If you’re using Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed that your administrator account is tied to your Microsoft email. This is the email you used when setting up your device or signing into Microsoft services. But what if you want to change the admin email? Maybe you got a new email address, switched to a business account, or simply want to separate work from personal life.
Don’t worry—you’re not stuck with the same email forever. In this guide, I’ll walk you through different methods to change your admin email on Windows 11, step by step.
Understanding Admin Email on Windows 11
Before we dive into the process, let’s clarify what “admin email” means.
- Admin Email = Microsoft Account Email
Your administrator account in Windows 11 is usually linked to a Microsoft account (like Outlook, Hotmail, or even a Gmail address connected to Microsoft services). - Why It Matters
This email controls your sign-in, OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and synchronization settings. - Local vs Microsoft Account
You can have either:- Microsoft Account (online) – tied to your email and syncs across devices.
- Local Account (offline) – not tied to an email, stored only on your PC.
So, “changing admin email” basically means switching the Microsoft account linked to your administrator profile.
Why Change Your Admin Email?
There are several reasons why you might want to do this:
- You’ve created a new Microsoft account.
- You no longer use your old email.
- You want to separate personal and work accounts.
- You’re handing over your PC to someone else.
- You want to fix sign-in or syncing issues.
Method 1: Change Admin Email by Adding a New Microsoft Account
This is the most common method—just add a new Microsoft account and set it as the administrator.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Accounts
- In the left sidebar, click Accounts.
Step 3: Add a New Microsoft Account
- Click on Your info.
- Select Sign in with a different Microsoft account.
- Enter the new email address and password.
Step 4: Make It Administrator
- After signing in, go to Accounts > Family & other users.
- Select your new account → Change account type → choose Administrator.
Step 5: Remove Old Account (Optional)
- Once the new admin account is working, you can delete the old account if you no longer need it.
Method 2: Change Admin Email Using Control Panel
Yes, the good old Control Panel still works!
Step 1: Open Control Panel
- Press Windows + R, type
control, and press Enter.
Step 2: Go to User Accounts
- Click User Accounts > Manage another account.
Step 3: Add New Microsoft Account
- Click Add a new user in PC settings.
- Enter your new email and sign in.
Step 4: Set as Administrator
- Choose Change account type.
- Select Administrator and save changes.
Method 3: Switch to a Local Account (Then Back to Microsoft Account)
If you want to change the Microsoft account email linked to your admin profile, this trick works well.
Step 1: Switch to Local Account
- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Click Sign in with a local account instead.
- Create a username and password for your local account.
Step 2: Switch Back to Microsoft Account
- Once signed in with a local account, go back to Your info.
- Click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
- Enter your new email address and password.
And boom—you’ve changed your admin email without creating a new profile!
Method 4: Change Primary Email Alias in Microsoft Account
If you don’t want to create a new account, you can change the primary alias on your existing Microsoft account.
Step 1: Visit Microsoft Account Website
- Go to account.microsoft.com.
Step 2: Sign In
- Use your current Microsoft account email and password.
Step 3: Manage Email Aliases
- Go to Your info > Sign-in preferences.
- Select Manage how you sign in to Microsoft.
Step 4: Add New Email
- Click Add email.
- Enter your new email address.
Step 5: Set as Primary
- Make the new email your primary alias.
- You can remove the old one if you don’t need it.
(This keeps all your data intact but changes the email you use to sign in.)
Method 5: Use Netplwiz Command (For Advanced Users)
This method is for power users who like shortcuts.
Step 1: Open Netplwiz
- Press Windows + R, type
netplwiz, and press Enter.
Step 2: Manage User Accounts
- In the dialog box, select your current account.
- Click Properties.
Step 3: Change Username/Email
- You can add or link another account from here.
- Save changes and restart.
How to Confirm the Change Worked
After switching accounts or changing aliases, you should check if it worked:
- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Look under your profile name.
- Your new email should be listed there.
What Happens After You Change Admin Email?
- Files remain safe – your documents, apps, and settings don’t vanish.
- Sync settings update – your OneDrive and other linked services move to the new account.
- Old account access – if you didn’t delete the old account, you can still log in with it.
Things to Do Before Changing Admin Email
To avoid issues, follow these precautions:
- Backup important files.
- Note down your old email and password.
- Make sure you know your BitLocker recovery key (if encryption is enabled).
- Sync OneDrive if you’re moving to a new account.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues
1. I Can’t Remove the Old Account
- Make sure you’re logged in with the new admin account first.
2. Error When Adding New Email
- Update Windows 11 to the latest version.
- Try again after restarting.
3. Microsoft Store Still Shows Old Email
- Sign out and sign back in using your new Microsoft account.
Tips for Managing Multiple Accounts
- Use Family & other users in Settings for shared PCs.
- Keep one backup admin account in case you forget your password.
- Use a local account for guest access.
Local Account vs Microsoft Account: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Local Account | Microsoft Account |
|---|---|---|
| Email Required | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sync Across Devices | ❌ | ✅ |
| OneDrive Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Security (2FA, recovery options) | Limited | Strong |
| Best For | Offline use, privacy | Cloud features, syncing |
Final Thoughts
Changing your admin email on Windows 11 might sound tricky, but as you’ve seen, there are multiple ways to do it. Whether you prefer switching accounts, updating your Microsoft alias, or using a local account, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
The best option depends on your situation—if you just want to switch emails without losing data, updating your Microsoft account alias is the easiest. But if you’re handing your PC to someone else, creating a new admin account is the way to go.
Either way, take a few minutes to back up your data and follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be good to go.
FAQs
1. Can I change my Windows 11 admin email without creating a new account?
Yes, by updating your Microsoft account’s primary alias.
2. Will changing my admin email delete my files?
No, your files and apps will remain safe.
3. Can I use a Gmail account as my admin email?
Yes, if you link it as a Microsoft account.
4. Do I need admin rights to change the email?
Yes, only administrator accounts can make this change.
5. What’s the safest method to change admin email?
Using the Microsoft Account website to update your email alias is the safest and easiest method.