Change a User to Administrator on Windows, Mac, or Linux

Changing a user to administrator gives that account permission to make system-level changes, such as installing software, changing settings for all users, and managing other accounts. The steps depend on whether the device runs Windows, macOS, or Linux, but you generally need to authenticate as an administrator to make the change. Only grant these privileges to someone who needs them and can be trusted with the device.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access: Sign in to an account that already has administrator rights. A standard user usually cannot promote another account.
The account details: Know the exact username or email address of the account you want to change. Confirm which person or profile it belongs to before proceeding.
Device access: Keep the computer available while you change the setting. You may need to enter an administrator password, approve a confirmation prompt, or ask the user to sign out and back in.

Step-by-Step

Sign in as an administrator. Use an account that currently has administrative privileges. If you are signed in as the user you want to promote, switch to a different administrator account first. Do not try to work around a missing password or access restriction; ask the device owner or your organization’s administrator for help.
Confirm the target account. Check the account name and, where shown, its email address. Make sure it is a local account or profile on the computer, not a similarly named account on another device or online service.
Open the account settings. The menu names can differ slightly by operating-system version. On Windows, open Settings and look under Accounts for the other users or family-and-other-users controls. On macOS, open System Settings, then Users & Groups. On many Linux desktop systems, open Settings and look for Users or User Accounts; exact labels depend on the distribution and desktop environment.
Select the user. Find the account you verified and open its account-type, role, or permissions control. If you cannot select or edit it, confirm that you are using an administrator account and that the account is managed on this device.
Change the account type. Choose Administrator rather than Standard or a similarly limited role, then confirm the change. On Windows, this is commonly an account-type option. On macOS, the account may have a control labeled “Allow this user to administer this computer.” On Linux, the setting may add the user to an administrator group or grant administrator privileges. Follow the wording displayed by your system.
Authenticate and save. Enter the current administrator password or approve the system’s authentication prompt. This confirms that an authorized person is making the change. If the device is managed by a workplace or school, an administrator policy may prevent you from saving it.
Check the result. Return to the user list and verify that the account now shows Administrator or the equivalent. Have the user sign out and sign back in if the system asks or if the new permissions are not immediately recognized. They may still be prompted to approve sensitive actions.
Keep a working admin account. Before signing out, confirm that you can still access an administrator account. Avoid removing administrator privileges from every account or changing your own account in a way that could lock you out.

Common Mistakes

Editing the wrong profile: Similar names or email addresses can lead to a change on the wrong account. Verify the identifier in the settings before saving.
Confusing an online account with a device role: A Microsoft, Apple, or other online account is separate from the account type on a particular computer. Changing one device’s role does not make the user an administrator everywhere.
Expecting a password change: Promoting an account does not reset its password or reveal the existing one. The user continues to sign in with their current credentials.
Assuming every prompt disappears: Administrator status permits elevated actions, but the operating system may still request confirmation or a password before allowing a sensitive change.
Granting access for convenience: Administrator privileges can allow software installation, system-wide changes, and access to other settings. Do not promote an account just to resolve a temporary issue if a standard account will do.

Tips

Use a standard account for everyday work when administrator access is not needed. This helps reduce the impact of accidental changes or unwanted software.
Keep administrator credentials private. If another person needs elevated access, give that person their own account rather than sharing yours.
For a work or school computer, check with the IT administrator before changing account roles. Device-management rules may control who can administer it.
Write down which account retains administrator access in a secure place, but do not store its password in an exposed note.
If the need for elevated access ends, return the account to a standard role using the same settings, provided another administrator account remains available.

Troubleshooting

The change option is missing or unavailable: You may be signed in as a standard user, the device may be managed, or the account may not be editable from that screen. Sign in with an authorized administrator or contact the device’s owner or IT support.

The system rejects the password: Check that you are entering the administrator credentials for this computer, not necessarily the target user’s password. If you do not know the credentials, use the organization’s approved recovery process or contact the owner. Do not use unofficial tools to bypass access controls.

The user still cannot perform an action: Confirm that the account type actually changed, then have the user sign out and back in. Some actions require a separate confirmation prompt, and managed devices may restrict particular changes even for local administrators.

You cannot find the named menus: Search the device’s built-in Settings for “users” or “account type,” or consult the support documentation for the operating-system version. Menu paths and labels can shift slightly between versions and Linux distributions.

You may have removed your last administrator: Stop making account changes and check whether another administrator can sign in. If none can, use the device maker’s official account-recovery guidance or contact organizational support; avoid deleting profiles or attempting a security bypass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a user to administrator without being an administrator?

Usually not. Operating systems require authorization for changes that affect account privileges. Ask an existing administrator or the device owner to make the change.

Does administrator status apply to every computer the user uses?

No. The role usually applies to that account on that particular device. A separate computer has its own accounts and permissions.

Will changing the account type delete files?

Changing a role normally does not delete the user’s files, but it is still wise to verify the correct account and avoid removing or recreating the profile. A role change is not the same as deleting an account.

Does the user need to restart the computer?

Often, signing out and signing back in is enough for the new role to take effect. Follow any instruction shown by the operating system; a restart is not always necessary.

Is administrator access safe for a child or guest?

It is generally better to keep child, guest, and everyday accounts at standard-user level unless there is a specific need for broader control. Use the device’s available family or account-management tools for appropriate limits.

Can I undo the change?

Yes, an administrator can usually change the account back to Standard or remove its elevated role. Keep another administrator account available so you do not lose the ability to manage the device.

Further reading: Microsoft Support, Apple Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.