Are you looking to change the admin account on Windows 11? Maybe you bought a new PC, want to give someone else administrative privileges, or simply want to switch your primary account. Whatever the reason, Windows 11 makes it relatively simple—but there are multiple ways to do it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change admin account on Windows 11, step by step, ensuring a smooth process.
Why Change the Admin Account?
Before we get technical, let’s understand why you might want to do this.
Better Account Management
Changing admin accounts can help you manage users efficiently, especially if multiple people use the same PC.
Security Reasons
Removing admin rights from unused accounts improves security and reduces the risk of malware or accidental system changes.
Transfer Ownership
If you’re giving your PC to someone else, changing the admin account ensures they have full control while you remove your privileges.
Things to Consider Before Changing Admin Accounts
Changing admin accounts is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Backup Important Data
Always back up important files before changing admin accounts. Administrative privileges affect file access.
Don’t Remove All Admin Accounts
Windows 11 requires at least one admin account. Make sure you create a new admin before removing the old one.
Check User Permissions
Ensure the account you want to promote has no restrictions that could prevent administrative actions.
Method 1: Change Admin Account Using Settings
The easiest way to change an admin account is via Windows 11 Settings.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Accounts
Navigate to Accounts > Family & Other Users.
Step 3: Select the User
Under Other Users, find the account you want to make an admin.
Step 4: Change Account Type
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Click on the account name and select Change Account Type.
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From the drop-down menu, choose Administrator.
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Click OK.
Now, the account has full administrative privileges.
Method 2: Change Admin Account Using Control Panel
If you prefer the classic interface, Control Panel works too.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
Step 2: Go to User Accounts
Select User Accounts > User Accounts again.
Step 3: Manage Another Account
Click Manage another account and select the account you want to change.
Step 4: Change Account Type
Click Change the account type, select Administrator, and hit Change Account Type.
Your selected account is now an admin.
Method 3: Change Admin Account Using Command Prompt
For advanced users, Command Prompt allows precise control.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Admin
Search for Command Prompt, right-click, and select Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Promote the Account
Type the following command:
Replace "username" with the account name you want to promote. Press Enter.
Step 3: Confirm Changes
You should see the message The command completed successfully. The account now has administrative privileges.
Method 4: Change Admin Account Using PowerShell
PowerShell offers another quick method, especially for multiple accounts.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Admin
Search PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Execute the Command
Type:
Replace "username" with the target account. Press Enter.
Step 3: Verify
Type:
Check the list to confirm the account now has admin rights.
Step 5: Remove Old Admin Account (Optional)
Once the new account is set as admin, you might want to remove the old admin.
Using Settings
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Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
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Click the old account and select Remove.
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Confirm deletion (optional: choose to keep files).
Using Control Panel
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Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account.
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Select the old admin account.
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Click Delete the account and choose whether to keep files.
Tips for a Smooth Admin Account Transition
Keep a Backup Admin
Always maintain at least one backup admin account for emergencies.
Sign in With Microsoft Account
Linking admin accounts to a Microsoft account makes password recovery and sync easier.
Update Account Settings
After changing admin accounts, update security settings, passwords, and PINs as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cannot Change Account Type
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Make sure you’re signed in with an existing admin account.
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Some accounts (like guest accounts) cannot be promoted to admin.
Command Prompt Fails
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Check the exact spelling of the username.
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Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator.
Issues Removing Old Admin
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Ensure the new account has admin rights before deleting the old one.
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Restart the PC if changes don’t apply immediately.
Benefits of Changing Admin Accounts
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Enhanced Security: Reduce risks from unused admin accounts.
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Better Control: Manage users and settings more efficiently.
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Ownership Transfer: Easily hand over the PC to someone else.
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Streamlined Workflow: Ensure the correct account has full privileges.
Final Thoughts
Changing the admin account on Windows 11 is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Whether you prefer Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, you can easily promote a user to admin or remove an old admin. Always back up data and maintain at least one admin account to ensure smooth system management.
FAQs
Q1: Can I change the admin account without logging into an admin account?
No, you need an existing admin account to promote another user.
Q2: Can I remove the default admin account in Windows 11?
Yes, but only after creating a new admin account. Windows requires at least one admin.
Q3: Will changing the admin account affect my files?
No, changing privileges doesn’t delete files. Deleting an account is what may remove data.
Q4: Can I use a Microsoft account as an admin?
Yes, linking a Microsoft account provides additional features like password recovery and sync.
Q5: Is it safer to use Command Prompt or Settings?
Settings is safer and easier for most users. Command Prompt is faster but meant for advanced users.