Changing the administrator account in Windows 10 might sound a bit techy, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. In a few steps, you can switch who has the top privileges on your computer. Whether you want to change the current admin or create a new one and make it admin, this guide will walk you through the process. Let’s dive in!
How to Change Administrator Account in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll break down the process of changing the administrator account in Windows 10. By following these steps, you’ll be able to assign admin rights to a new user or change the current admin to another account. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Access Settings
Open the Start menu and click on the Settings gear icon.
Once you click the Settings icon, a new window will open. This is your hub for changing various settings on your computer, including user accounts.
Step 2: Navigate to Accounts
In the Settings window, select the "Accounts" option.
The Accounts section is where you manage everything related to users. From here, you can add new users, modify existing accounts, and change account types.
Step 3: Go to Family & Other Users
In the left-hand menu, click on "Family & other users."
This section allows you to manage other user accounts on your computer. Whether they’re family members or other users, you can change their roles here.
Step 4: Select the User
Under "Other users," choose the account you want to make an administrator.
Clicking on the user will expand their options. You want to focus on changing the account type.
Step 5: Change Account Type
Click on "Change account type" and select "Administrator" from the dropdown menu.
After selecting "Administrator," click "OK." This will change the account type for the selected user.
Step 6: Confirm Changes
Make sure the changes have taken effect by checking the user’s account type.
You might need to restart your computer for changes to take full effect. Once done, the new administrator will have full control.
After completing these steps, the user you selected will now have administrator privileges. You can always revert these changes by following the same steps and selecting "Standard User" instead.
Tips for Changing Administrator Account in Windows 10
- Backup Important Data: Always backup your important files before making significant changes to user accounts.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure the new admin account uses a strong, unique password for better security.
- Regular Checks: Periodically review user accounts to ensure only trusted users have admin privileges.
- Guest Account: Consider setting up a guest account for temporary users to limit access.
- Account Lockout: Enable account lockout policies to protect against unauthorized access attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I delete an administrator account?
Deleting an admin account will remove all its data, including files and settings. Always backup important data before deleting.
Can I have more than one administrator on Windows 10?
Yes, you can have multiple administrators. Just follow the steps above to add admin rights to multiple accounts.
How do I know which account is the administrator?
You can check account types in the "Accounts" section of Settings. Administrators will be labeled as such.
Can I change my account back to a standard user?
Yes, follow the same steps and select "Standard User" instead of "Administrator."
Is it safe to use an administrator account for daily activities?
While you can, it’s safer to use a standard account for daily activities and an admin account only for tasks requiring elevated privileges.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts.
- Click on Family & Other Users.
- Select the user account.
- Change account type to Administrator.
- Confirm changes.
Conclusion
And there you have it—changing the administrator account in Windows 10 made simple. By following these steps, you’ll be able to manage user privileges with ease. Keep in mind that having control over who has admin access on your computer is crucial for security and efficient management.
If you ever find yourself in a bind or needing to switch admins, refer back to this guide. For further reading, you might want to explore how to manage user accounts effectively and securely. Taking these steps will ensure your computer remains safe and under your control. Happy computing!
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.