Changing the administrator on Windows 11 involves a few simple steps. You need to access the Settings, navigate to the Accounts section, find Family & other users, and then select the user account you want to make an administrator. That’s it! With these steps, you’ll be able to give another user administrative privileges on your computer.
How to Change the Administrator on Windows 11
Changing the administrator on Windows 11 allows you to give someone else full control over the system settings and permissions. Follow these steps to get it done:
Step 1: Open Settings
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
The Settings app is where you’ll find most of your system preferences and controls. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your Windows configurations.
Step 2: Navigate to Accounts
In the Settings window, click on Accounts.
The Accounts section is where you manage user accounts, including adding, removing, or changing account types. It’s essential for managing who has access to your computer and what they can do.
Step 3: Select Family & other users
Click on Family & other users on the left-hand side.
This area is specifically for managing user accounts other than your own. You can add family members or other users, and also modify their account settings.
Step 4: Choose the User Account
Under Other users, click the user account you want to change.
You should see a list of all standard accounts on your device. Choose the one you want to give admin rights to.
Step 5: Change Account Type
Click Change account type.
This option is where you’ll switch the account from a standard user to an administrator.
Step 6: Select Administrator
In the pop-up that appears, choose Administrator from the dropdown menu and click OK.
Selecting Administrator from the dropdown will give the chosen user full control over the device. Be sure to confirm your choice by clicking OK.
After completing these steps, the selected account will have administrative privileges, enabling them to install software, change settings, and manage other user accounts.
Tips for Changing the Administrator on Windows 11
- Backup Important Data: Before changing any account settings, make sure to backup important data to avoid accidental loss.
- Choose Carefully: Only give administrative privileges to trusted individuals, as they will have full control over the system.
- Create a Restore Point: Creating a system restore point can help you revert changes if something goes wrong.
- Monitor Admin Activities: Keep an eye on what administrators do, as they can make significant changes.
- Keep Passwords Secure: Ensure all administrator accounts have strong, unique passwords to enhance security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple administrators on Windows 11?
Yes, you can have multiple administrator accounts on Windows 11. Each admin will have full control over the system.
What if I forget my administrator password?
If you forget your admin password, you can reset it using another admin account or through Microsoft’s account recovery options.
Can I remove an administrator account?
Yes, you can remove an administrator account by going to the Accounts section in Settings and deleting the account.
Is it safe to change the administrator?
Yes, it’s safe as long as you’re giving administrative rights to someone you trust. Always ensure the new admin understands their responsibilities.
Do I need admin rights to change the administrator?
Yes, you need to be logged in as an administrator to change another user’s account type to an administrator.
Summary
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Navigate to Accounts.
- Select Family & other users.
- Choose the user account.
- Click Change account type.
- Select Administrator and click OK.
Conclusion
Changing the administrator on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. This procedure is useful when you want to grant someone else full control over the system, allowing them to manage settings, install software, and make other critical changes. Always handle administrator privileges with care, ensuring that only trusted individuals have this level of access to your device. For more detailed guides and technology tips, stay tuned and keep exploring ways to make the most out of your Windows 11 experience. Whether you’re setting up a new computer or managing a family device, understanding how to change the administrator can come in handy more often than you might think.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.