What you need to know before you start

Changing the administrator on Windows 10 means transferring admin rights from one user account to another, or promoting a standard account to admin status. You do this through Settings or the Control Panel, and it takes about five minutes. You will need to already be logged in as an administrator to make the change.

Windows 10 distinguishes between two account types: Administrator accounts, which can install software, change system settings, and create or delete other accounts; and Standard accounts, which can use programs but cannot modify system-wide settings. If you are locked out of your admin account or need to give someone else control of the computer, you will need to either promote an existing standard account or create a new admin account.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are promoting an existing account or creating a new one, but both routes use the same Settings menu. You do not need to restart the computer, and the change takes effect immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • You must already be logged in as an administrator to change administrator status on another account.
  • The fastest route is Settings > Accounts > Other people, where you can select an existing account and click "Change account type."
  • Changing an account from Standard to Administrator gives that person full control over the computer, including the ability to delete files and uninstall programs.
  • If you cannot log in to any administrator account, you will need to use password reset tools or contact Microsoft support, as there is no built-in recovery method from the login screen.

Promote an existing account to administrator using Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Accounts in the left sidebar. Select Other people from the menu on the left.

You will see a list of all user accounts on the computer. Find the account you want to promote and click it once to select it. A button labeled Change account type will appear below the account name. Click that button.

A small window will open with a dropdown menu that currently shows "Standard user." Click the dropdown and select Administrator. Click OK. The change takes effect immediately, and the account now has full administrator rights. You do not need to restart the computer or ask the user to log out and back in.

Promote an existing account using Control Panel

If Settings does not open or you prefer the older interface, you can use Control Panel instead. Press the Windows key and type "Control Panel," then press Enter. Click User Accounts, then click User Accounts

Click Manage another account. Select the account you want to change. Click Change the account type. Select the radio button next to Administrator, then click Change Account Type. The change is immediate.

Create a new administrator account

If you need to create a brand-new administrator account rather than promote an existing one, open Settings and go to Accounts > Other people. Click the button labeled Add account. You will be asked whether you want to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.

If you choose Microsoft account, you will need an email address and password associated with a Microsoft account. If you choose local account, you will create a username and password that exist only on this computer. After you create the account, follow the steps in the "Promote an existing account" section above to give it administrator rights.

Remove administrator rights from an account

You can also use the same Settings menu to demote an administrator account back to standard user. Open Settings > Accounts > Other people, select the administrator account, click Change account type, select Standard user from the dropdown, and click OK.

Be aware that demoting an account does not delete it or remove its files. The account will still exist and the person can still log in, but they will no longer be able to install software, change system settings, or modify other accounts. If you want to remove the account entirely, click Delete instead of Change account type. Windows will ask whether you want to keep or delete the account's files.

What to do if you cannot log in to any administrator account

If you have forgotten the password to every administrator account on the computer, you cannot change administrator status through Settings or Control Panel. Windows 10 does not have a built-in recovery method accessible from the login screen.

Your options are to use the password reset disk if you created one before you forgot the password, use another computer to reset your Microsoft account password (if the administrator account is linked to a Microsoft account), or contact Microsoft support. Some people use third-party password reset tools, but these carry security risks and may violate your computer's warranty or security policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one administrator account?

Yes. Windows 10 allows multiple administrator accounts on the same computer. Each administrator has the same level of control and can create, modify, or delete other accounts. Having a backup administrator account is useful if you forget the password to your main account.

Will changing someone's account type delete their files?

No. Changing an account from Standard to Administrator, or vice versa, does not affect the account's files, documents, or settings. The person can still log in and access everything they had before. Only the permissions change.

What is the difference between Administrator and Standard user?

An Administrator can install and uninstall programs, change system settings, create and delete accounts, and access all files on the computer. A Standard user can run programs and access their own files, but cannot install software, change system-wide settings, or modify other accounts.

Do I need to restart the computer after changing administrator status?

No. The change takes effect immediately. The person does not need to log out and back in, though they may need to restart specific programs to see the new permissions in action.

Can I change administrator status from a Standard user account?

No. You must be logged in as an Administrator to change account types for any other account. If you only have Standard user access, you will need to ask someone with Administrator rights to make the change for you.