To make an account an administrator on Windows 10, sign in with an existing administrator account and go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Click the account, choose Change account type, select Administrator, and click OK. The change takes effect the next time that person signs in. A standard user can’t make themselves an administrator. An existing admin has to do it, or you’ll be asked for an admin password.
Here’s how to change account type with Settings, Control Panel, and other built-in tools, and what to do if you’re the only user and you’re not an admin.
Method 1: Use Settings
- Sign in with an administrator account.
- Press Windows key + I and click Accounts.
- Click Family & other users.
- Select the account under Other users and click Change account type.
- Choose Administrator and click OK.
Method 2: Use Control Panel
- Open Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts.
- Click Manage another account and choose the account.
- Click Change the account type, select Administrator, and click Change Account Type.
Method 3: Use netplwiz
- Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
- Select the account and click Properties.
- Open the Group Membership tab, choose Administrator, and click OK.
Method 4: Use Command Prompt
In a Command Prompt opened with Run as administrator, run:
net localgroup Administrators "AccountName" /add
Replace AccountName with the user’s name. This only works if you’re already running as an administrator.
If you’re not an administrator and no one else is
- Check for another admin account. The person who set up the PC may have one. Ask them to change your account type.
- Work or school PC: Your IT department controls admin rights. Ask them.
- Your own PC with a forgotten admin password: Reset that password first. See how to reset a Windows password.
- Last resort: Reset Windows from the sign-in screen with Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. The first account you create afterward is an administrator.
Standard vs. administrator accounts
| Can the account… | Standard | Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Use apps and browse the web | Yes | Yes |
| Install most programs | With admin approval | Yes |
| Change system settings and other accounts | No | Yes |
For daily use, a standard account is safer, since malware can’t make system changes as easily. If you only need to run one program, see how to let a standard user run a program without admin rights.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if I’m an administrator?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. It says Administrator under your name if you are.
What is the built-in Administrator account?
It’s a hidden account for troubleshooting. Microsoft recommends leaving it disabled and using a regular admin account instead.
Do I need to restart after changing the account type?
The user needs to sign out and back in for the change to apply.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Yes. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.