Windows 11 lets an existing administrator change another local user between Standard User and Administrator. Microsoft recommends limiting the number of administrator accounts because administrators have broad control over the computer.
Before Changing an Administrator
Make sure you are signed in with an account that already has administrator rights. Also make sure the PC will still have at least one administrator account after the change. Do not downgrade or remove your only working administrator account.
How to Make Another User an Administrator
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts.
- Select Other users.
- Find the user whose permissions you want to change and expand its account options.
- Select Change account type.
- Select Administrator from the account-type list.
- Select OK.
The user will now have administrator-level permissions on the PC.
How to Change an Administrator Back to a Standard User
- Open Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Expand the account you want to change.
- Select Change account type.
- Select Standard User.
- Select OK.
Before doing this, verify that another working administrator remains on the computer.
Administrator vs. Standard User
Administrator accounts can make system-wide changes, install software, change security-related settings, and access resources that standard users cannot. Standard accounts are more appropriate for everyday use because they reduce the ability of unwanted software or accidental changes to affect the entire PC.
What About Work or School Computers?
Organization-managed PCs can restrict account changes through administrative policy. If Change account type is unavailable or you do not have administrator credentials, contact the organization’s IT administrator rather than trying to bypass those controls.
This Does Not Transfer Files Between Accounts
Changing an account type changes its permissions. It does not merge user profiles, move personal files, change the Microsoft account owner, or rename the user’s profile folder.
Summary
Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, open the user’s account options, select Change account type, and choose Administrator or Standard User. Keep at least one working administrator account on the PC at all times.