If you’re tired of seeing constant “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” pop-ups or want to limit administrative control on your PC for security reasons, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to turn off administrator permission in Windows 11 — safely and effectively. Whether you’re a home user, IT professional, or parent setting up a child’s PC, this guide explains every method clearly with step-by-step instructions.
Understanding Administrator Permission in Windows 11
Windows 11 uses a multi-level permission system to secure your PC. Each user account is assigned a specific role — Administrator, Standard User, or Guest.
Administrator Account
This account type gives full control over your system, including:
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Installing or uninstalling apps
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Changing security settings
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Managing user accounts
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Accessing protected files
Standard User Account
A standard user can use apps and change personal settings but cannot make system-level changes without admin approval.
So when you see that “Administrator Permission Required” message, Windows is protecting the system from unauthorized modifications.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off Administrator Permissions
Disabling administrator rights can be useful for several reasons:
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Prevent accidental system changes: Protects your OS from unwanted tweaks.
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Enhance security: Reduces risks of malware gaining system access.
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Parental control: Helps parents limit children’s control over system settings.
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Organizational policy: Enforces standard user permissions for employees.
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Simplify user experience: Reduces unnecessary admin prompts.
Important Precautions Before Disabling Admin Rights
Before you proceed, consider these safety tips:
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Ensure you have another admin account — otherwise, you could get locked out of system settings.
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Back up your data before changing user permissions.
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Note your credentials (username and password).
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Avoid disabling all admin accounts — at least one must remain active.
⚠️ Warning: Turning off all administrator permissions can prevent you from installing apps or changing settings in the future.
Method 1: Turn Off Administrator Permission via Settings
The easiest way to manage permissions in Windows 11 is through the Settings app.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to Accounts → Family & other users.
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Under Other users, select the user account you want to change.
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Click Change account type.
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From the dropdown menu, choose Standard User.
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Click OK to apply changes.
This converts an administrator account to a standard one, removing advanced privileges.
Method 2: Disable Administrator Rights Through Control Panel
If you prefer the classic interface, use Control Panel.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
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Go to User Accounts → Change account type.
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Choose the account you want to modify.
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Click Change the account type.
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Select Standard User → Change Account Type.
Your chosen account will now have limited permissions.
Method 3: Use User Accounts (netplwiz) to Remove Admin Rights
The netplwiz command provides a quick way to manage user permissions.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and hit Enter.
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Select the account you want to modify.
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Click Properties → Group Membership tab.
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Choose Standard User.
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Click Apply → OK.
Restart your PC to finalize the change.
Method 4: Turn Off Administrator via Local Users and Groups
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can disable the Administrator account using Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc).
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter.
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Open Users in the left panel.
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Right-click the Administrator account → select Properties.
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Check Account is disabled.
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Click Apply → OK.
Now, the built-in Administrator account will be turned off.
Method 5: Use Command Prompt (CMD) to Disable Administrator Account
You can also disable admin permissions directly using the Command Prompt.
Steps:
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Search for Command Prompt in the Start menu.
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Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
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Close CMD after the command runs successfully.
✅ This will disable the built-in Administrator account instantly.
To re-enable it later:
Method 6: Use PowerShell to Manage Administrator Privileges
PowerShell offers a more advanced approach for power users.
Steps:
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Search for PowerShell → Run as Administrator.
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Type the following command:
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Press Enter.
The “Administrator” account is now disabled.
To re-enable:
Method 7: Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings
If you don’t want to remove admin rights completely but want to stop constant permission prompts, adjust User Account Control (UAC) settings.
Steps:
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Press Windows + S, search UAC.
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Click Change User Account Control settings.
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Move the slider to Never notify.
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Click OK.
This reduces (or disables) admin permission pop-ups.
⚠️ Note: Turning UAC off lowers system security — use with caution.
How to Verify That Administrator Permissions Are Disabled
You can easily confirm if an account no longer has admin rights.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt.
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Type:
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Press Enter.
If the account name no longer appears in the list, it’s no longer an administrator.
Alternatively:
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Go to Settings → Accounts → Your Info → check if it says “Administrator” or “Standard User”.
What Happens After You Turn Off Administrator Rights
Once administrator permissions are removed:
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You can’t install or uninstall system apps.
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Some settings will be grayed out.
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System configuration tools like Registry Editor or Command Prompt (Admin) require authorization.
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Windows updates still work normally.
This setup helps protect your system against unauthorized changes or malware.
How to Restore Administrator Permissions (If Needed)
If you ever need admin access again, follow one of these methods:
Option 1: Using Settings
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Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users → Change account type → select Administrator.
Option 2: Using CMD
Run this command:
Option 3: Using Local Users and Groups
Uncheck “Account is disabled” in the Administrator Properties dialog box.
Best Practices for Account Management in Windows 11
To maintain a secure and well-managed system:
✅ Keep one active administrator account only.
✅ Use Standard accounts for daily use.
✅ Protect admin accounts with strong passwords.
✅ Avoid logging in as Administrator unless necessary.
✅ Regularly review user permissions.
💡 Tip: For shared computers, enable Microsoft Family Safety to manage users effectively.
Common Errors and Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t open settings | No admin access | Use another admin account |
| Access denied in CMD | Running as standard user | Right-click → Run as administrator |
| Locked out of admin | All accounts disabled | Boot into Safe Mode and re-enable admin |
| Missing “Change Account Type” | Restricted account | Use CMD or PowerShell |
Conclusion
Now you know how to turn off administrator permission in Windows 11 using multiple safe methods. Whether through Settings, Control Panel, CMD, or PowerShell, you can easily switch an account from Administrator to Standard without compromising system stability.
Disabling admin permissions is a great way to:
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Improve system security
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Prevent accidental changes
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Maintain a safer multi-user environment
If needed, you can always restore admin privileges later using the same tools.
In short: Stay secure, stay in control.
FAQs
1. Can I disable the built-in Administrator account in Windows 11?
Yes. Use Command Prompt and run:
2. What happens if I remove all administrator accounts?
You’ll lose access to system-level changes. You must use Safe Mode to re-enable an admin account.
3. Can I turn off admin permission for specific apps only?
Yes, through App permissions in Settings → Privacy & Security → App permissions.
4. How can I stop the “Administrator Permission Required” prompt?
Adjust UAC settings or switch to a Standard account.
5. Is it safe to disable the Administrator account?
Yes, as long as you have at least one admin account active. It helps secure your PC against unauthorized access.
✅ Key Takeaway:
Turning off administrator permissions in Windows 11 enhances your device’s security and control. Whether you do it via Settings, CMD, or PowerShell, make sure at least one admin account remains active to avoid being locked out.