As operating systems evolve, security remains a paramount concern. In a significant step towards bolstering system security, Microsoft made the decision to disable the built-in Administrator account starting from Windows Vista. This measure was carried forward into subsequent Windows iterations, including Windows 11/10. The Administrator account, distinct from regular user accounts with administrative privileges, provides unfettered control and access to the system. While its dormant state aids in preventing potential unauthorized or malicious access, there might be scenarios where users need to enable it for specific tasks or troubleshooting. If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t fret. This risewindows article provides a comprehensive guide on how to enable or disable the Administrator account on Windows 11/10, ensuring you have the tools to manage your system effectively.
How to enable or disable the default Administrator account on Windows 11/10 with the help of Computer Management?
Follow the below-given method to enable the default Administrator account on Windows 11/10:-
Step 1. Right-click on This PC from the desktop and select the Manage option.
Note: You can restore This PC icon from the Personalize app if you don’t find This PC icon on your Desktop. You can even find This PC by clicking on the Search button and typing This PC.
Step 2. Next, click on the Local User and Groups from the Computer Management window.
Step 3. After that, double-click on Users from the right side pane.
Step 4. You will find a down arrow on the Administrator and the Guest account.
Step 5. Select the Administrator account, right-click, and choose Properties from the available options.
Step 6. You will see a checkmark on “Account is disabled.“ Uncheck the same to enable the built-in Administrator account.
Step 7. Now, click on Apply and then click on the OK button.
Step 8. After that, it will remove the down arrow button, and the Administrator account will be activated. Now, you can log in to the Administrative and other accounts.
How to Enable or Disable the Administrator account on Windows 11/10 with the help of Command Prompt?
Follow these steps to turn on or off the Administrator account on Windows 11/10 with the help of Command Prompt:-
Step 1. Click on the Start button and type cmd or Command Prompt.
Step 2. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt app and select the Run as administrator option.
When prompted, enter a username and password of the managed administrator account of your computer.
Step 3. After that, type the following on the command prompt:-
net user administrator /active:yes
Step 4. Then press Enter from the keyboard to execute the command:-
Now, it will activate the built-in Administrator account of Windows 11/10. Run the following command on step 4 to deactivate it again:-
net user administrator /active:no
The command mentioned above will deactivate the built-in Administrative account again.
How to Enable or Disable the Administrator account on Windows 11/10 through Admin Tools?
Follow these steps to turn on or off the Administrator account on Windows 11/10 through Admin Tools:-
Step 1. Click on the Start button and type the following:-
lusrmgr.msc
Step 2. Then, click on the lusrmgr.msc (Microsoft Management Console Document) to open the Local Users and Groups window from the available search results.
Step 3. After that, double-click on the Users.
Step 4. Next, select and right-click on the Administrator, and from the available options, click on the Properties.
Step 5. Now, uncheck “Account is disabled.”
Step 6. Then, click on Apply and click on the OK button.
How to Enable or Disable the Administrator account on Windows 11/10 via Group Policy?
Note: Enable Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) before proceeding with the below-mentioned steps if running Windows 11/10.
Follow these steps to turn on or off the Administrator account on Windows 11/10 via Group Policy:-
Step 1. Press the Windows logo + R keys from the keyboard to open the Run box and type gpedit.msc.
Step 2. After that, click on the OK button to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 3. Next, go to the following path:-
Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
Step 4. Then, double-click on the “Accounts Administrator Account Status” policy from the right-side pane.
Step 5. After that, select the Enabled radio button to enable the inbuilt Administrator account.
Step 6. Finally, click on the Apply button and then click on the OK button to change the settings.
Conclusion
Enabling or disabling the built-in Administrator account on Windows 11/10 is crucial for different administrative tasks and troubleshooting efforts. Microsoft initially disabled this account to enhance security, but users might require it under certain scenarios. The guide above provides various methods to manage this account, offering flexibility based on user preference and familiarity with Windows tools.
