Enabling the Administrator account in Windows 10 using the Command Prompt (CMD) is a straightforward process. You’ll open CMD with administrative privileges and run a few simple commands. This task is useful for troubleshooting or performing tasks that require elevated permissions.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Enable Administrator Account in Windows 10 Using CMD
In this section, you’ll learn how to enable the hidden Administrator account in Windows 10. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be able to access the account in no time.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
First, you need to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
To do this, type “cmd” into the Windows search bar. When you see “Command Prompt” appear in the results, right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: Confirm User Account Control (UAC) Prompt
When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click “Yes.”
This step ensures that the Command Prompt is opened with the necessary permissions to make system changes.
Step 3: Enter the Command to Enable Administrator Account
Now, type the following command into the Command Prompt:
net user administrator /active:yes
Press Enter.
This command activates the hidden Administrator account on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 4: Verify the Command Completed Successfully
Look for a message that says, “The command completed successfully.”
If you see this message, it means the Administrator account is now enabled.
Step 5: Log Out and Switch to the Administrator Account
Log out of your current account and switch to the Administrator account.
Click on your profile icon in the Start menu or press Ctrl + Alt + Del
and choose “Sign out.” Next, select the Administrator account from the login screen.
After completing these actions, you’ll have full administrative access under the newly enabled Administrator account. You can use this account for various system tasks or troubleshooting.
Tips for Enabling Administrator Account in Windows 10 Using CMD
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator to make system changes.
- To deactivate the Administrator account later, use the command
net user administrator /active:no
. - Use the Administrator account cautiously, as it has unrestricted access to the system.
- Change the Administrator account password to secure it from unauthorized access.
- Be aware that enabling this account can pose security risks if not managed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Enabling Administrator Account in Windows 10 Using CMD
What is the Administrator account in Windows 10?
The Administrator account is a built-in account that has full control over the system. It can make any changes, including altering system files and settings.
Why would I need to enable the Administrator account?
You might need to enable it for troubleshooting, installing software, or performing tasks that require elevated permissions.
Is it safe to use the Administrator account?
While it’s safe to use for specific tasks, keeping it enabled all the time can be risky. Ensure it’s protected with a strong password and disable it when not in use.
How do I disable the Administrator account?
To disable the Administrator account, open CMD with administrative privileges and type: net user administrator /active:no
.
Can I rename the Administrator account?
Yes, you can. Open CMD as an administrator and type: wmic useraccount where name='administrator' rename 'newname'
, replacing newname
with your desired account name.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Confirm User Account Control (UAC) Prompt.
- Enter the Command to Enable Administrator Account.
- Verify the Command Completed Successfully.
- Log Out and Switch to the Administrator Account.
Conclusion
Enabling the Administrator account in Windows 10 using CMD is a handy skill to have in your toolkit. Whether you’re troubleshooting, installing software, or need to tweak system settings, this account provides the elevated permissions you need. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Always use the Administrator account cautiously and disable it when it’s no longer needed.
For further reading, you may explore other CMD commands that can help you manage your Windows operating system more efficiently. If this article helped you, consider sharing it with others who might benefit from knowing how to enable the Administrator account in Windows 10.
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.