To add another administrator in Windows 11, create a user under Settings > Accounts > Other users, then change its account type to Administrator. You must be signed in with an administrator account, and Windows may request approval through User Account Control (UAC).
Use Settings to add an administrator account
This is the recommended method for most Windows 11 PCs. It works for Microsoft accounts and local accounts.
1. Create the new account
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select Accounts.
- Select Other users. Microsoft’s current support documentation may label this destination Other user; older instructions may call it Family & other users.
- Under Add other user, select Add account.
- Choose how the person will sign in:
- For an existing Microsoft account, enter its email address and follow the prompts.
- For a new local account, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Complete the account form. For a local account, provide a username, password, and any requested security information.
The account is initially created as a standard user. You must change its account type separately to grant administrator rights.
2. Change the account type to Administrator
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Find the new account and select its expand control or flyout.
- Select Change account type.
- In the Account type drop-down, select Administrator.
- Select OK.
The account is now a member of the local Administrators group, which has full control over the computer, including the ability to install software, change system settings, and access files. UAC and other Windows security controls still apply.
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Create a local administrator account from Command Prompt
Use this method to create a local account and add it to the local Administrators group. Run the commands in an elevated Command Prompt.
- Open Start and type Command Prompt.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Approve the UAC prompt.
- Create the account by running the command below. Replace AdminName with the desired username:
net user “AdminName” * /add
The asterisk makes Windows ask for a password without displaying it. The username accepted by net user cannot exceed 20 characters.
- Add the account to the local Administrators group:
net localgroup Administrators “AdminName” /add
- Verify group membership:
net localgroup Administrators
Do not use the /domain switch when you intend to modify the local computer; in applicable domain environments, it changes the target to the domain controller.
Use PowerShell instead
To add an existing account to the local Administrators group, open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group “Administrators” -Member “AdminName”
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Replace AdminName with the existing local username. For a Microsoft account already added to the PC, use the Microsoft account prefix and a backslash:
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group “Administrators” -Member “MicrosoftAccount\user@example.com”
The Add-LocalGroupMember cmdlet also supports Microsoft Entra and domain accounts. The LocalAccounts module is not available in 32-bit PowerShell on a 64-bit system.
Windows 11 Home: do not use lusrmgr.msc
Windows 11 Home does not include the Local Users and Groups management console, so lusrmgr.msc and the corresponding Computer Management section are unavailable. This is an edition limitation, not necessarily a damaged installation.
On Windows 11 Home, use Settings, net user and net localgroup in an elevated Command Prompt, or Add-LocalGroupMember in elevated PowerShell. On editions with the snap-in, the traditional route is Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Users.
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Common problems
The new account is still a standard user
Creating the account and granting administrator rights are separate steps. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, open the account flyout, select Change account type, choose Administrator, and select OK.
“I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” is not visible
First select Add account. In the Microsoft account sign-in dialog, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account. Older guides may use the outdated wording Sign in without a Microsoft account.
Windows says the Microsoft account is already added
A Microsoft account email address generally cannot be added as a second, separate Windows sign-in profile on the same installation. Check Settings > Accounts > Other users and change the existing profile’s account type instead. If a separate profile is required, create a local account or use a different Microsoft account.
The Command Prompt command only displays its syntax
Check that Command Prompt was opened as administrator, that a username containing spaces is quoted, and that the username is no longer than 20 characters. Also check that you did not use an incorrect /domain switch.
The Administrators group cannot be found
Administrators is the English name of the built-in group. On a Windows installation using another display language, the group may have a localized name. Run net localgroup to list local groups, then use the displayed administrator-group name or the graphical Change account type method.
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I cannot make the account an administrator
A standard user cannot grant itself administrator rights. An existing administrator must perform the change and approve the UAC prompt. Without usable administrator credentials, the normal Settings and command-line procedures cannot elevate the account.
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Sign out or restart, then select the new account at the sign-in screen. A local account uses its local username and password. After signing in, you can optionally configure a PIN under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Administrator apps still ask for approval
This is expected. UAC continues to protect administrator accounts, which commonly run with standard permissions until an action requiring elevation is approved.
Security recommendations
- Create a separate, named administrator account rather than relying on the built-in Administrator account.
- Keep the number of administrator accounts as small as practical.
- Use a standard account for everyday browsing, email, and routine work where possible.
- Give the administrator account a strong, unique password.
- Do not disable UAC because administrator actions require approval.
The account created during normal Windows setup is not the built-in Administrator account. Windows Setup disables the built-in account and creates another account that belongs to the local Administrators group.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Useful Microsoft documentation
- Microsoft Support: Manage User Accounts in Windows
- Microsoft Learn: User Account Control overview
- Microsoft Learn: Local accounts
- Microsoft Learn: Add-LocalGroupMember
FAQ
Does adding a user automatically make the user an administrator in Windows 11?
No. Windows initially creates the account as a standard user. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users, select the account, choose Change account type, select Administrator, and select OK.
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- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
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Can I add a local administrator account without a Microsoft account?
Yes. Select Add account, choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, and then select Add a user without a Microsoft account. Change the new account type to Administrator afterward.
How do I add an administrator in Windows 11 Home?
Use Settings, an elevated Command Prompt with net user and net localgroup, or elevated PowerShell with Add-LocalGroupMember. Windows 11 Home does not include the Local Users and Groups console.
Why does Windows still show a UAC prompt for an administrator?
UAC requests approval when an action needs elevated permissions. Administrator accounts commonly run with standard permissions until approval is given.
Can a standard user promote itself to administrator?
No. An existing administrator must change the account type and approve the UAC request. Without administrator credentials, the normal Windows procedures cannot grant administrator rights.
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For most PCs, use Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account, create the profile, and then select Change account type > Administrator. Use elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell for command-line alternatives. Keep administrator access limited and continue using UAC.
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