How to Give User Admin Rights in Windows 11
Giving someone admin rights on Windows 11 might seem like a bit of a mission, but it’s actually pretty simple — once you know where to look. It’s almost like Microsoft’s hiding these options on purpose, making it feel a bit like solving a puzzle. But once you get the hang of it, it’s all pretty straightforward. Just fair warning: it can be a bit of a pain and might take a couple of goes before it feels natural.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before you dive into those settings, a quick heads-up: only grant admin rights to someone you trust. Giving someone admin access is like handing over the keys to your ute — you wanna be sure they won’t go causing chaos. It’s a good idea to check who’s got admin privileges every now and then, just in case someone sneaks in without you noticing. And yeah, creating a restore point before making any big changes is a smart move — it’s like having a backup plan if things go pear-shaped. You can do this through Control Panel > System & Security > System > System Protection. Think of admin rights as valuable loot — don’t hand them out to just anyone. Also, having a chat with new admins about what they can and can’t do will save you from any sudden surprises.
Granting Admin Rights Made Easy
The easiest way is through the Settings app:
1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users
3. Pick the user account you want to bump up
4. Click on Change account type
5. In the window that appears, change the Account type from Standard User to Administrator
6. Hit OK and you’re all set
If that’s a bit too quick for you, you can also do it via the Control Panel. Just head to Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts, select the account, and switch it to Administrator.
For those happy to use the command line, you can bang out a quick shortcut with Command Prompt or PowerShell:
net localgroup Administrators <username> /addReplace <username> with the person’s account name. For example: net localgroup Administrators JohnDoe /add. Just make sure you run the command prompt as an admin — no shortcuts there if you’ve just got a basic user account.
Quick Tips
If you like using the Local Users and Groups snap-in, you can open it by typing lusrmgr.msc in the Run box (Windows + R). But heads up: it’s only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Home editions, you’re out of luck there. Always double-check the account type after you’ve made your changes in Settings > Accounts > Your Info or in the Control Panel.
Getting this right isn’t just about following steps — it’s about understanding what sort of power you’re handing over. Admins can do everything from installing apps to mucking about with system settings, which can be both a blessing and a curse. So, choose wisely, and keep an eye on who’s got the keys. Whether it’s just you or a whole team, keeping control is the best way to keep everything running smoothly.