If you are searching for how to change administrator account in Windows 11, you may want to give administrator privileges to another user, change which account has administrative access, switch from a Microsoft account to a local account, or remove administrator rights from an existing account.
Windows 11 makes these tasks fairly straightforward, but the exact steps depend on what you mean by “change administrator account.” You might want to change the administrator for everyday use, promote another user to administrator, or simply switch the account currently being used to sign in.
The good news is that you do not need complicated commands for most administrator account changes. Windows 11 provides several built-in methods through Settings, Control Panel, User Accounts, and other system tools.
In this guide, we will explain how to change administrator account in Windows 11 step by step. We will also cover how to create a new administrator, remove administrator privileges, change the account type, switch between local and Microsoft accounts, and troubleshoot common problems.
What Is an Administrator Account in Windows 11?
An administrator account is a Windows user account with elevated permissions.
Think of a standard account as someone who can use the rooms in a house, while an administrator has the keys needed to make major changes to the house itself.
An administrator can generally:
- Install and remove applications
- Change important system settings
- Manage other user accounts
- Modify security settings
- Access certain protected files
- Change account permissions
- Configure system-wide settings
- Approve actions requiring administrative privileges
Because administrator accounts have greater control, Windows uses User Account Control, commonly called UAC, to ask for confirmation when certain changes are made.
Why Would You Change the Administrator Account?
There are several reasons to change administrator access in Windows 11.
You might want to:
- Give another family member administrator access
- Create a separate administrator account
- Remove administrator privileges from an existing account
- Replace an old administrator account
- Switch from one Microsoft account to another
- Change a local account into an administrator
- Make a standard user an administrator
- Remove an unused administrator account
- Change the primary account used on the computer
The correct method depends on which of these situations applies to you.
Can You Change the Administrator Account in Windows 11?
Yes. You can change administrator access by modifying the account type.
The easiest method for many users is through:
Settings → Accounts → Other users
From there, you can add users and change their account type between Standard User and Administrator, provided you have sufficient permissions.
How to Change Administrator Account in Windows 11 Using Settings
This is usually the simplest method for changing an existing user’s account type.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Press Windows + I on your keyboard.
You can also open the Start menu and select Settings.
Step 2: Select Accounts
In the left-hand sidebar, select Accounts.
Step 3: Open Other Users
Select Other users.
Depending on your Windows 11 version, this section may display accounts associated with the computer.
Step 4: Select the Account
Find the user account whose administrator status you want to change.
Click the account to expand its available options.
Step 5: Open Account Options
Select Change account type.
Step 6: Select Administrator
You will see a menu containing available account types.
Choose:
Administrator
Then select OK.
The selected account now has administrator privileges.
How to Remove Administrator Rights From an Account
Changing administrator access can also mean taking administrator privileges away from an account.
For example, perhaps someone no longer needs permission to install applications or modify system settings.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Go to Accounts
Select:
Accounts → Other users
Step 3: Select the User
Find the account you want to modify.
Step 4: Select Change Account Type
Choose Change account type.
Step 5: Choose Standard User
Change the account type from:
Administrator
to:
Standard User
Select OK.
The account will now have standard-user permissions.
Important Consideration
Make sure you have another administrator account available before removing administrator privileges from the only administrator account.
Otherwise, you could make future system-management tasks unnecessarily difficult.
How to Add a New Administrator Account in Windows 11
Sometimes you do not want to change an existing account. Instead, you want to create a new administrator.
Windows 11 lets you do this through Settings.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Select Accounts
Choose Accounts.
Step 3: Open Other Users
Select Other users.
Step 4: Add an Account
Select Add account.
Windows will ask for information about the new user.
Step 5: Complete Account Setup
Follow the instructions to create the new account.
Depending on your choices, you can create a Microsoft account or a local account.
Step 6: Change the Account Type
After creating the account, select it under Other users.
Choose:
Change account type → Administrator
Select OK.
The new account now has administrator permissions.
How to Change a Local User to an Administrator
If you already have a local Windows account and want to give it administrator privileges, you can change its account type.
Go to:
Settings → Accounts → Other users
Select the account and choose:
Change account type → Administrator → OK
The account does not need to become a Microsoft account simply because it has administrator privileges.
A local account can also be an administrator.
Local Administrator vs. Microsoft Account
One common source of confusion is the difference between an account’s type and its sign-in method.
These are two separate concepts.
