How to Change the Administrator Account on Windows

Changing an account to Administrator gives it permission to install software, change system-wide settings, and manage other accounts. This guide covers Windows 11 and Windows 10; menu names and paths may differ slightly by version. You will need to sign in as an administrator to make the change. If you mean changing the account that automatically signs in, changing its name, or transferring ownership of a work computer, those are different tasks.

What You’ll Need

A Windows account with administrator access. A standard account cannot promote itself without approval from an administrator.
Access to the account you want to change, or its exact account name, so you select the right person.
A way to confirm the change, such as the administrator’s password or Windows security prompt. On a work or school device, an organization may control account permissions.

Step-by-Step

Sign in as an administrator. Use an account that already has administrator privileges. If Windows asks for an administrator username and password later, enter credentials for an authorized administrator. Being signed in to the account you want to promote is not enough if it is currently standard.
Open Settings. Select Start, then Settings. The menu layout can vary slightly between Windows versions and updates.
Go to the account list. In Windows 11, select Accounts, then Other users. In Windows 10, select Accounts, then Family & other users. On some managed devices, these options may be hidden or restricted.
Select the correct account. Find the account under the list of other users and expand or select it. Check the displayed name and, if shown, its email address. Do not assume the first account listed is the one you intend to change.
Open its account-type control. Select Change account type. If the option is unavailable, you may lack administrator access, the account may be managed by an organization, or your Windows version may show a different layout.
Choose Administrator. In the account type menu, choose Administrator rather than Standard User, then select OK to save. Approve any User Account Control prompt with an administrator’s credentials.
Verify the result. Return to the account list and confirm that the account is identified as Administrator. You can also sign out and sign in to that account, then open Settings or another system-management tool to check that Windows requests approval appropriately.
Review the remaining administrator access. Confirm that at least one other trusted administrator account still works, especially before changing or removing the account you usually use. Do not delete the old account until you have checked that needed files and access are available elsewhere.

Windows may display an administrator approval prompt when an administrator account makes a system change. This is expected: administrator status permits approval, but it does not mean every program automatically runs with elevated permissions. A standard account may still use the computer normally, while some system changes require an administrator to enter credentials.

Common Mistakes

Trying to promote yourself from a standard account: Windows requires approval from an existing administrator. Ask the device owner or authorized administrator rather than trying to bypass the prompt.
Changing the wrong account: Similar names, shared devices, and email-based sign-ins can be confusing. Check the account details before saving, particularly on family computers.
Removing the only administrator: If no administrator account remains available, installing software and changing protected settings can become difficult. Verify another admin account before downgrading or deleting one.
Confusing account type with account name: Changing Administrator status does not rename the account, change its email address, or switch which account signs in automatically.
Assuming administrator access is risk-free: An administrator can make changes that affect the whole device. Give this role only to people who need it and are trusted to manage system settings.
Expecting a work-device restriction to be removable: Company or school policies may prevent account changes. Do not try to work around those controls; contact the organization’s IT administrator.

Tips

Use a standard account for everyday activity when administrator privileges are not needed. This can reduce accidental system-wide changes.
Keep administrator credentials private. Do not share a password just to let someone install one program; an authorized administrator can make the change directly.
Before changing permissions on a shared PC, confirm who needs access and whether the device is managed by an employer or school.
If you are setting up a new computer, check that the intended owner can sign in and has a working recovery method before changing account roles.
Menu labels can change slightly between Windows versions. Use the Settings search box for “account type” or “Other users” if the listed path does not match what you see.

Troubleshooting

Change account type is missing or disabled: Make sure you are signed in with administrator rights. If you are, restart the PC and check again. A work or school policy can intentionally disable the option, in which case the device administrator must make the change.

Windows asks for credentials you do not have: Stop at the prompt and contact the person who manages the PC. A standard user cannot authorize their own elevation, and there is no safe Settings-only workaround for missing administrator approval.

The account still appears as Standard: Reopen the account list and check that you edited the correct account and selected Administrator before saving. Sign out and back in, then verify again. If the setting reverts, the device may be managed by an organization.

You cannot sign in after changing account settings: Try another known working account and confirm the keyboard layout and sign-in method. If no administrator can sign in, use Microsoft’s official Windows account recovery or support guidance; do not delete profiles or use unofficial tools that promise to bypass account security.

The account you want is not listed: Check whether it appears under a family group, another users section, or a different sign-in identity. You may be looking at a Microsoft account email rather than the local account name. If it is not present on the device, it must first be added by an administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change an account to Administrator without being an administrator?

No. Windows requires an existing administrator to approve the change. If you do not have those credentials, ask the device owner or organization’s IT administrator.

Will changing the account type delete files?

No. Changing Standard User to Administrator changes permissions, not the account’s personal files. Still, avoid deleting or replacing an account unless you have checked where its files are stored.

Does making an account an administrator change its name?

No. Account type and account name are separate settings. This process grants administrative permissions but does not change the displayed name or email address.

Can there be more than one administrator account?

Yes. A Windows PC can have multiple administrator accounts. Keep accounts limited to trusted users and make sure at least one administrator remains accessible.

How do I change the administrator back to a standard user?

Sign in to a different administrator account, open the same account-type control, select Standard User, and save. Do not do this if it would leave the PC without a usable administrator.

Does this change who owns a work or school computer?

No. It changes a Windows account’s local permissions only. Device ownership and organization management are separate, and only the organization can change its management settings.

Further reading: Microsoft 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.