WINDOW 11

How to Change the Administrator Account on Windows 11

4 SOLUTIONS
JANUARY 29, 2025

Changing the admin account on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but you need the right steps to avoid headaches. Below, I’ll walk you through the fastest ways to do this, why it matters, and what to watch out for—no fluff—just what works.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

You need admin access already

If you’re locked out, these methods won’t work.

Back up your stuff

Better safe than sorry if something goes sideways.

Know your passwords

You’ll need them to approve the changes.

Settings App (Easiest)

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/4

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Switch account types in seconds using Windows’ modern interface.

Method 1 of 4
Next Method

Open Settings

Press Win + I.

Method 1 of 4
Step 1 of 5

Go to Account Settings

Navigate to Accounts > Other users.

Method 1 of 4
Step 2 of 5

Select Account

Click the user you want to change.

Method 1 of 4
Step 3 of 5

Change Account Type

Click Change Account Type button. (It may ask you for login, as confirmation. Login & proceed further)

Method 1 of 4
Step 4 of 5
Step 5

Choose Role

Select Administrator or Standard User, then click OK.

Tip: Repeat the steps and choose Standard User to remove admin rights.

Method 1 of 4
Step 5 of 5

Control Panel (Old-School)

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/4

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Classic tool for quick admin role changes (no frills).

Method 2 of 4
Next Method

Open Control Panel

Press Start, type Control Panel, and open it.

Method 2 of 4
Step 1 of 4
Step 2

Go to User Accounts

Click User Accounts > Manage another account.

Method 2 of 4
Step 2 of 4

Select Account

Choose the user whose access you want to modify.

Method 2 of 4
Step 3 of 4
Step 4

Modify Account Type

Click Change the account type, select Administrator or Standard User, and confirm.

Method 2 of 4
Step 4 of 4

Command Line (For Nerds)

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/4

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Terminal commands for admins who love speed and precision.

Method 3 of 4
Next Method

Open Command Prompt

Press Start, type CMD, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.

Method 3 of 4
Step 1 of 3

Grant Admin Rights (CMD)

Type: net localgroup Administrators [USERNAME] /add (Replace [USERNAME] with the actual account name.)

Method 3 of 4
Step 2 of 3

Restart your PC

Close CMD and restart your PC.

Method 3 of 4
Step 3 of 3

Use Netplwiz (Advanced Users)

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/4

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Hidden utility for direct group membership edits (bypass the clutter).

Method 4 of 4

Open Netplwiz

Press Win + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.

Method 4 of 4
Step 1 of 4

Select Account

Double-click the user you want to modify.

Method 4 of 4
Step 2 of 4

Change Group Membership

Go to the Group Membership tab.

Method 4 of 4
Step 3 of 4

Set Account Type

Select Administrator or Standard User, then click OK.

Method 4 of 4
Step 4 of 4

Additional Tips

Image

Keep at least one admin account –Windows won’t let you delete/demote the last admin.

Restart if things act weird – Some changes need a reboot to stick.

Check Group Policy Restrictions – If you’re on a work/school PC, admin changes may be restricted.

Methods (4)

Settings App (Easie...
5 Steps
Control Panel (Old-...
4 Steps
Command Line (For N...
3 Steps
Use Netplwiz (Advan...
4 Steps

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