Figuring out how to tweak or switch around admin accounts in Windows 11 can be kinda frustrating, especially if you’re not used to digging into menus or command lines all the time. Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting into the right settings, or maybe creating a new account that’s got the right privileges, but other times you have to use some terminal commands — which isn’t always obvious unless you’ve done it before. This guide is here to help with the most common ways to change, add, or remove admin rights on Windows 11, whether you prefer clicking around in settings or typing commands in the terminal. Expect to end up with at least one account that’s got full control, which can be handy if you’re troubleshooting or handing over a machine to someone else.
How to Change or Create an Admin Account on Windows 11
Method 1: Change Existing Account to Administrator via Settings
This way is pretty straightforward if you already have the account you want to promote. It’s the way most people do it because it’s all GUI, no command line needed — which is nice if you’re not comfortable with terminal commands. It applies when you know which account needs admin rights but isn’t an admin yet. Expect it to just work, pretty much instantly, if you’re logged in as a user with enough privileges. Just remember, Windows likes to be a little picky, so sometimes you might need to reboot or re-log for the permissions to fully take effect.
- Open Settings: Hit Windows + I to bring up the Settings app.
- Navigate: Go to Accounts > Family & other users or just Accounts > Other users (menu titles might vary slightly depending on updates).
- Pick the user: Find the account you want to make admin, click on it.
- Change account type: Hit the button that says Change account type.
- Select Administrator: In the dropdown, choose Administrator.
- Confirm: Hit OK. Voilà, that account is now an admin, and you can get to work managing permissions or installing stuff.
Sometimes, this process works immediately, sometimes it takes a reboot or re-logout. On some setups, Windows might throw up a little roadblock, but usually it’s just a matter of waiting a sec.
Method 2: Make a New Admin Account from Settings
What if there’s only one account on the PC and it’s a standard user? No worries — you can create a new account and promote it to admin. It’s kind of weird, but sometimes you just gotta do this from scratch, especially on machines that are freshly reset or used by multiple people. It’s also good for troubleshooting if you suspect some permission weirdness.
- Open Settings: again, Windows + I.
- Navigate to Accounts > Family & other users:
- Add a new account: Click on Add account.
- Choose an account type: When it asks for Microsoft login info, pick I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then on the next screen, select Add a user without a Microsoft account to make a local account.
- Create login details: Enter a username and password, then hit Next. Done, you have a new local user.
- Promote to admin: Select the new account from the list, click Change account type, and pick Administrator.
This method is kind of slow, but it gets the job done when you’re starting fresh or switching stuff up.
Method 3: Hack the Admin Rights via Command Prompt
This is kind of a no-brainer for folks comfortable with command lines, and it’s the fastest way if you want to automate or script the whole thing. Plus, on some setups, Windows just refuses to let you change account types through menus, so commands are the fallback. The only catch is you need admin privileges already, or you’re stuck.
To add an existing user as an admin:
- Open terminal: press Windows + X and pick Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the command:
net localgroup administrators “username” /addReplace username with the actual username of the account you want to promote. - Hit enter, and it’s done — that user now has admin access.
This command is kinda magic, but why it works is because it directly modifies the group membership at the system level. Just be sure you replace “username” with the real account’s name, or else it won’t work. On one setup, this seemed to fail the first time, then I re-ran it after a reboot and it finally stuck. Windows can be wierd about these permissions sometimes.
To remove a user from the admin group:
- Same initial step: open Command Prompt with admin rights.
- Type:
net localgroup administrators “username” /delete - This kicks the user out of admin rights. Be careful — don’t do this unless you really mean it.
To create a whole new admin account with commands:
- Run as admin in Command Prompt.
- Type this to make a new user:
net user “newusername” “password” /add. Replace “newusername” and “password” with whatever you want. - Then promote it to admin by:
net localgroup administrators “newusername” /add.
It’s kinda handy if you’re building scripts or fixing server setups, and it’s way faster than clicking around in menus. Just remember, if you’re dealing with special characters in passwords or usernames, escape them properly or use quotes.
Wrap-up
Getting the right admin rights on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it can involve different steps depending on whether you’re just modifying existing accounts or creating new ones from scratch. The GUI approach is easiest for most, but commands provide power and flexibility when needed. If something doesn’t stick immediately, sometimes a quick reboot or log out/ log in helps, but generally, once you’ve got the permissions sorted, you’re good to go.
Summary
- Using Settings is simple and safe for changing existing account types.
- Creating new accounts can be done from Settings or via command line, depending on your comfort level.
- Commands can be quick, but be careful with syntax and account names.
- Rebooting or re-logging can fix some permissions hiccups.
Fingers crossed this helps
When it’s all said and done, messing around with user accounts isn’t super complicated, but it’s annoying how Windows sometimes just refuses to cooperate. Still, this should give most people what they need — whether it’s bumping up an account or fixing permissions on the fly. Good luck, and hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone.