Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft and it has come with some new features and updates. The user interface is much more appealing, and the performance is better than its predecessor. If you are a Windows 11 user, you may sometimes encounter an error message that tells you that you cannot perform an action because you are not an administrator. Though Windows 11 comes with a built-in administrator account, it needs to be enabled. In this blog post, we will guide you step-by-step on how to become an administrator in Windows 11.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Be Administrator in Windows 11
Becoming an administrator in Windows 11 gives you complete control over your computer. If you are not an administrator, you cannot perform various actions such as installing new software, changing system settings, or accessing certain files. By becoming an administrator, you can have full control of your computer and make any necessary changes without any error messages.
Method 1: Using the Local Users and Groups
The first method we will cover for becoming an administrator in Windows 11 is via the Local Users and Groups tool.
1. Open the Start menu and search for "Computer Management".
2. Select "Local Users and Groups" from the left-hand sidebar.
3. Double-click on "Users" to view all of the accounts on your computer.
4. Right-click on the account you want to make an administrator and select "Properties".
5. Click on the "Member Of" tab.
6. Click on "Add".
7. Type "Administrators" into the text field and click "Check Names".
8. Select "Administrators" and click "OK".
9. Click "Apply" and "OK" to close the User Properties dialog box.
Pros: Provides granular control over which users get admin access.
Cons: Can be time-consuming, especially if you have multiple users to update.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
You can also become an administrator in Windows 11 using the Command Prompt.
1. Open the Start menu and search for "Command Prompt".
2. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".
3. Type "net user [account name] /add" into the Command Prompt window (without quotes), replacing [account name] with the username of the account you want to give administrator privileges to. Press "Enter".
4. Type "net localgroup administrators [account name] /add" to add the account to the administrators group. Press "Enter".
Pros: Fast and efficient.
Cons: Requires command-line knowledge.
Method 3: Using Control Panel
The third method for becoming an administrator in Windows 11 is via the Control Panel.
1. Open the Start menu and search for "Control Panel".
2. Click on "User Accounts" and then "Manage another account".
3. Click on the account you want to make an administrator.
4. Click on "Change the account type".
5. Select "Administrator" and click "Change Account Type".
Pros: Simple and straightforward.
Cons: Limited control over which users get admin access.
What to Do If You Can’t Be Administrator in Windows 11
In some cases, you may not be able to become an administrator in Windows 11, even if you follow the methods mentioned above. In such cases, you can try the following fixes.
1. Use the built-in administrator account: Windows 11 has a built-in administrator account that is disabled by default. You can enable it and log in to it to perform any necessary actions.
2. Reset your PC: If you are unable to become an administrator, you can try resetting your PC to its default settings.
3. Contact your IT department: If you are using Windows 11 in a professional setting, contact your IT department to obtain administrator privileges.
Bonus Tip
To avoid security risks, it is best not to use your computer as an administrator account all the time. Instead, create a standard account for daily use, and switch to an administrator account only when necessary.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why do I need to be an administrator in Windows 11?
A: Becoming an administrator in Windows 11 gives you complete control over your computer. If you are not an administrator, you cannot perform various actions such as installing new software, changing system settings, or accessing certain files.
Q2: What is the difference between an administrator account and a standard account?
A: An administrator account has complete control over the computer, while a standard account has limited access and cannot make any system-level changes.
Q3: Can I make multiple accounts administrators?
A: Yes, you can add multiple accounts to the administrators group.
Q4: What should I do if I forget my administrator password?
A: You can reset your administrator password using the built-in administrator account or using a password reset disk.
Q5: What are the potential risks of being an administrator all the time?
A: Being an administrator all the time can put your computer at risk of malware attacks and other security risks. It is recommended to use a standard account for daily use and only switch to an administrator account when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an administrator in Windows 11 is essential if you want complete control over your computer. The three methods we have discussed in this blog post are straightforward and easy to follow. If you are unable to become an administrator, you can try the fixes we have mentioned. Remember to exercise caution while using an administrator account to avoid any security risks.
