now has administrator privileges.

Common Mistakes

  • Trying to change account types without administrator privileges.
  • Using incorrect account names in command-line methods.
  • Forgetting to restart or log out after changing account types, which may delay the effect.
  • Modifying the wrong user account, especially on shared or public devices.
  • Not backing up important data before making significant account changes.

Tips

  • Always ensure you have an active administrator account before making changes.
  • Use the Settings app for a straightforward, GUI-based approach.
  • For advanced users, command-line methods offer more control and scripting options.
  • After changing account types, log out and log back in to ensure changes take effect.
  • Keep your system updated to avoid bugs that may interfere with account management.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues when trying to change the administrator account, consider the following steps:

  • Cannot see the option to change account type: Ensure you’re logged in with an administrator account. If not, switch to an admin account or contact someone with admin rights.
  • Changes do not take effect after logging out: Restart your computer to ensure settings are properly applied.
  • Command-line method fails with error: Double-check the username is correct, and run Command Prompt as administrator.
  • Account is missing or not appearing: Verify the account exists and is properly set up, or create a new user account with admin rights.
  • System issues prevent changes: Use Windows Troubleshooter or consider resetting your PC if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the administrator account without logging into Windows?

Typically, you need to be logged into an administrator account to make changes. If you cannot access an admin account, you may need recovery options or reset your password.

How do I create a new administrator account from scratch?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC, then set the account type to Administrator after creating it.

Is it safe to give someone admin rights on my Windows 10?

Only grant admin privileges to trusted users, as they can change system settings and install software that may affect security.

What should I do if I forget the admin password?

You can reset your password using a recovery email, security questions, or by using a password reset disk if you’ve created one.

Can I revert an administrator account back to a standard user?

Yes, follow the same steps to change the account type, but select ‘Standard User’ instead of ‘Administrator.’

Will changing account types affect my files and settings?

No, changing account types does not delete personal files or settings, but it’s always good to back up important data before making major changes.

Related

How to Change Administrator on Windows 10 Easily
Scroll to top