Have you ever tried installing a program on Windows 11 and got that dreaded pop-up asking for admin permission—only to realize you’re not on the right account? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users face the challenge of managing administrator accounts, whether they bought a pre-configured laptop, shared a computer with family, or just set things up quickly without paying much attention.
The good news? Changing the admin account in Windows 11 is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll break it all down step by step so you can take full control of your PC.
Why Does the Admin Account Matter in Windows 11?
Control and Permissions
The admin account is like the “master key” to your computer. It allows you to:
- Install or uninstall apps.
- Change system settings.
- Add or remove user accounts.
- Manage security features.
Security Reasons
If you’re sharing your PC, you probably don’t want everyone having admin privileges. Having the wrong account set as admin could expose your computer to accidental or intentional changes.
Convenience
Using the right admin account ensures smooth system management without frustrating permission pop-ups.
Different Ways to Change the Admin Account
Windows 11 gives you multiple methods to switch or assign admin roles. We’ll cover them all so you can choose the one that fits your comfort level:
- Settings App
- Control Panel
- Computer Management Tool
- Command Prompt (CMD)
- PowerShell
Step 1: Identify Your Current Account Type
Before making changes, you need to check whether your current account is Standard User or Administrator.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Your Info.
- Under your name, you’ll see your account type listed (Administrator or Standard User).
Step 2: Change Admin Account via Windows Settings
This is the easiest method for most users.
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
- Select the account you want to make admin.
- Click Change account type.
- From the drop-down menu, choose Administrator.
- Hit OK to save changes.
Boom—your selected account now has admin rights.
Step 3: Change Admin Account via Control Panel
The good old Control Panel is still around in Windows 11, and it works like a charm.
- Search for Control Panel in the Start menu and open it.
- Go to User Accounts > Change account type.
- Pick the account you want to modify.
- Click Change the account type.
- Select Administrator, then click Change Account Type.
Step 4: Use Computer Management to Switch Admin Accounts
If you like using advanced tools, this method is for you.
- Right-click the Start button and select Computer Management.
- Navigate to Local Users and Groups > Users.
- Right-click the account you want to promote.
- Choose Properties.
- Under the Member Of tab, click Add.
- Type Administrators and confirm.
Step 5: Change Admin via Command Prompt (CMD)
Feeling techy? The command line is fast and effective.
- Search for Command Prompt in Start, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
- Type the following command (replace username with the actual account name):
net localgroup administrators "username" /add - Press Enter.
- To confirm, type:
net localgroup administrators
Now that account has admin rights.
Step 6: Change Admin via PowerShell
PowerShell is another powerful option.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Type this command:
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "username" - Press Enter.
The account is now upgraded to administrator status.
Step 7: Remove Admin Rights from an Account
Sometimes, you’ll also want to remove admin privileges. The process is similar, just reversed.
- In Settings, choose Standard User instead of Administrator.
- In CMD or PowerShell, use:
net localgroup administrators "username" /delete
What If You’re Locked Out of the Admin Account?
This is tricky but not hopeless.
Method 1: Use Another Admin Account
If there’s another admin account on the PC, log into that one and change the settings.
Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode often allows access to the hidden “Super Administrator” account. From there, you can reset privileges.
Method 3: Reset Windows Password
As a last resort, you might need to reset your Microsoft account password online.
Tips for Managing Admin Accounts Safely
- Limit admin access to only trusted users.
- Use strong passwords to protect admin accounts.
- Create at least one backup admin account in case your main one gets locked.
- Avoid daily use of admin accounts—stick to a standard account for everyday tasks for better security.
Pros and Cons of Changing Admin Accounts
Pros
- More control over your system.
- Easier software installations.
- Better user management.
Cons
- Risk of accidental system changes.
- Security vulnerabilities if the account isn’t protected.
- Can cause confusion if multiple users share the PC.
How to Reset Back to Default Settings
If you ever regret your changes:
- Go back to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Change the account back to Standard User.
- Optionally, delete extra accounts you don’t need.
Conclusion
Changing the admin account on Windows 11 isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds. Whether you use the Settings app, Control Panel, CMD, or PowerShell, you can switch admin privileges in just a few clicks or commands. The key is knowing which account should hold admin rights for both security and convenience.
So, if you’re stuck on the wrong account or want to manage who has full control of your PC—now you know exactly what to do.
FAQs
1. Can I have more than one admin account on Windows 11?
Yes! Windows 11 allows multiple admin accounts. This can be helpful for shared PCs.
2. What happens if I delete the only admin account?
That’s risky. You may lose the ability to make system changes. Always keep at least one admin account.
3. Is it better to use a Microsoft account or a local account for admin?
A Microsoft account offers extra benefits like syncing settings and password recovery, but a local account is more private.
4. Can I change an admin account to a standard user without losing files?
Yes, files remain intact. Only permissions and access levels change.
5. Does changing the admin account affect installed apps?
No, apps remain installed. However, only admin accounts can uninstall or make changes to system-level apps.