How do I change the administrator in Windows 10?

How to Change the Administrator in Windows 10?

Changing the administrator in Windows 10 is a crucial step in maintaining the security and control of your computer. As an added layer of protection, it’s essential to assign multiple administrator accounts to ensure that no single person has unlimited access to your computer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the administrator in Windows 10.

Why Change the Administrator in Windows 10?

Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand the reasons why changing the administrator in Windows 10 is necessary. Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Security: Assigning multiple administrators ensures that no single person has complete control over your computer. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
• Collaboration: With multiple administrators, team members or family members can work together on projects and share responsibilities.
• Access Control: Changing the administrator can be used to restrict access to certain features or configurations on your computer.

How to Change the Administrator in Windows 10?

Method 1: Change Administrator through Local Group Policy Editor

1. Enable Local Group Policy Editor: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to the Relevant Path: In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
3. Find the "BuiltinAdministrators" Group: In the User Rights Assignment window, find the BuiltinAdministrators group by scrolling down.
4. Edit the Group: Right-click on the BuiltinAdministrators group and select Properties.
5. Add New Users or Groups: In the BuiltinAdministrators Properties window, click on the Add button to add new users or groups.
6. Assign Elevated Privileges: Click OK to assign elevated privileges to the new user or group.

Method 2: Change Administrator through the Command Prompt

1. Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator: Right-click on the Start button and select Run as administrator. This will open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Use the Following Command: Type the following command and press Enter: net localgroup Administrators <username> /add

   • Replace <username> with the name of the new administrator you want to add.

Method 3: Change Administrator through the User Accounts Control Panel

1. Open the User Accounts Control Panel: Click on the Start button and search for User Accounts. Click on User Accounts to open the User Accounts window.
2. Add a New User Account: Click on Manage another account and then click on Add a new user.
3. Set the New User as an Administrator: In the Create a new account window, select Standard user and then click on Create.
4. Promote the User to Administrator: Right-click on the new user account and select Properties.
5. Promote to Administrator: In the Properties window, check the box next to Administrator and click OK.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Member of the Administrators Group: Make sure the new user is added to the BuiltinAdministrators group to ensure they have elevated privileges.
• Login as an Administrator: To log in as an administrator, type the username and password, and then select Other users and click on the Administrator option.
• Set a Strong Password: Set a strong password for the new administrator account to ensure security.
• Monitor User Activity: Regularly monitor user activity and logins to detect any unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Changing the administrator in Windows 10 is a crucial step in maintaining the security and control of your computer. By following the methods outlined above, you can easily add new administrators and assign elevated privileges. Remember to set strong passwords, monitor user activity, and maintain the security of your computer. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to change the administrator in Windows 10 with ease.

Additional Resources

• Microsoft Support: Change user accounts in Windows 10
• Microsoft Support: Add or remove a user account in Windows 10
• Windows 10: Change the administrator password