Changing the administrator account in Windows 11 isn’t as complicated as it might seem at first glance — but not everything’s obvious either. Sometimes, you just need to switch which user has the high-level rights because maybe someone else is taking over or a new person needs control. Sometimes, the account you want to promote isn’t marked as an admin, and it’s kinda frustrating trying to figure out how to make that change without messing things up.
This guide is here to help, even if you’re not super tech-savvy. It’s a straightforward process, but Windows can be a little fussy about permissions and settings. When done right, your chosen user will be able to tweak settings, install software, and manage the PC just like an admin — no sweat. Just be aware that playing with admin rights means you’re giving someone more control, so be sure it’s someone trustworthy.
How to Change Administrator Account in Windows 11
Method 1: Using Settings Menu
This is the go-to approach — if you prefer clicking through menus, it’s pretty reliable. It helps when the account you want to promote is already listed but just needs a boost to admin rights. You’ll find that changing user roles here is usually enough to get things moving.
First, open Settings
- Press the Windows key and click the gear icon or hit Settings directly from the start menu.
- The Settings window pops up. This is your main hub for user accounts, display, and more. Be warned — sometimes Windows makes you click around a bit to get to user settings, especially if it’s been a while since you looked at them.
On some setups, the Settings app can be clunky or slow, but don’t worry — it’s worth it.
Navigate to Accounts
- Inside Settings, click on Accounts.
- This is where Windows keeps your user profile info, login options, and account types. Look for Family & other users, which is usually under the “Accounts” menu.
Find and select the account to upgrade
- Scroll through the list and click on the user you want to make an admin.
- If that account isn’t already listed as a “Standard user,” you’ll wanna change it now.
Change account type to Administrator
- Click on Change account type.
- A new menu appears. Under Account type, select Administrator from the dropdown.
- Press OK or Apply, and that’s it — the user is now an admin.
Note: On some setups, you might need to log out and log back in for the role change to take effect. Also, because Windows sometimes makes the admin toggle confusing, double-check that you’re giving this privilege to who you intend.
Method 2: via Local Users & Groups (for Pro versions)
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or higher, there’s a faster way via “Local Users & Groups” — not available on Home editions without extra tweaks. This method can be more direct if the Settings app gets wonky.
Open Local Users and Groups
- Press Win + R, type
lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter. - This opens the local user management console, where you can see all user accounts and their roles directly.
Find the user and elevate rights
- In the left side, click on Users.
- Double-click the account you want to make an admin.
- Check the box called Member Of, then click Add.
- Type in Administrators and hit Check Names so it resolves, then OK.
This adds the user to the Administrators group, which gives them full admin privileges. That’s usually more straightforward if you’re comfortable with these tools, but again, be cautious — don’t give admin rights to someone who’ll cause chaos with system settings.
Tips for Changing Administrator Account in Windows 11
- Make sure the person getting admin access knows it means they can break stuff if they’re careless.
- Back up important files before making major role changes, just in case.
- Use a strong, unique password on the admin account — Windows can be annoying about account security.
- If things act weird, logging out and back in or rebooting sometimes helps sync the changes.
- Remember, you can always switch back if needed. That’s the beauty of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple admin accounts?
Yeah, Windows 11 supports multiple admin accounts. Useful if you want a few trusted people to have high-level access without sharing a single admin login.
What if I lose access to the admin account?
This can get ugly — sometimes requires booting into recovery or using another admin account to fix things. Don’t forget, always keep at least one admin account accessible.
Is it risky to give someone admin rights?
Sure, because they can change system settings, install software, or even mess things up. Only give admin rights to folks you trust or who really need it for their work.
Can I revert the change later?
Yep, just follow the same steps and switch the user back to a standard account if needed.
Do I need Wi-Fi or internet to make these changes?
Nope, most of this is local. You can do it offline, as Windows doesn’t need to connect to the net for account role modifications.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Accounts
- Select Family & other users
- Pick the account to promote
- Change to Administrator
Wrap-up
Getting the right person to have admin access on Windows 11 is kinda crucial if you want control over your system. Whether you do it via the Settings or advanced tools like lusrmgr, just make sure you know what you’re doing — it’s easy to slip up or give access to the wrong person. Also, keep your admin accounts secure with good passwords. After all, fingers crossed, this helps streamline your user management and keeps the system safer.