How to Change Administrator in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you first set up Windows 11, your account may be created as either a Standard User or an Administrator. Administrators have full control — installing software, changing system settings, and managing other user accounts. But what if you need to switch your current account, or another user’s account, to administrator?

If you’re asking yourself “how to change administrator in Windows 11?” — this step-by-step guide is for you. We’ll cover multiple methods, explain when and why you should change account roles, and provide troubleshooting tips.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Windows 11 lets you change a user account type between Standard and Administrator.
You can do it through Settings, Control Panel, User Accounts, or Command Prompt.
Administrator accounts have full system privileges, while Standard accounts have limited permissions.
It’s recommended to keep at least one administrator account active.

What Is an Administrator Account in Windows 11?

An administrator account allows you to:

Install or uninstall software.
Create, delete, or modify other user accounts.
Change critical system settings.
Access files and folders of all users.
Run advanced troubleshooting tools.

In contrast, Standard accounts are safer because they prevent unauthorized system-wide changes — ideal for kids or shared PCs.

Why Change the Administrator in Windows 11?

Upgrade your own account: If you need admin privileges for apps and settings.
Share control: Give another family member or colleague admin access.
Limit access: Downgrade someone from admin to standard for safety.
Recover control: If the current admin account is inaccessible.

Methods to Change Administrator in Windows 11

There are several ways to do this, from beginner-friendly to advanced.

Method 1: Change Administrator via Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Navigate to:
Accounts > Family & other users.
Under Other users, select the account you want to change.
Click Change account type.
In the dropdown, select Administrator.
Click OK.

✔️ Done! That user now has admin rights.

Method 2: Change Administrator via Control Panel

Press Windows + R → type control → Enter.
Go to User Accounts > User Accounts again.
Select Manage another account.
Choose the account you want to modify.
Click Change the account type.
Select Administrator → Change Account Type.

Method 3: Change Administrator Using Command Prompt

For advanced users:

Search for Command Prompt, right-click → Run as administrator.
Type the command:

net localgroup administrators "username" /add
Replace "username" with the account name.
Press Enter.

Now that account is added as administrator.

Method 4: Change Administrator via PowerShell

Search for PowerShell, right-click → Run as administrator.
Run this command:

Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "username"
Replace "username" with the target account name.

Method 5: Enable the Hidden Built-in Administrator

Windows has a secret built-in admin account (disabled by default).

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type:

net user administrator /active:yes
Press Enter.

This enables the hidden administrator — useful if you’re locked out.

Differences Between Standard and Administrator Accounts

Feature	Standard User	Administrator
Install software	❌ No	✅ Yes
Change system settings	❌ No	✅ Yes
Manage other accounts	❌ No	✅ Yes
Safer for daily use	✅ Yes	❌ No
Access system files	Limited	Full

How to Downgrade an Administrator to Standard User

Sometimes you may want to remove admin rights:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
Select the account → Change account type.
Choose Standard User.
Click OK.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Change Administrator in Windows 11?

1. “Change account type” option is grayed out

You’re not signed in as an admin. Log in with an admin account first.

2. Forgot your administrator password

Use password reset disk or Microsoft account recovery.

3. No admin account available

Enable the hidden admin account (see Method 5).

Advanced Tip: Assign Admin Rights to Microsoft Accounts

If you sign in with a Microsoft account:

The same account type (Standard/Admin) applies across synced devices.
To switch, follow Settings → Accounts and change as shown earlier.

Security Best Practices for Administrator Accounts

Always keep at least one Standard account for daily use.
Use strong passwords on admin accounts.
Avoid giving admin rights to all users.
Disable the hidden administrator when not in use:

net user administrator /active:no

Conclusion

Changing the administrator in Windows 11 is straightforward once you know the steps. Whether through Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, you can easily grant or remove admin rights.

Remember: Administrator accounts have powerful control — so only assign them to trusted users. For everyday safety, stick with a Standard account and use administrator privileges only when necessary.

With this guide, you now know exactly how to change administrator in Windows 11 without confusion.

FAQs: How to Change Administrator in Windows 11

1. Can I change my account from Standard to Administrator?
Yes, if you have access to another admin account on the PC.

2. How do I make myself administrator without a password?
You’ll need access to an existing admin account or enable the hidden admin via Command Prompt.

3. Is it safe to always use an administrator account?
Not recommended — it increases security risks.

4. Can I have multiple administrators on Windows 11?
Yes, you can assign admin rights to more than one account.

5. How do I remove administrator privileges?
Change the account type from Administrator to Standard in Settings.