How to grant admin rights in Windows 11
After your admin rights on a Windows 11 machine? It’s not too tricky, just a few clicks once you know where to look. This step is pretty handy when you’re tweaking system settings or installing apps that regular users can’t touch. It’s common to hit a few walls if your account isn’t set as an admin, so unlocking or changing user permissions can save heaps of hassle.
First up, hit the Windows key and type “Settings.” When the icon pops up, click on it. Think of this as your control centre — here’s where you get to everything from network stuff to privacy options. Usually pretty straightforward, though sometimes updates shuffle things around — like a game of musical chairs.
Once in Settings, find the “Accounts” section on the left sidebar — it’s usually pretty obvious, often with a user icon. Click on that to manage profiles, email, sign-in options, and, you guessed it, permissions. A lot of folks don’t realise changing user permissions is just a few clicks away, so it pays to have a sticky beak around. Keep in mind, Windows can sometimes change the interface with updates, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad.
Next, head to “Family & other users”—that’s where Windows keeps tabs on all the users, including those family or guest accounts. It’s a bit tucked away, but it’s the gatekeeper for user management — both standard and admin accounts. Not the most obvious spot, but that’s Windows for you (or maybe not).
Find the user account you want to promote. Click on their name, and a small menu pops up. If things seem sluggish or unresponsive, no worries — sometimes Windows is busy or messing about; a couple of extra clicks or a quick refresh should sort it. Just look for that “Change account type” option.
Hit “Change account type,” and a dropdown menu appears. Select “Administrator” and then click “OK.” Done! The account now has the powers. Just a heads up — Windows might ask for your password or a UAC prompt if your security settings are tight. If you’ve adjusted UAC, there might be a prompt for extra credentials. Also, you can run:
netplwizThis command opens the User Accounts window, and from there, you can promote users manually if you prefer that method.
No need to log out straight away — the change usually takes effect right away. But sometimes a quick restart helps things settle and makes sure everything’s in order.
Tips for Giving Admin Permissions in Windows 11
If you’re not super familiar with Windows, it can get a bit confusing. Here’s a pro tip: double-check that the user understands what admin rights mean. Power can go to heads quick-smart. Keep tabs on who’s got admin access, especially on shared machines. Use strong passwords for accounts with elevated permissions — it keeps the baddies at bay. Instead of promoting your main account, consider setting up a separate admin account — better safe than sorry if things go pear-shaped with malware or software quirks. And, seriously, back up your system regularly to avoid any nasty surprises down the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I muck up while changing permissions?
No worries! Just go back into “Family & other users” settings and revert the changes. Windows usually makes it pretty straightforward to undo any mistakes—probably done it a few times yourself. You can also jump into the Computer Management console:
compmgmt.mscNavigate to Local Users and Groups > Users, right-click the user, and select Properties. From there, you can switch their group membership back to “Administrator” or standard as needed.
Can I give more than one person admin access?
Absolutely! There’s no limit on admin accounts — just follow the same steps for each user. But a word of warning: more admins means more risk. Be careful who you give those privileges to.
Is it risky to have a few admins?
On some setups, having multiple admin accounts can open the door to security issues. Each account adds an extra entry point for malware or threats. Admin rights should be given carefully — only when necessary. Also, make sure those accounts have strong passwords to keep the baddies out.
What if the admin password is forgotten?
That’s a pain! You can reset it via your Microsoft account online at the Microsoft account device management page. If you’ve got a reset disk, that can help too. Otherwise, recovery mode or command line can do the trick:
net user [username] [newpassword]Do programs need admin rights to install?
Most do, since they need to tweak system files. Windows will prompt you for approval so you know what’s happening. To run an app as admin, right-click its shortcut and choose Run as administrator. Or press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch directly from the Start menu.
Getting admin access in Windows 11 isn’t some secret mission — just a few clicks and a bit of common sense. With great power, of course, comes responsibility. Always make sure users know what being an admin means, keep permissions in check, and have strong security measures in place. Regular backups and solid passwords are a must. And remember — Windows 11 keeps changing, so staying up to date is the best way to keep things running smoothly.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts.
- Click on Family & other users.
- Select the user.
- Change Account Type.
Hopefully this helps save a few hours for someone. Been tested across a few machines myself.