To give an account administrator privileges on Windows 11, sign in with an existing administrator account, open Settings > Accounts > Other users, select the account, click Change account type, and choose Administrator. The change applies the next time that person signs in.
Only an administrator can grant admin rights. If you’re on a standard account, ask the PC’s owner or administrator to do it. On a work or school PC, your IT department controls admin access.
Quick Answer
As an admin: Settings > Accounts > Other users > select the account > Change account type > Administrator > OK.
Check Whether You’re Already an Administrator
Open Settings > Accounts > Your info. Under your name, Windows shows Administrator or Standard user. If you’re already an administrator, you don’t need to change anything; you just need to approve the User Account Control prompt when an app asks.
Make an Account an Administrator in Settings
- Use an account that already has admin rights.
- Open Settings (Win + I), choose Accounts, then Other users.
- Expand the person’s account by clicking its name.
- Click Change account type.
- Choose Administrator and click OK.
- Have the user sign out and back in.
Other Ways an Administrator Can Grant Rights
- Control Panel: Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account > select the account > Change the account type.
- User Accounts (netplwiz): Run netplwiz from the Win + R box, highlight the account, click Properties > Group Membership > Administrator.
- Command line: In Terminal (Admin), run
net localgroup administrators username /add, replacing username with the account name.
You May Only Need to Run One App as Administrator
Many tasks don’t need a permanent admin account. Right-click the app and choose Run as administrator, then approve the prompt with an admin’s PIN or password. This keeps your everyday account safer.
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Installing one program | Run as administrator; an admin approves the prompt |
| Your own PC, you need full control regularly | Make your account an administrator |
| Shared family PC | Keep children on standard accounts |
| Work or school PC | Request access from IT |
| Forgot the only admin password | Reset it through the account’s recovery options |
To add a new user without a Microsoft account, see how to create a local account on Windows 11.
For games, see how to run a Steam game as administrator.
On Windows 10, you can also enable the built-in Administrator account from Command Prompt.
Troubleshooting
- Change account type is missing: You’re signed in as a standard user. Only an administrator sees it.
- “You need administrator permission” even though you’re an admin: The file or folder may belong to another account or to the system. Use Run as administrator, or check the item’s Security tab.
- The options are grayed out on a work PC: Your organization manages the device. Contact IT rather than trying to change it.
- You forgot the administrator password: See how to get back in if you forgot your Windows password, which covers Microsoft account and local account recovery.
Before you remove or downgrade an administrator, make sure at least one other admin account exists. See how to remove an account from Windows 11 and how to create a local account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give myself admin rights from a standard account?
No. Windows is designed so that only an existing administrator can grant admin rights. Ask the PC’s owner or administrator.
Is it safe to use an administrator account every day?
It’s common on personal PCs, but a standard account for daily use plus a separate admin account is safer, because malware can’t change system settings without the admin’s approval.
How do I remove administrator rights?
Follow the same steps and choose Standard user instead.
Summary
- Use an existing admin account.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Pick Change account type and choose Administrator.
- Sign out and back in to apply it.
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.