Do you have an extra administrator account on your Windows 11 PC that you no longer need? Maybe it’s an old account from a previous user, or you want to clean up unused profiles for better security. Removing an administrator account is pretty straightforward—but you need to do it carefully to avoid losing important files or locking yourself out of your system. This guide will walk you through the safest and easiest ways to remove an administrator account in Windows 11.
Things to Know Before Removing an Administrator Account
Before you jump in, keep these points in mind:
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You must be signed in as an administrator to remove another admin account.
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You cannot remove the only admin account—there must always be at least one administrator.
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Back up important files from the account you plan to delete, because this process can erase its data.
Different Ways to Remove an Administrator Account in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers several methods to remove an admin account, from the Settings app to Control Panel or even Command Prompt. Let’s explore the easiest ones.
Remove an Administrator Account Using Settings
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Accounts > Other users.
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Find the administrator account you want to remove.
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Click Remove.
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Select Delete account and data to confirm.
This will delete the account and its data from your system.
Remove an Administrator Account via Control Panel
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Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
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Click User Accounts > Remove user accounts.
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Select the administrator account.
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Choose Delete the account.
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Pick either Delete Files or Keep Files, depending on whether you want to save its data.
Remove an Administrator Account Using Command Prompt
If you prefer a quick, advanced method:
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Press Win + S, type cmd, and run as administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
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Replace AccountName with the actual account username.
Can You Remove a Microsoft Administrator Account?
Yes, but first, you need to sign in with a local administrator account. If the admin account is linked to a Microsoft account, removing it from the PC won’t delete the Microsoft account itself—it just stops it from being used on that device.
What Happens After Removing an Admin Account?
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All personal files stored in that account’s user folder (like Documents, Pictures, Desktop) may be deleted unless you choose to keep them.
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Apps and settings linked to that profile will also be removed.
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Your remaining accounts will not be affected.
Safety Tips Before Deleting
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Create a backup of any important data.
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Ensure another admin account exists to avoid being locked out.
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If you’re removing a work or school account, check with your IT administrator first.
Final Thoughts
Removing an administrator account in Windows 11 is simple when you follow the right steps. Whether you use Settings, Control Panel, or Command Prompt, always make sure you have another administrator account active before deleting one. A little preparation—like backing up files—goes a long way to avoid unwanted surprises.
FAQs
1. Can I remove the only administrator account on Windows 11?
No, you must have at least one administrator account on your system.
2. Will deleting an admin account remove its files?
Yes, unless you choose to keep the files during deletion.
3. Can I delete my Microsoft account this way?
No, this only removes it from your PC; the account itself remains active online.
4. Is it possible to recover a deleted administrator account?
Only if you have a system restore point or backup made before deletion.
5. Can I do this without admin rights?
No, you must be logged in as an administrator to remove another admin account.