The two ways to change who has administrator control
You can change the administrator in Windows 10 in two ways: promote an existing user account to administrator status, or create a new administrator account and demote the old one. The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep the old account on the computer and what data it contains.
Both methods require you to be logged in as the current administrator. If you are locked out of the administrator account, you will need to use password recovery tools or contact Microsoft Support, as Windows 10 does not allow you to bypass this requirement through the settings menu.
Key Takeaways
- You must be logged in as the current administrator to change administrator status on any account.
- The Settings app under Accounts lets you promote an existing user to administrator in about two minutes.
- Demoting an administrator account removes its special permissions but keeps the account and its files on the computer.
- If you create a new administrator account, you can delete the old one afterward, which removes all its files unless you transfer them first.
- Windows 10 requires at least one administrator account to exist on the computer at all times.
Promote an existing user to administrator through Settings
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then select the Settings icon. Go to Accounts, then select Other people in the left sidebar. You will see a list of all user accounts on the computer.
Click the account you want to make an administrator. A menu will appear with options. Select Change account type. A dialog box will open with a dropdown menu that currently shows "Standard user." Click the dropdown and select Administrator, then click OK. The change takes effect when ready, though the user may need to sign out and back in to see all administrator features.
This method is the fastest if you already have a user account set up. The account keeps all its existing files and settings, and the user can now install software, change system settings, and manage other accounts.
Create a new administrator account and remove the old one
If you want to replace the administrator entirely rather than add another one, create a new account first. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Other people. Click Add account at the top of the list.
Windows will ask whether you want to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. A Microsoft account syncs settings and files across devices; a local account exists only on this computer. Choose whichever fits your needs, then follow the prompts to create the account. Once the account exists, use the "Change account type" method described above to make it an administrator.
After the new administrator account is set up and working, you can remove the old administrator. Go back to Accounts and Other people, click the old administrator account, and select Delete account and data. Windows will warn you that this removes all files in that account's user folder. If you need to keep any files, copy them to another account's folder or an external drive before deleting.
Demote an administrator to a standard user account
If you want to keep an administrator account on the computer but remove its special permissions, you can demote it to a standard user. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Other people. Click the administrator account you want to demote, select Change account type, and choose Standard user from the dropdown. Click OK.
The account remains on the computer with all its files intact. The user can still log in and use the computer, but cannot install software, change system settings, or manage other accounts without entering an administrator password when prompted. This is useful if you want to restrict what a user can do while keeping their account active.
What happens when you change administrator status
When you promote a standard user to administrator, that user gains the ability to install and uninstall programs, change system settings, create and delete accounts, and access all files on the computer. They will see a User Account Control prompt when they try to do something that requires administrator permission — this is a security feature that asks them to confirm the action.
When you demote an administrator to a standard user, they lose these abilities. They can still use the computer normally, but will be blocked from installing software or changing settings. They can still see and use files in their own user folder.
Windows 10 requires at least one administrator account to exist on the computer. You cannot demote or delete the last administrator account. If you try, Windows will show an error message and prevent the action.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not delete an administrator account if you need its files. Deleting the account removes the entire user folder, including documents, photos, and downloads. If you need to keep the files, either copy them to another account first or demote the account to standard user instead of deleting it.
Do not try to change administrator status while logged in as a standard user. You must be logged in as an administrator to make changes to any account's permissions. If you are locked out of the administrator account, you will need to use the password recovery process or contact Microsoft Support.
Do not create multiple administrator accounts unless you have a specific reason. Each administrator account is a potential security risk because anyone using it can change system settings and access sensitive files. For most households, one administrator account is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the administrator password instead of creating a new account?
Yes. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Your info. Select Change your password and follow the prompts. This keeps the same administrator account but gives it a new password. This is faster than creating a new account if you just need to reset a forgotten password.
What if I forgot the administrator password?
Windows 10 has a built-in password reset option. On the sign-in screen, click I forgot my password and answer your security questions or use your recovery email. If you set up a password hint, it will appear when you click the password field. If none of these work, you will need to contact Microsoft Support or use a password recovery tool.
Can a standard user change settings without an administrator password?
No. When a standard user tries to change system settings or install software, Windows shows a User Account Control prompt asking for an administrator password. The standard user cannot proceed without it. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized changes.
Will changing the administrator affect my files and programs?
No. Changing who is the administrator does not affect files, photos, documents, or installed programs. Each user account has its own folder where their personal files are stored. Programs installed on the computer remain installed and work the same way.
Can I have two administrator accounts on the same computer?
Yes. You can promote multiple accounts to administrator status. However, this means multiple people can change system settings and manage accounts. For security, most people use one administrator account and standard user accounts for everyone else.