How Do You Change the Administrator on Windows 10?
Are you tired of being tied to a single administrator account on your Windows 10 computer? If so, you’re in luck! Changing the administrator on Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process, and in this article, we’ll walk you through the steps.
Why Change the Administrator?
Before we dive into the process, let’s take a moment to think about why you might want to change the administrator on your Windows 10 machine. Maybe you’re upgrading or downgrading to a new desk, and you want to pass on the account to someone else. Perhaps you’re upgrading to a newer, more powerful laptop, and you want to start fresh with a new admin account. Or maybe you simply want to compartmentalize your digital life, creating a separate account for work and personal activities.
Whatever the reason, changing the administrator on Windows 10 is a simple process that requires some basic computer knowledge and a few mouse clicks.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure:
- You have administrator privileges on your Windows 10 machine (aka, you’re the boss!).
- You have a secondary user account set up (if you don’t, don’t worry – we’ll cover that in a minute).
- You’re familiar with Windows 10’s built-in command prompt (although, to be honest, it’s not necessary).
Step 1: Create a Secondary User Account
If you don’t already have a secondary user account set up, don’t worry! Creating one is a breeze. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Click on Add someone else to this PC.
- Enter the new user’s email address (in this case, you can use a generic email address like
user@localhost.com). - Fill in the additional information (name, password, and security questions).
- Click Next and then Finish.
This will create a new, standard user account on your Windows 10 machine. This account will not have administrator privileges – yet!
Step 2: Promote the Secondary User to Administrator
Now, it’s time to promote your new secondary user to administrator status. This is where things get exciting!
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Select the secondary user account you created earlier (the one without admin privileges).
- Click on the three vertical dots (⋮) next to the account name.
- Select Change account type.
- Choose Administrator from the dropdown menu.
- Click Save to confirm.
Step 3: Confirm the Change
Windows 10 will ask you to confirm the change. Click OK to proceed.
Step 4: Log Out and In (Optional But Recommended)
To test your new administrator account, log out of your Windows 10 machine and log back in using the new administrator credentials.
Why optional, you ask? Well, some of you might be fine with keeping your current account logged in while the new admin account remains in the background. From a security standpoint, it’s generally a good idea to keep your admin account separate from your regular user account, just in case. However, it’s up to you!
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Remember passwords: Both accounts will have unique login credentials, so make sure to jot down the new admin password in a safe place, and don’t forget it!
- User permissions: Think about creating separate folders for different users or specific file types (e.g., "Work" and "Personal" folders). This can help maintain organization and ensure sensitive data stays safe.
- GPO (Group Policy Objects): If you’re running a large-scale deployment or enterprise setup, you might need to tweak your Group Policy Objects to accommodate the new administrator account.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed the administrator on your Windows 10 machine. With these simple steps, you can now delegate tasks, grant access, or simply create a separate account for your own convenience.
Remember to keep your admin account secure, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Happy computing!