How to Change Admin Email on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 11, 2025

When you first set up Windows 11, you might have signed in with an email account that later became your administrator account. But what if you want to change that admin email—maybe you switched to a new Outlook account, want to use your work email, or simply want better control over your PC?

Changing the admin email on Windows 11 isn’t complicated, but it does depend on whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Admin Email

There are several reasons to update the admin email linked to your Windows 11 account:

  • You created the PC with an old Microsoft account and now use a new one.

  • You want to separate work and personal accounts.

  • You’ve lost access to the original email.

  • You want a fresh start with a new Microsoft profile.

Whatever the reason, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Understanding Windows 11 Account Types

Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to understand the two types of accounts in Windows 11:

1. Microsoft Account

  • Linked to an email (e.g., Outlook, Hotmail, Gmail).

  • Syncs settings, apps, and files across devices.

  • Required for certain features like OneDrive and Microsoft Store.

2. Local Account

  • Not linked to an email.

  • Settings and files stay only on that PC.

  • Offers more privacy but fewer syncing features.

If your admin account is a Microsoft account, you’ll need to switch the email linked to it. If it’s a local account, you can simply create a new account with admin rights.

Method 1: Change the Admin Email by Switching Microsoft Accounts

Step 1: Open Settings

  • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

  • Go to Accounts.

Step 2: Access Your Info

  • In the Accounts menu, select Your info.

  • You’ll see your current Microsoft account email listed here.

Step 3: Sign in With a Different Account

  • Click Sign in with a local account instead (temporarily).

  • Enter your current Microsoft account password to confirm.

Step 4: Switch Back to a New Microsoft Account

  • After signing in locally, go back to Your info.

  • Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

  • Enter your new admin email (Microsoft account).

Congratulations! You’ve just changed your admin email on Windows 11.

Method 2: Add a New Admin Email and Remove the Old One

If you don’t want to convert accounts, you can simply add a new Microsoft account with admin rights.

Step 1: Go to Family & Other Users

  • Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.

Step 2: Add a New User

  • Under Other users, click Add account.

  • Choose Microsoft account and enter the new admin email.

Step 3: Make the New Account an Administrator

  • After adding, click the account name.

  • Select Change account type.

  • From the dropdown, choose Administrator.

Step 4: Remove the Old Admin Account

  • Sign in with the new admin email.

  • Go back to Family & other users.

  • Remove the old admin account if you no longer need it.

Method 3: Change Your Microsoft Account Email Alias

If you want to keep the same Microsoft account but just change the email address linked to it, you can do this via Microsoft’s website.

Step 1: Go to Microsoft Account Website

Step 2: Add a New Alias

  • Go to Your info > Account info > Sign-in preferences.

  • Click Add email and enter your new email address.

Step 3: Make the New Email Primary

  • After verifying the new email, set it as your primary alias.

  • This new email will now become your admin email for Windows 11.

Method 4: Create a Local Admin Account

Prefer not to use an email at all? You can create a local admin account instead.

Step 1: Open Settings

  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.

Step 2: Add a Local Account

  • Click Add account.

  • Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.

  • Then choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Step 3: Make It an Administrator

  • Set up a username and password.

  • Change account type to Administrator.

Now you’re free from Microsoft emails altogether!

Pros of Changing Admin Email

  • Access to updated Microsoft features.

  • Easier syncing across devices.

  • Better security if you use a stronger or newer email.

  • Cleaner account management.

Cons of Changing Admin Email

  • May require re-signing into apps.

  • Could temporarily affect synced files in OneDrive.

  • If you delete the old account without backing up, you may lose files.

Tips Before Changing Admin Email

  • Backup important files – Move them to an external drive or OneDrive.

  • Remember your passwords – You’ll need them during the switch.

  • Check software licenses – Some apps tie licenses to your Microsoft account.

Troubleshooting Issues

  • Can’t add a new account? → Make sure you’re connected to the internet.

  • Email alias not working? → Verify the new email through Microsoft’s email confirmation link.

  • Lost files after switching? → Check the old user folder under C:\Users\.

Conclusion

Changing the admin email on Windows 11 isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Whether you want to switch to a new Microsoft account, create a new admin account, or simply change your Microsoft account alias, Windows gives you the flexibility to do it. Just make sure you back up your data before making any big changes.

At the end of the day, your admin email is the key to managing your PC, so choosing the right one ensures smooth access, better security, and easier syncing across your devices.

FAQs

Q1: Can I change my admin email without losing data?
Yes! As long as you don’t delete the old account before transferring files, your data will remain safe.

Q2: Can I use a Gmail account as my Windows 11 admin email?
Yes, but it must be linked as a Microsoft account. Microsoft will convert your Gmail into a usable login.

Q3: Do I need internet access to change my admin email?
Yes, because Microsoft accounts require online verification.

Q4: What happens if I forget the password for my old admin email?
You can reset it via Microsoft’s account recovery options at account.live.com/password/reset.

Q5: Is it safer to use a Microsoft account or a local admin account?
Microsoft accounts offer better syncing and recovery options, while local accounts give more privacy. The choice depends on your needs.

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