How to Change Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012

Changing the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 is an essential task for maintaining the security of your server. Whether you want to update the password due to security reasons or because you’ve forgotten the current one, this blog post will guide you through the process. Changing the administrator password is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and protect your server from potential threats. In this article, we will explore multiple methods to change the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 and discuss their pros and cons.

The Challenge of Changing Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012

1. Ensuring the security of the server.
2. Maintaining control over administrative access.
3. Preventing unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
4. Addressing password expiration and complexity requirements.

Video Tutorial:

Method 1. How to Change Administrator Password using Command Prompt

Changing the administrator password using Command Prompt provides a quick and straightforward method.

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type net user administrator * and press Enter.
3. Enter the new password when prompted and press Enter.

Pros:

• Fast and efficient method.
• No need for additional software.
• Can be done remotely using PowerShell.

Cons:

• Requires administrative privileges.
• Command-line interface may be intimidating for some users.

Method 2. How to Change Administrator Password using Control Panel

The Control Panel provides a user-friendly method to change the administrator password.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on "User Accounts" or "User Accounts and Family Safety" depending on the view.
3. Click on "User Accounts" again.
4. Select "Manage another account."
5. Choose the administrator account.
6. Click on "Change the password."
7. Enter the new password twice.
8. Click on "Change password."

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• No need for advanced technical skills.

Cons:

• Requires administrative privileges.
• May not be feasible for remote access.
• Extra steps compared to the command-line method.

Method 3. How to Change Administrator Password using Computer Management

The Computer Management tool provides an alternative method for changing the administrator password.

1. Open the Computer Management tool.
2. Expand "Local Users and Groups."
3. Click on "Users."
4. Right-click on the administrator account.
5. Select "Set Password."
6. Enter the new password twice.
7. Click on "OK."

Pros:

• Straightforward user interface.
• No need for additional software.

Cons:

• Requires administrative privileges.
• May not be feasible for remote access.

Method 4. How to Change Administrator Password using Windows PowerShell

Changing the administrator password using PowerShell allows for automation and remote management capabilities.

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Type Set-LocalUser -Name "Administrator" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString -AsPlainText "NewPassword" -Force).
3. Replace "NewPassword" with the desired password.
4. Press Enter.

Pros:

• Enables automation and remote management.
• Built-in functionality in Windows Server 2012.

Cons:

• Requires administrative privileges.
• Requires familiarity with PowerShell scripting.

Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Change Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012

If you encounter difficulties changing the administrator password on Windows Server 2012, you can consider alternative solutions:

1. Reset the administrator password using a password reset disk.
2. Recover the lost password using third-party password recovery tools.
3. Contact Microsoft support for assistance in extreme cases.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to help you manage and strengthen administrator passwords on Windows Server 2012:

1. Implement a password policy to enforce password complexity and expiration.
2. Use a password manager to securely store and generate strong passwords.
3. Regularly update and review user access rights to ensure only authorized users have administrative privileges.

5 FAQs about Changing Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012

Q1: Can I change the administrator password from a remote computer?

A1: Yes, you can change the administrator password from a remote computer using PowerShell or command-line tools like PsExec.

Q2: Will changing the administrator password affect other user accounts?

A2: No, changing the administrator password will not affect other user accounts unless they share the same password.

Q3: What should I do if I forget the administrator password?

A3: You can reset the administrator password using password reset disks, third-party tools, or contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Q4: How frequently should I change the administrator password?

A4: It is recommended to change the administrator password at least every three months or according to your organization’s security policy.

Q5: Can I use the same password for multiple administrator accounts?

A5: It is not recommended to use the same password for multiple administrator accounts. Each account should have a unique and strong password.

In Conclusion

Changing the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 is a crucial task for maintaining server security. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily change the administrator password and ensure the safety of your server. Whether you choose to use the command prompt, control panel, computer management, or PowerShell, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each method and select the one that best suits your needs. Remember to implement password policies, use password managers, and regularly review user access rights to further strengthen your server’s security.