Switching the administrator on Windows 11 might seem like a pain — especially if you’re not used to diving into account settings. But honestly, it’s not that bad once you know where to go. Sometimes, you need to do this if someone new needs full control, or if you just want to tidy up permissions and keep things secure. The process can be a bit hidden, and Windows has a tendency to overcomplicate things—like, why does it have so many menus?—but once you get the hang of it, it’s straightforward. Basically, you’ll be updating which user account has not only access but admin rights, so they can install apps, change system settings, all that jazz. Expect to end up with a more manageable setup, especially if you’re sharing your PC with family or colleagues. Just keep in mind: giving someone admin rights is a trust move, so choose carefully.
How to Change Administrator on Windows 11
Access the user management area
This is the core of the whole thing. You’ll want to open your Settings, but not just casually — it’s better to get to the exact spot where these permissions are managed. Hit the Start menu, then type Settings. You can also press Windows + I if that’s quicker. Once in Settings, navigate to the control hub for user accounts. It’s in Accounts, which you can find on the left sidebar. Sometimes, Windows tries to hide these options, so don’t be surprised if it feels a little tucked away.
Reach the ‘Family & Other Users’ section
In the Accounts menu, click on Family & other users. This part is where you see the accounts set up on your machine — whether they’re family, friends, or random guest users. It’s kind of weird, but this is where you switch permissions. If the account you want to change is under Other Users, click on that. Otherwise, if it’s a family member, it’ll be listed there. On some setups, this menu might look slightly different if you’re on a corporate or specialized build.
Change the account type
- Pick the user account you wish to promote or demote from the list.
- Click on the Change account type button.
- This opens a small window with options. Here’s where you toggle between Standard User and Administrator.
Set as administrator
In the dropdown, choose Administrator, then hit OK. Done. That account now has full control over the system. From experience, sometimes Windows stages a little delay before the change kicks in, so don’t be alarmed if it’s not immediate. Logging out and back in might help, or a restart if things seem wonky.
On some setups, this doesn’t always work perfectly the first time, especially if your account is linked to a Microsoft account. In that case, you might need to use the Microsoft Account Management online or check local security policies.
Tips for Changing Administrator on Windows 11
- Before doing this, it’s smart to back up any critical files — because sometimes, Windows gets quirky. A quick backup, just in case.
- Make sure the new admin is trustworthy. They can essentially do anything, including deleting your files or changing settings you might care about.
- If you’re unsure, create a second admin account — just in case, so you don’t lock yourself out.
- And yeah, periodically review account permissions. Windows updates can reset or alter access levels without much notice.
- Familiarize yourself with the Windows security features like BitLocker and Secure Boot — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s an administrator account anyway?
It’s the user account that can do pretty much anything — install software, change system settings, access all files. Basically, it has the keys to the kingdom.
Can I have more than one admin?
Yep, Windows lets you set up multiple accounts with admin rights. Helpful if you want other trusted people to have control too.
What if I take away admin rights?
That account will lose the ability to do system-wide changes. Think of it as going from admin to just a regular user, which is fine for daily use but limiting for troubleshooting or installing stuff.
Can I switch somebody back to standard later?
Of course, just reverse the process — change the account type from Administrator back to Standard User.
Is it safe to run with just one admin account?
Generally, it’s safer, but having at least one secondary admin isn’t a bad idea. Sometimes, if the main admin gets compromised, you need another way in.
Summary
- Open Settings (Windows + I or Start menu > Settings)
- Go to Accounts
- Click on Family & other users
- Select the user, then Change account type
- Set as Administrator
Wrap-up
Bit of a hassle for some, but once you know where to click, changing an admin is pretty painless. Just remember: trust is key — don’t give admin rights to just anyone. After that, it’s mostly about having the right permissions to keep your system under control. Windows is weirdly protective about these things, so sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get it right. If you run into trouble, checking user account info with Microsoft’s docs or running a command in PowerShell might help. Good luck! Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone, or at least makes the whole admin switch less of a headache.