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Windows 11 is available for all users to access after its launch on October 5th, 2021. However, sometimes it may be necessary to change the administrator account. If you are using a shared laptop or you are selling it, removing your administrator profile can be a secure option as it ensures that no one can access your personal files. In this article, we will provide several methods on how to change the administrator on Windows 11 laptop.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing the Administrator on Windows 11 Laptop
An administrator account is the most privileged account type on Windows. It can access all files, settings, and functions available to a user account on Windows 11. There are several reasons why you may need to change your administrator account. You might be handing over your laptop to someone else, or you may need to create a new administrator account. However, changing the administrator account can be challenging if you do not know how to do it, and if you fail to change the administrator account, you may lose access to files and applications on your device.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before proceeding to change the administrator on Windows 11 laptop, you should keep in mind two important things:
Backup Files: – Before you begin, it is essential to back up all your important files in case of data loss.
Login credentials:- Ensure that you have the login credentials for your new administrator account, i.e., username and password.
Method 1: Via User Accounts Settings
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Click the start button at the bottom left corner of the Windows taskbar.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
Step 3: Under the Settings menu, click on Accounts.
Step 4: Click on "Family & other people."
Step 5: Select the user account you want to change and click on the "Change account type" button.
Step 6: Under "Account type," select Administrator.
Step 7: Click on "Ok" to save changes.
Pros:
– This method is the easiest way to change the administrator account on Windows 11 laptop.
Cons:
– You must be logged in as an administrator to carry out this method.
– Limited control over the transferred files and programs.
Method 2: Via Local Users and Groups
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R key on your keyboard to open the Run box.
Step 2: Type "lusrmgr.msc" in the box and press Enter.
Step 3: Go to the left pane and click on "Users."
Step 4: Right-click the user account you want to change and select "Properties."
Step 5: Under the "Member of" section, click "Add."
Step 6: Enter the username of the new administrator, and then click on "Check names."
Step 7: Once the name has been verified, click on "Ok."
Step 8: Click on "Apply" and "Ok" to save the changes.
Pros:
– This method provides more control over your files and accounts.
Cons:
– Windows 11 Home edition users will not have access to this method since it is only available in the Pro and Enterprise versions.
Method 3: Via Command Prompt
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X key on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
Step 2: Click on "Command Prompt (Admin)".
Step 3: Type in "net user [username] /add" and press Enter. (Do not include the brackets in the command)
Step 4: Type in "net localgroup administrators [username] /add" and press Enter. (Do not include the brackets in the command)
Step 5: Restart your PC.
Pros:
– This method is suitable for command-line users.
Cons:
– It is a bit complicated for novice users who are not used to running commands.
– Any mistakes in the command line can cause irreversible problems.
Method 4: Via Microsoft Account
Step 1: Log in to your Microsoft account;
Step 2: Click on the "Devices" tab.
Step 3: Click on the laptop you want to change.
Step 4: Click on "Manage" and select "Get Started."
Step 5: Follow the prompts to add a new user account.
Step 6: Once the new user account is set up, sign out, and log in as the new administrator account.
Pros:
– Good for users who rely on Microsoft accounts.
Cons:
– If your laptop is not linked to your Microsoft account, this method is not applicable.
– Slow sign-in process.
Why Can’t I Change the Administrator on Windows 11 Laptop?
Being unable to change the administrator on Windows 11 laptop could be due to several reasons, such as:
Q1: Why can’t I see the "Change account type" option in my Settings menu?
A: You must be logged in as an administrator to access the "Change account type" option.
Q2: Why can’t I change the administrator on Windows 11 Home edition?
A: This is because the Local Users and Groups option is only available in the Pro and Enterprise versions.
Q3: Why can’t I create a new user account?
A: This could be caused by insufficient disk space, or you have reached your limit of users on Windows 11.
Additional Tips
Here are additional tips that can help you change the administrator on Windows 11 laptop properly:
Tip 1: Always ensure you have administrative rights to change administrator on Windows 11 laptop.
Tip 2: Create a password reset disk for your new administrator account.
Tip 3: Always update your laptop settings to protect your files.
5 FAQs about Changing the Administrator on Windows 11 Laptop
Q1: How can I change the administrator account without logging in?
A: You cannot change the administrator on Windows 11 laptop without logging in as an admin.
Q2: How do I create a backup for Windows 11 laptop?
A: You can create a backup in Windows 11 laptop by going to Start > Settings > Updates & Security > Backup.
Q3: How can I verify that I have administrative rights?
A: You can verify if you have administrative rights on Windows 11 by right-clicking the Start Menu icon. If you have administrative rights, you will see the option available.
Q4: How do I remove the current administrator?
A: You can remove the current administrator on Windows 11 by clicking Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & other people, selecting the user account you want to remove and then clicking the "Remove" button.
Q5: What if the "Change account type" option is grayed out?
A: If you see the "Change account type" option grayed out on Windows 11, try logging in as an administrator.
In Conclusion
Changing the administrator account on Windows 11 laptop is essential to maintain privacy and security in your device. In this article, we have presented several methods that can assist you in changing the administrator on Windows 11 laptop. Ensure that you choose a method that is suitable for you and always back up your files before carrying out any changes. Remember to follow the additional tips and FAQs provided to ensure that you have a hassle-free experience when changing the administrator on Windows 11 laptop.