Account Type
Windows generally uses:
- Standard User
- Administrator
Account Sign-In
The account may be:
- A Microsoft account
- A local account
This means you can have combinations such as:
| Sign-in type | Account type |
|---|---|
| Microsoft account | Administrator |
| Microsoft account | Standard User |
| Local account | Administrator |
| Local account | Standard User |
Changing the account type does not automatically change the account from local to Microsoft or vice versa.
How to Change the Administrator Account Using Control Panel
If you prefer the traditional Windows interface, Control Panel provides another method.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press the Windows key and search for:
Control Panel
Open it.
Step 2: Select User Accounts
Choose User Accounts.
Step 3: Open User Accounts Again
Select User Accounts if necessary.
Step 4: Choose Manage Another Account
Select:
Manage another account
Step 5: Select the User
Click the account you want to modify.
Step 6: Change Account Type
Select:
Change the account type
Step 7: Select Administrator
Choose Administrator.
Then select Change Account Type.
The account will now have administrative privileges.
How to Change Administrator Account Using Netplwiz
Advanced users can also use the User Accounts utility, commonly accessed through netplwiz.
Step 1: Open Run
Press:
Windows + R
Step 2: Enter Netplwiz
Type:
netplwiz
Press Enter.
Step 3: Select the Account
Choose the user account you want to modify.
Step 4: Open Properties
Select Properties.
Step 5: Open Group Membership
Depending on the Windows configuration, select the appropriate group membership option.
Step 6: Select Administrator
Choose the administrator-level option.
Apply the changes and close the windows.
This method can be useful when the Settings interface does not provide the options you need.
How to Switch to a Different Administrator Account
If you already have multiple administrator accounts and simply want to use another one, you do not necessarily need to change account permissions.
You can simply switch users.
Step 1: Open Start
Select the Start button.
Step 2: Select Your Account Icon
Click your profile icon.
Step 3: Select Another Account
Choose the administrator account you want to use.
Step 4: Sign In
Enter the account’s password or use Windows Hello if configured.
This switches the active Windows session to another user.
How to Sign Out of One Administrator and Use Another
You can also sign out completely.
Press:
Ctrl + Alt + Delete
Then select:
Sign out
After Windows returns to the sign-in screen, choose the other administrator account.
This is useful when you want to ensure the previous account is no longer actively signed in.
How to Change the Name of an Administrator Account
Changing the administrator account name is different from changing the administrator itself.
If you simply want the account to display a different name, the process depends on whether it is a Microsoft account or local account.
Microsoft Account
Your Windows account name may be associated with your Microsoft account profile.
Changing the account information may therefore affect how your name appears across Microsoft’s services.
Local Account
Local account names can be managed differently through Windows account-management tools.
Be careful when changing names associated with system folders or scripts. Changing the displayed account name does not necessarily rename the user’s profile folder.
Does Changing the Administrator Account Delete Files?
No, simply changing an account’s type from Standard User to Administrator does not normally delete that user’s personal files.
For example, changing:
Standard User → Administrator
does not mean Windows creates a completely new user profile.
However, deleting an account is a different operation.
Before deleting any account, back up important files stored under that account.
What Happens When You Remove an Administrator Account?
Deleting a Windows user account can affect the files and data associated with that account.
If you no longer need an administrator account, first make sure:
- Important files have been backed up.
- Another administrator account exists.
- You know the password for the remaining administrator.
- You have transferred anything important from the old profile.
Do not delete an administrator account simply because you want to stop using it. If you only want to reduce its permissions, changing it to a Standard User is usually more appropriate.
How to Delete an Administrator Account
If you are certain that the account is no longer needed, you can remove it.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press:
Windows + I
Step 2: Select Accounts
Go to:
Accounts → Other users
Step 3: Select the Account
Find the administrator account.
Step 4: Select Remove
Open the account options and choose Remove.
Windows may warn you about removing the account and its associated data.
Read the warning carefully before confirming.
Why Can’t I Change an Account to Administrator?
If Windows does not allow you to change an account type, there may be several reasons.
You Are Using a Standard Account
A standard user generally cannot grant itself administrator privileges.
You need access to an existing administrator account.
UAC Is Blocking the Change
Windows may ask for administrator approval.
Enter the required administrator credentials when prompted.
The Account Is Managed by an Organization
A work or school computer may have policies that restrict account management.
In that situation, the administrator may be controlled by your organization.
The Account Is Already an Administrator
Check the account type before attempting to change it.
You may already have the permissions you need.
How to Check Which Account Is the Administrator
You can check your account information through Settings.
Open:
Settings → Accounts
Your account information will appear near the top.
For more detailed information, you can also use traditional Windows account-management tools.
Another simple approach is to look at:
Settings → Accounts → Other users
This shows additional accounts configured on the computer and their available account-management options.
Can There Be More Than One Administrator in Windows 11?
Yes.
Windows 11 can have multiple administrator accounts.
For example, a personal PC might have:
- One administrator account for the owner
- A second administrator account for another trusted user
- Several standard accounts for everyday use
Having more than one administrator can be useful because it provides an alternative account for system-management tasks.
However, administrator access should be given only to people who need it.
Should Your Everyday Account Be an Administrator?
There is no universal answer, but using a standard account for everyday activities can reduce the number of actions that automatically have elevated permissions.
If you are the primary person managing your PC, you may choose to keep an administrator account available while using a standard account for routine tasks.
The most important principle is to avoid giving administrator access unnecessarily.
Administrator Account Troubleshooting
If administrator changes are not working, try these basic troubleshooting steps.
Restart Windows
Restarting can refresh account-management components.
Check Your Current Account
Make sure you are signed in with an account that has administrator permissions.
Try Settings Again
Return to:
Settings → Accounts → Other users
and check the account type.
Check UAC
If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, make sure you can provide the required administrator credentials.
Look for Organization Restrictions
If the PC belongs to a school or workplace, administrator changes may be restricted by system policies.
Administrator Account vs. Standard Account
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right setup.
| Feature | Administrator | Standard User |
|---|---|---|
| Install some system-wide applications | Yes | Requires approval |
| Change major system settings | Yes | Limited |
| Manage other users | Yes | Limited |
| Everyday browsing | Yes | Yes |
| Use common applications | Yes | Yes |
| Better for limited permissions | No | Yes |
For many everyday activities, a standard account is sufficient.
Best Practices for Managing Windows 11 Administrator Accounts
Good account management is about more than knowing how to change an administrator.
Keep these practices in mind:
Maintain a Backup Administrator
If you depend on one account for system administration, having another trusted administrator account can be useful.
Use Strong Passwords
Administrator accounts have significant control over the computer, so protect them carefully.
Do Not Share Administrator Credentials
Each person who needs access should ideally have their own account.
Review Old Accounts
Remove accounts that are no longer needed or reduce their privileges.
Keep Windows Updated
Security updates help protect the operating system.
Use Standard Accounts When Appropriate
Not every user needs administrator privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I change the administrator account in Windows 11?
Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users, select the account you want to modify, choose Change account type, select Administrator, and click OK. You need appropriate administrator permissions to make this change.
2. Can I have two administrator accounts in Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 11 supports multiple administrator accounts. You can create another user and change its account type to Administrator.
3. How do I remove administrator privileges from a user?
Open Settings → Accounts → Other users, select the user, choose Change account type, select Standard User, and confirm the change.
4. Does changing an account to administrator delete its files?
No. Changing the account type normally does not delete the user’s personal files. Deleting the account itself is different and can affect data associated with that profile.
5. Why can’t I change the administrator account?
You may be signed in with a standard account, the computer may be managed by an organization, or Windows may require administrator approval. Sign in with an existing administrator account and try again.
Conclusion
Learning how to change administrator account in Windows 11 is useful when you need to reorganize user permissions, create a new administrator, remove unnecessary administrative access, or give another trusted user greater control over the computer.
For most users, the easiest method is through Settings → Accounts → Other users. From there, you can change an account between Administrator and Standard User or create a new account and assign the appropriate permissions.
Remember that changing an account type is different from switching between a Microsoft account and a local account. You also do not need to delete an existing administrator simply because you want to use another account.
Before removing administrator privileges or deleting an account, make sure another administrator is available and important files are backed up.
With sensible account management, you can keep your Windows 11 PC organized while giving each user only the level of access they actually need.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 supports both Administrator and Standard User accounts.
- You can change an account type through Settings → Accounts → Other users.
- A Standard User can be changed to an Administrator when you have the required permissions.
- You can also remove administrator privileges by changing an account to Standard User.
- Windows 11 allows multiple administrator accounts.
- Local accounts can have administrator privileges.
- Microsoft accounts can also be administrators.
- Changing an account type does not normally delete personal files.
- Deleting an account is different from removing administrator privileges.
- Keep at least one trusted administrator account available.
- Avoid giving administrator privileges to users who do not need them.
- Back up important data before deleting or significantly changing user accounts.